By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Revelation 2:14-15 "Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans." - NIV
Jesus chastised the Pergamum church for tolerating doctrines of Balaam which encouraged idolatry and sexual immorality Likewise, the Thyatira church tolerated the teachings of Jezebel which enticed even servants of God into sexual immorality (2:20). The warning strongly came to these churches for repentance. We live in an era where such twisted and compromised doctrines of God not only sugarcoat sin, but don’t take a clear stand on holiness among believers. The pulpit and pew have been defiled!
But God calls us to both doctrinal and moral integrity as His children. There are no short cuts to this even with the increase of evil in our time. God has not adjusted His standard of holiness and righteousness. Those who twist His word to suit their evil desires and encourage doctrinal compromise are strongly warned as the churches of Pergamum and Thyatira were warned.
Paul told Timothy to watch his life and doctrine. A life driven by other motives than to solely glorify God is very susceptible to doctrinal compromises. There are those who start right and derail along the way. It requires diligence and perseverance in what the word of God teaches, sometimes at a high price. Those who teach others God’s ways are encouraged to remain morally and doctrinal upright. May God help us to do so!
1 Timothy 4:16 "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."
Shalom children of God