OVERCOMING COMPROMISE

Compromise is nothing new in the church. Since the first churches were formed, there have been some who have compromised. We find an account of a compromising church in Revelation 2:12-17. This is the third of seven letters that Jesus dictated to John during a vision on the Isle of Patmos. Jesus’ warnings against compromise still hold true for believers today. Jesus has four comments for those who compromise their faith.

First, Jesus identifies a good confession. Jesus began by complementing the church at Pergamos for their faithfulness. They were faithful in spite of environment. (v. 13) Jesus recognized the fact that the church lived in a place where Satan’s throne was and where Satan lived. In spite of the bad location, the church was still faithful. They were faithful in spite of persecution. (v.13) One of the members of the church, Antipas, was killed as a Christian martyr, yet the church was still faithful. Their faithfulness was a result of their faith in Christ. A person will not die for something they do not believe in. they had a strong faith.

If the church at Pergamos was considered a compromising church, what does that say about the modern church in America? The church in America needs to wake up. If we are unwilling to knock on someone’s door and invite them to church for fear of what they might think of us, or give up a little time to work in the ministries of the church, what are we going to do when real persecution comes? How real is your faith? How much are you willing to give for Jesus?

Second, Jesus identifies a bad compromise. Jesus identified two areas where the believers at Pergamos had compromised. They were involved in syncretism. (vv. 14-15) While they confessed faith in Jesus, they also held other doctrines. They held the doctrine of Balaam, which included idolatry (Knowingly eating things offered to idols is participating in idol worship.) and sexual immorality. They also held the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, a heretical sect. They wanted Jesus plus something else. Jesus condemned this. They were involved in sexual immorality. (v. 14) God intended sexual relations to occur between one man and one woman who are married to each other. Anything else is sexual immorality. False doctrine often leads to immorality. Jesus also condemned this.

When you compromise in one area, you will compromise in another and another and another until you wind up in a place where you never imagined you would be. This is true of individuals as well as churches. Beware of the slippery slope of compromise!

Third, Jesus issues an urgent command. Jesus gave the command, then gave the consequences for failure. The command was given. (v. 16) It was quite simple – repent! Only by turning from sin and turning to Jesus can we overcome compromise. The consequences were given. (v. 16) If they did not repent, Jesus promises to come quickly and fight against those who have compromised with the sword of His mouth. The sword is not identified in the book of Revelation; however, I believe it represents the Word of God. (See Heb. 4:12.) When Jesus returns, He will come and pronounce judgment on them. Jesus’ spoken word is all it takes.

Jesus requires an about-face. He wants us to turn from our sin and trust in Him. A faith that does not involve repentance is not real faith. Sin destroys us. Jesus did not come to affirm us in our sin, but to free us from it! Repent, turn to Christ, be set free!

Fourth, Jesus issues a divine covenant. Jesus promises two things to those who overcome. Those who overcome will receive new nourishment. (v. 17) Jesus promises the overcomers will receive the hidden manna. I believe that the hidden manna is Christ Himself, received through faith in His sacrificial death on the cross. (See John 6:47-51) Those who overcome will receive a new name. (v. 17) Jesus promised the overcomers a white stone with a new name written on it. I believe this represents a new identity in Christ. (See 2 Cor. 5:17) The overcomers are those who have genuine faith in Christ, a faith that will endure. A faith that doesn't last is not true faith.

Jesus has given His word. He will make it good. He has unlimited power to keep every single word. Those who enter into covenant with Jesus will be made new, and receive eternal life with Him in Heaven. Have you entered into covenant with Him?

Finally, Jesus issues a personal call. “He who has an ear let him hear.” Jesus is speaking. Are you listening? Repent of any compromise in your life. Enter into the divine covenant with Christ, by repenting of your sins and trusting Jesus as Lord of your life.

To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.

To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.

This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 5-17-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.