Corruption is nothing new. It has been found in churches all the way back to biblical times. A good example of such a case is found in Revelation 2:18-29. This is a letter given by Christ, to John the Apostle for the ancient church at Thyatira.
Before we look down our noses at other churches, or pat ourselves on the back because those things aren’t happening here, we need to watch out. No one ever sets out to be corrupt. It happens slowly, over time. If we are not careful, the same thing that happened to them can happen to us.
First, we should respond to corruption by: Acknowledging good (vv. 18-19)
Jesus acknowledged their good works. Also, Jesus noted, “…the last are more than the first.” (v.19)
Jesus acknowledged their good motives. Their motivation was “love.” (v.19)
Jesus acknowledged their good service. The word “service” is translated from the same Greek word from which we get the word “deacon.”
Jesus acknowledged their good faith. They had problems, but they were still people who believed in Jesus.
Jesus acknowledged their good attitude. They had “patience” (perseverance, endurance).
Acknowledge the good work of others, even if they are not of your denomination. We can applaud the good work of other groups or individuals. We can even participate in their work as long as it is done in a way that does not compromise our testimony.
We must let people know what we are for, just as much as what we are against. Encourage the good, just as Jesus did.
The second way we should respond to corruption is by: Rebuking corruption (vv. 20-23)
Jesus rebuked their corrupt discipline. Jesus rebuked them “because you allow [tolerate] that woman Jezebel…” (v.20) Instead of tolerating her, they should have expelled her.
Jesus rebuked their corrupt doctrine. Jesus rebuked them because they had allowed “that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce my servants to…eat things sacrificed to idols.” (v.20)
Jesus rebuked their corrupt morals. Jesus rebuked them because they allowed Jezebel to “seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality.” (v.20)
Jesus rebuked their corrupt mind. Jesus rebuked her because He “gave her time to repent…and she did not [was not willing to] repent.” (v.21) A refusal to repent moved this church from compromise to corruption.
He warned them of the consequences. Jesus told them He would throw Jezebel “into a sickbed” and send her cohorts “into great tribulation unless they repent of their deeds.” (v.22) He also told them He would “kill her children [physical or spiritual] with death” so that “all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts.” (v.23) Finally, He said, “I will give to each of you according to your works.” (v.23) Actions have consequences.
You can’t play with sin. You cannot compromise with it. If you let it stay, it will destroy you every single time.
You cannot fight one sin with another. You cannot solve sin by committing violence against people who are committing the sin. Only God has the authority to judge and take vengeance. However, you do not have to allow the sin to be tolerated in your church, or in your home!
The way to fight sin is through evangelism and discipleship. When people get Jesus in their heart and start living for Him, they will stop living in sin. We are fighting a spiritual battle for the souls of men, women, boys and girls. We must use spiritual means. When the heart is right, the rest will follow.
The third way we should respond to corruption is by: Encouraging faithfulness (vv. 24-29)
Jesus encouraged the faithful people. Jesus addressed those in Thyatira who “do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan,” and told them “I will put on you no other burden.” (v. 24) Yes, there were still some faithful people left!
Jesus encouraged a faithful procedure. He told them, “hold fast what you have till I come.” (v.25) Those who are faithful, remain faithful.
Jesus encouraged with faithful promises. To those who overcome, who live for Jesus until the end, He promises to “give power over the nations.” (v. 26) They would share in the power the Father has granted to Christ. (v.27) He also promises to give them the “morning star,” which is Christ Himself. (v. 28; Rev. 22:16)
Be faithful, even if others are not. Stick to your guns. Don’t give up or give in. Stand up for what you believe.
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 5-31-2009 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.
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