But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. (Revelation 2:14)
Christians at Pergamum had remained strong in the face of powerful external threats. Jesus commended them for remaining true to Him and not renouncing their faith even when a faithful witness named Antipas was executed in their city, “where Satan has his throne” (Rev. 2:13). Their greatest threat was not external, however. It was a subtle system of thought within their own fellowship which Jesus identified as “the teaching of Balaam” (v.14). Most people remember Balaam as the frustrated Old Testament character who was reprimanded by his donkey (Numbers 22:21-35). But the story of Balaam goes on to chronicle an insidious deception that threatened to destroy God’s people even as they were poised to enter the Promised Land. Among the strong Christians at Pergamum were some who had embraced a doctrine that legitimized sexual behavior that had been previously prohibited. Under the guise of freedom, they were being enslaved. The doctrine of grace was given a twist that turned liberty into license. A people who had been strong in the face of persecution were unthinkingly caving in to the temptations of their culture. Resilient to external threats, they became careless with their own character.
Beloved friend, We can’t be lax in regards to Christian charcter. To say that we live in a culture that is saturated with compromise with ethical values is an understatement. For a Christian today, to be Biblically moral about sexual behavior, is to be politically incorrect, and untolerable with the values this world embraces. The more of our celebrity endorsements to these unbiblical values, the more power these compromised virtues take on, even from the members of the church from which you attend. Let us remember one thing, The Bible is always going to dispell the confusion. This is the counsel from which we take to be our own true moral compass and direction in life. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8)
May the Lord bless your walk today!
