Consequences of self-deception.
Believers who have experienced the power of the cross of Christ should follow Jesus’ instructions despite the Pergamum and Thyatira type of circumstances. The Churches in Pergamum and Thyatira did not promote teaching contrary to apostolic teaching. However, they tolerated those who advocated teachings and practices contrary to the sound gospel. Revelation 2:14, 20 – 21. Jesus specified the practices he hates. To the Church in Pergamum, he said, “But I have a few things against you: You have some people there who follow the teaching of Balaam who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block before the people of Israel so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. In the same way, there are also some among you who follow the teachings of the Nicolaitans.” Revelation 2:14 – 15, NET. Also, to the Church in Thyatira, Jesus said, “But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and by her teaching deceives my servants…” Revelation 2:20, NET.
The greatest danger in self-deception arises when believers tolerate the spirit of compromise. The king of Moab invited Balaam to curse the people of Israel. Balaam should have refused to do so without hesitation. Instead, Balaam concluded that he should go. Nevertheless, he asked the Lord if he should go to Balak. Lord allowed him to go, but he told the Balaam that he should speak only what he tells him to say. Accordingly, Balaam did go to Balak. Perhaps he thought that, somehow, he could say what would satisfy Balak. However, God was in charge.
After Balaam spoke the words That God told him to speak. The king of Moab refused to give him the promised reward. The reward was tempting, so Balaam, without cursing Israel, instructed the king of Moab how he could defeat the people of Israel. Balaam, therefore, introduced a compromise that the king of Moab could implement to lead the people of Israel away from their God. Numbers 24:14. Moses blamed Balaam for the women of Median and possibly of Moab, enticing the people of Israel to engage in practices honoring the gods of Median and Moab. The people of Israel did not worship the gods of Median and Moab; however, they participated in the celebrations honoring the Ball. Numbers 31:15 – 16. Jezebel enticed Ahab, the king of Israel, to sell himself to wickedness in the sight of the Lord, and thus, he led the people of Israel astray. 2 Kings 21:25. Israel continued to worship the God of their forefathers. However, they built the places of worship on high places next to the places of worship of the god of Jezebel. A compromise, however innocent, is a dangerous practice, nevertheless.
The danger of compromises, read the next blog.
