READ: 1 John 2:12-17
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. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. – Rev. 2:14-16
Christ now focuses on the church itself. Some are following the teaching of Balaam. This teaching advised Balak not to use force but to cunningly entice Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality by letting them dance with the Moabite girls and enjoy delicacies dedicated to idols. This induces a departure from the Lord.
The Nicolaitans in the church of Pergamum use the same diabolical method. Let the church participate in the world and its pleasures. Give the youth a bit of fun. What danger is there in attending festivals to listen to their favorite pop singers and letting loose a bit? They are mature and wise enough and know where the boundaries lie. Furthermore, they get to interact with others and even evangelize. With this approach, you win over the youth and they don’t feel so isolated.
But God abhors and hates this method because by doing so, you’re crossing over into the realm of His adversary (2 Cor. 6:15ff). Satan hooks into the sinful desires of the old nature that the children of the church still possess (James 1:14,15). John says: If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15).
Christ warns sternly and calls for repentance. If they don’t repent, He will wage war against them with His sword. It’s urgent: “I am coming soon to you.” Sin must not be allowed to proliferate. If the church doesn’t exercise discipline, He will do it Himself. His judgment then affects the entire church; all stand guilty (Josh. 7:24; 1 Cor. 11:29ff).
Is the described temptation recognizable?
Singing: Ps. 36:1