Rules, rules and more rules. Christianity is often seen as just a series of boxes to check. Things to do and things not to do. In response to this, many churches have emerged that condemn rules. These churches preach only about love, forgiveness, not judging others and all the benefits that being a Christian can bring. They promote a 'Santa Claus' view of God, where He's only there to provide the things we want. Legalism or compromise - both views miss the mark.
The Hard-Working but Loveless Church of Ephesus
The church at Ephesus was part of the first group. According to Revelation 2:1-7, they were hard working, persevering and had endured many hardships. They were a discerning church, testing the claims of some who said they were apostles but were not. And yet, the most important ingredient was absent from this church—love. So many churches fall into this group. They have hard working members who try to do what's right but something is missing—their first love, Christ. Why do they do what they do? If it isn't out of love for Jesus, it is for nothing.
Forgetting Grace and Humility
Churches in the first group are often quick to call out sin, yet often they forget their own sin. They forget to show grace to others as it was shown to them. They forget to be humble. In 1 Timothy1:3-11, Paul writes to Timothy concerning the church at Ephesus. It seems they had some problems. Paul encourages Timothy to remain with the church in Ephesus so that correct doctrine could be taught. They had begun believing in myths, things not in Scripture, that contradicted what Paul had taught. Jewish genealogies had become an issue with the Ephesians. These genealogies would trace a person's lineage back to important figures in Jewish history thus making some people believe they were more blessed or more important than others.
The Roots of True Teaching: Love and Sincerity
The teachings of Paul were to come from three areas: a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith, all rooted in love. This love wasn't some romantic type of love or even a love of friends but this was agape love. A totally unselfish love that placed others needs before your own.
Misguided Focus on Unimportant Matters
This group of false teachers in Ephesus turned the focus away from Jesus and serving others and placed it on 'vain discussions' or 'idle talk'. In other words, their focus was not on the importance of having a saving faith in Jesus, it wasn't on becoming more holy and more loving, but on truly unimportant matters. They have missed the whole point of what the church was there for.
Arrogance and Lack of Understanding in the Church
This group was eager to teach but lacking in understanding. They were arrogant people who, instead of listening to those who knew more than they did, wanted to show off what they thought they knew. They were committing the sin of pride.
The Proper Use of the Law: Convicting of Sin
Paul then explains that the law can be a good thing if it is used properly. The whole purpose of the law is to help people understand their sinfulness and realize that, on their own, they can never be good. Paul then lists examples of lawbreaking (1 Timothy 1:9-10); all of these examples are sins against the Ten Commandments. We might read this list and begin to feel quite good about ourselves until we come to the very end of the list: 'and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.' That, as the saying goes, would cover all the bases.
Living in Accordance with Sound Doctrine
This tells us that the opposite of sound doctrine is not just teaching wrong doctrine but it's also how a person lives. In 1 Timothy 1:11, Paul says sound teachings are those that agree with Paul's gospel, good news, preaching. Paul describes this gospel as 'the glory of the blessed God'. It is this life altering good news that Paul wanted the Ephesians to preach and teach. It is the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is our completely underserved redemption by a holy God that is the good news.
The Responsibility of Teaching and Preaching the Gospel
This gospel has been entrusted to Paul to deliver to the gentiles. It was also entrusted to Timothy. In turn, it has been entrusted to us to show the world the love Christ has for them. When we get caught up in petty squabbles, arguing over things that are not important or perhaps even contrary to the word of God, then our focus is wrong and according to Revelation 2, there will be a price to pay for it.
The Call to Repentance for the Church at Ephesus
In Revelation 2:1-7, the church at Ephesus is called to repent and to remember from where it had fallen. If not, the church would have their lampstand removed. This is symbolic of the presence of the Lord be removed from that church. It would be as if that church never really belonged to Him.
The Compromised Church at Pergamon
The second group of churches that we touched on at the beginning are most like the church at Pergamon in Revelation. This was a compromised church that believed it could be both 'of God' and 'of the world'. Our Lord says we are either for Him or against Him, there is no middle ground (Matthew 12:30). The church at Pergamon was influenced by the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:12-17).
Antinomianism: The Nicolaitan Influence
The Nicolaitans were a group of early Christians who practiced what is called antinomianism. This belief was like a license to sin without any repentance. Since we are saved by faith, these people believed they could do anything they wanted. Because faith alone was necessary for salvation, moral laws were no longer necessary.
Judgment for the Compromised Church
Unlike the church at Ephesus who condemned the Nicolaitans, for which Jesus commended them, the church at Pergamon embraced the doctrine. The church at Pergamon was a wealthy church. Its members saw this doctrine as a compromise. A way to have it all—Jesus and the world. They didn't want to take up their cross daily. Jesus declared that if the church at Pergamon doesn't repent that His sword of judgment will fall on them.
A Call to Repentance for the Churches: Ephesus, Pergamon, and Ourselves
Both churches were called to repentance. Repentance means seeking forgiveness and turning from sin—turning from the lack of love, like in Ephesus, and turning from compromise, like in Pergamon. Jesus desires for the church to reflect Him in everything it does. Do we need to repent? Where have we fallen short of what our Lord expects of us?
Promises to Those Who Overcome in Ephesus and Pergamon
In Revelation, both churches are told, "He who hath an ear, let him hear." That means actively listen, pay attention and heed what is being said. Also, both churches are given wonderful promises to those who overcome. To Ephesus, they are promised they will not experience the second death. The second death is a reference to the lake of fire, where those who are separated from God by their sin will dwell for eternity.
To Pergamon, they will receive "hidden manna to eat" (Revelation 2:17), for as Jesus says, He is the Bread of Life, given to us so we may have life (John 6:51). He will also give them a "new name" (Revelation 2:17). This is likely referencing the Roman custom of giving victors of athletic competitions a white stone with their name on it. This served as their 'ticket' to enter an awards celebration later on.
Balancing Love and Obedience
We can talk all we want of love and forgiveness, but without obedience to the Word of God there is judgment. We can also be obedient, but without love for God then we are in danger of judgment. In the case of Ephesus vs. Pergamon, neither wins. Who is your first love? Have you compromised your beliefs to the point where there is little difference between what you believe and the world's beliefs? If you are obedient, why? Love should be our motivator for everything we do. Obedience without love and love without obedience, both fall short of God's plan for us.
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