Today’s Reading | Revelation 2:12-17
I Have a Few Things
How important is it to keep wrong doctrines and wrong teachings out of the local church? According to today’s reading, it’s crucial. God tells the church in Pergamum that there are some things He is pleased with among them. The letter states that He knows that they have remained true to Him. Even when one of their leaders was put to death, they did not renounce their faith but stayed true to what they believed. There was, however, something about this church that He did not approve of. In spite of all the positive things about them, there were those in their church who held to teachings which were contradictory to God’s law. One group specifically mentioned was the Nicolaitans. They taught that a Christian has liberty, like free love, once he was saved. Although these believers had not yet denounced Christ in the midst of suffering, purity of doctrine was not a priority. God warned them that if they allowed this teaching to continue, it could cause others to fall into great sin. We often think that doctrine is not something we should be concerned about. Each person can believe what he wants. God tells us that that is not true.
Today’s Questions
Say What?
What doctrinal issues are you aware of with other believers or churches?
So What?
What could wrong views of those doctrines lead to?
Now What?
How can you keep yourself from doctrinal error?
Then What?
In light of this passage, what personal commitment can you make?