Tag: false teaching

Dear Church in Thyatira – and You

OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 34-36

POETRY: Psalm 119:49-56

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 2:18-29

Rev. 2:18-29 – Letter to Thyatira

Welcome to the fourth letter!

While we don’t hear much about Thyatira outside of these passages, we do get a little sneak peak at it in Acts during one of Paul’s trips where he meets Lydia, and she and her whole family are baptized in the truth of Jesus Christ.  From there, we are told Lydia offered a place for Paul to stay (Acts 16:13-15).  While we don’t know the number of days Paul stayed with Lydia, it is likely that the believers reached during this time were the ones to eventually establish the church in Thyatira.  While this isn’t incredibly relevant to our main point, I do think it’s pretty amazing that just one family made such an impact in their community!

Now getting into the praise Thyatira received:  The church here was doing good work, and it seems that they were improving in this throughout their existence too!  They are commended for their love, faith, service, and perseverance (v.19).  This was a group of active Christians who clearly cared deeply for their community.  They had a big focus on outreach and growth.  Both great things to aspire for!

Now comes to their correction… Thyatira had allowed a false prophet, a “Jezebel” (think the Biblical “Karen”… not really their name, but the stereotype that goes with it), into their church and followed her teachings, even into sinful acts such as sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols (v.20).  It is possible that this church was so focused on the external look of creating a community where no one was pushed away, that they instead let in someone(s) that became like a cancerous growth in their congregation.  Rather than confronting someone with wrong teaching, the church allowed false prophets a space to teach that incorrect doctrine, ultimately dragging down the church as a whole.

In this letter, Christ reminds the church, and the false prophets, that those who go off the path of Christ’s teaching will perish, but there is still an opportunity for repentance (v.21-22).  In verse 23, it’s written that Jesus will repay each one in the church according to their deeds.  Now, for a church that was commended for their deeds, this may not seem too concerning.  However, within the context of the same verse, it appears this is more of a warning for these Christians.  Even in their good deeds, if they have been actively following a false prophet and engaging in actions they know to be sinful according to Scripture and Christ’s teachings, those deeds will also be repaid.  I think this is Jesus taking a moment to remind Christians that without obedience to God’s expectations Jesus taught, the result will still be death, no matter how good their deeds were.  Interestingly, there seems to be a group within the church here that has been defying the false teachings, and Jesus urges them to continue to hold on until he returns (v.24-25).  Just a little light within that grim reminder!

That harsh correction also comes with a very exciting promise for everyone just a few verses later.  Jesus reminds these believers that those who do his will to the end will be given authority over nations and a morning star (v.28).  These promises are hopeful, exciting, and rewarding!  

In our modern day, it can be just as easy to allow false teachings to slip into our churches and our lifestyles as in the time of Thyatira.  This makes it that much more imperative for each individual believer to have a strong foundation of Biblical knowledge to test teachings with!  Church leaders also have an important task of addressing false teachings inside the church appropriately and timely.  We all must use discernment to evaluate the messages we hear inside (and outside) our churches to ensure they truly align with the teachings of Jesus.  And if or when they don’t, we must have the courage to call it out!  Always remembering that everyone is created by God, and given the same chance for repentance as you and I.  It’s no easy task, but the reward makes it all worth it.

Reflection Questions:

  • Have you experienced a time where you had to use discernment in confronting sin in your life, or in the life of another believer?  What went well in that situation, and what could have improved?
  • In our Psalms passage today, we read that David finds comfort during suffering because God’s promise preserves his life, and he finds comforts in God’s laws.  When you consider the laws and Jesus’ teachings, do you find comfort in obeying them?  Are there any that are challenging for you?  
  • In our Jeremiah verses for today, we see an example of God’s response to disobedience to His laws for the sake of “freedom” from them.  How has this concept remained the same throughout history?  How has this concept changed since Jesus?

-Sarah Johnson

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Dear Pergamum – and You

OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 32-33

POETRY: Psalm 119:41-48

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 2:12-17

Rev. 2:12-17 – Letter to Pergamum

Hello again!

While Pergamum (or Pergamos) is not mentioned directly in other places of Scripture, it is located in the region Mysia, which Paul traveled through on his way to Troas (Acts 16:7-8).  Some scholars believe this is when the church would have “picked up” the Christian beliefs and began around this time, and may have been strengthened by Paul’s later travels to Ephesus.  Pergamum was a very lofty, worldly place that served as a temple for many pagan gods, including the temple for Zeus (AKA “Satan’s throne”).  It was a challenging place to have belief in the One True God, and His son, Jesus Christ.

For this reason, Jesus commending the church for remaining true to his name is all the more powerful.  This is a group of people who day in and out were faced with false gods and pressured to worship them.  Even through martyrdom experiences, they held fast to the name of Jesus (v.13).  What a compliment and praise to receive from the Savior!

BUT, unfortunately, the praise Jesus gives quickly turns to correction.  Despite continuing to believe in Jesus, many believers did not hold fast to the doctrine Jesus taught, and tolerated the ungodly practices in their church.  They did not maintain the command to worship no other god, except God himself.  Instead, they permissed to teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans (v.14).  Really, what this means is this church had compromised the teachings of Jesus for what the world around them was teaching.  They accepted the teachings of false gods and allowed them in their lives.  And Jesus calls them out!  He tells them to repent, or else face the sword of his mouth (v.16), which we know is the Truth of who he is and his Father!

In comparison with the church in Ephesus, Pergamum seems to be on the opposite end of the spectrum.  Ephesus struggled being too far away from their community to speak the truth in love, whereas Pergamum struggled to be set apart from the world and speak the truth at all.  

Again, Jesus reminds this church that this message is for anywho who has ears.  He writes to them about the promise of hidden manna (being filled with Jesus, the bread of life), a white stone (a clean slate free of judgment), and a new name (an identity in Christ).  Those who not only remained faithful, but also remained set apart for Christ, were given a satisfying, safe, community to be part of.  

In today’s modern day, it can be far too easy for believers to compromise the biblical truths they know for what the world has to offer, for the sake of wanting to belong or be comfortable, or just not ruffle any feathers.  Yet, we are called to more, with a reward that is so much more than anything anyone in this world could even come close to comparing to.  Our society yearns to be satisfied, safe, and accepted.  But the only way to truly experience those things is when we cling tightly to Jesus Christ and his teachings, and fully put on our new identity in him.  When we withhold the truth from anyone, we are not truly loving them the way Christ loves his church.  Jesus loved the church in Pergamum enough to call them to repentance.  Do you have the same love for those around you?

Reflection Questions:

  • We know that the world markets false satisfaction, safety, and acceptance today.  How can you ensure you are equally marketing the truth about Jesus in a loving way?
  • One of the best ways to proclaim the truth of Jesus to nonbelievers is through our actions.  Are you acting set apart, and loving, the way Jesus calls us to?  What can you do today to live out the truth you know, and show the world around you?
  • Our reading in Psalms today talks about delighting in God’s commands, something Pergamum struggled with acting out.  Is this something you find yourself naturally doing?  How can you work to love the commands God gives us?

-Sarah Johnson

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Herb’s Last Words

Old Testament: Isaiah 19 & 20

Poetry: Psalm 68

*New Testament: Hebrews 13

     Chapter 13 closes out the book of Hebrews. Here Herb (my name for the author of Hebrews, for simplicity) states concerns for his audience, along with a blessing. Without this last section it would be difficult to see Hebrews as a letter, rather than a sermon. But he comments about the needs of the people he is writing to, and gives a benediction, as is the normal pattern for New Testament letters. Herb’s comments show that false teachings were affecting the people the letter went to, “varied and strange teachings” that must not be allowed to carry them away (v. 9). The specifics are not made very clear for us.

     Before Herb raised the issue of false teaching he advised: “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” (v. 7). We aren’t told the roles of these leaders, they could be everyone these people ever encountered who guided them and have died, whether apostles, traveling missionaries, disciples in their own congregations, etc. (The term “led” here is a different form of the Greek word translated “leaders” in 13:17 and 24.) They spoke the word of God to them. They told them the truth. So now the idea is to consider the outcome of these people’s conduct – the end of each one’s life – and based on that imitate their faith. In a way Herb is asking for his audience to work out Hebrews 11 on a small scale, thinking about the faithful of the recent past who they have known. We can do the same with people we have known, evaluating if they held true to the end, which was a big concern expressed by Herb in his book, and if they did hold true we should imitate their faith.

     “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (v. 8). Jesus Christ doesn’t change. The truth about him doesn’t change. Those who were trustworthy about him before would be trustworthy now, were they alive to still be saying the same things. The faith they held in Jesus before was well founded before, and it would continue to be well founded if they were still alive to continue advocating it. So, you can take up that belief and take up that faith for yourself and hold firm in it. Jesus Christ doesn’t change. And, to the extent that we have obtained to the Christian maturity we ought to hold, neither should we change.

     Lord, let me have proper firmness. Let me care deeply. Let me be willing to give the sacrifices of praise and of doing good. Please help me to be who I ought to be, with faith like that of the loving leaders I have known. Please guide me with your Spirit, and work what is pleasing in your sight. And may your blessings also go to the readers of these words who seek your guidance. In the name of your blessed son Jesus, I pray these things, Amen.

-Daniel Smead

Reflection Questions

1.  What do you figure happens if a whole congregation of people take up the faithful attitudes of their leaders (or former leaders)?

2.  Perhaps most of us had some familiarity with Hebrews before we read it these last weeks, and anyway we were able to back up and re-read sections if we wished to. Most of Herb’s audience was first exposed to his letter when it was read aloud. Probably it was then repeated so they could go over it again. Perhaps a group of leaders read it first to understand it better so they could address questions for the group. They may have wanted to look at related Old Testament texts, as well. Thinking about these scenarios, how many times through do you think it would take before they “got” the message of Hebrews?

3.  Do you expect that Hebrews succeeded with encouraging its first audience and bringing them to a new commitment? Has it succeeded in encouraging you?

On a personal note, I wanted to ask for prayer because I have been suffering from migraine issues for just over 48 months. Basically, a constant migraine began in August 2019. I had suffered from migraines before then, just not so badly. Yes, I’ve been seeing a neurologist. Yes, I’m on drugs for this (several drugs). I’ve made lifestyle changes, including ones to reduce stress and relieve eye strain (like hardly reading from paper books anymore). The pain is not as bad now as it was three years ago, though it fluctuates, but I would appreciate it if the headache stopped at some point. Thank you.

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FALSE

2 Peter 2

We do NOT like to be told our actions are wrong or that our understanding is false. Many people today fight against the idea that there even is “true or false”, “fact or fiction”, and “right or wrong”. The Bible, however, very clearly teaches us that there is a difference between each of these. 

In 2 Peter 2 we read that there have always been people, and even angels, teaching what is not correct and there have always been consequences for these false teachings. There are angels “held for punishment”, the ungodly caught in a worldwide flood, and cities reduced to ashes all as a result of teaching and living by what is NOT TRUE. 

The good news is that we have the option to read and understand what is TRUE. Verse 9 tells us that God “knows how to rescue the godly!” This is incredible news as we read about the destruction of the ungodly false teachers and prophets. When we teach we need to be certain that what we are teaching is the truth we find in the Bible. When we make choices we need to be sure they are guided by these same truths and NOT by the false teachings of the world. 

Peter even tells us that the false teachers will promise freedom, while being enslaved by their own false teachings. It is possible to get away from the grips of these false teachings but it is not always easy to stay away. Peter describes it by quoting Proverbs 26:11, “A dog returns to its own vomit…” this is quite the disgusting thought but it is quite accurate. A dog will return to eat what its body has already rejected and a pig will go roll in the mud after it was just cleaned off. We tend to do the same thing, hopefully not literally! Temptations and the false teachings of the world are not easy to resist but Paul told us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that God will give a way out of any temptation we face. That way out may not be easy, it may not be pleasant, but it will be there; and it will be far better for us. 

Don’t be like a dog or a pig! Avoid the false teachings this world has to offer and live your life in the freedom that can only be found serving The LORD God Almighty and His Son, Jesus the Christ!

-Bill Dunn

Today’s Bible reading passages can be read or listened to at BibleGateway.com here – Ezekiel 11-12 and 2 Peter 2

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Meeting with God (Deuteronomy 12-15)

September 16
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By Joseph Partain
Have you had to buy another highlighter? And we’re only 11 chapters into Deuteronomy. There are so many passages that speak directly into our lives and need to be read and put into action. Today is no different. It seems as though “meeting with God on the Sabbath” has become indifferent to a lot of people. If it fits into my schedule, if I’m not on vacation, if my kids don’t have a sporting event, etc. God lets us know in Ch 12 that meeting together with God and others is very important. v7 speaks to our meeting in the presence of God, eating and praising him for all that he has blessed us with. Sounds like a potluck and that’s about as good as it gets. The importance of the family coming to worship God together is a teaching moment that is stressed throughout this chapter and this book. Make sure that all the idols and other forms of worship are completely destroyed. Do we have a joy in meeting with God or is it something we endure? We need to have an attitude like David when he said, “I was glad when they said unto me let us go into your house O Lord.”
The next three chapters go over the importance of worshiping the One true God, not being led astray by any false teachings. God says not to spare the one who would lead one of his people away from God. It also covers the animals that were to be eaten and the importance of tithing to God. The tithing that is mentioned in this text is to make sure that everyone has enough and God says that if we are faithful, he will bless all the works of our hands. We can’t out give God and this is not a prosperity teaching. Whenever we give, the benefits may not always be money and that shouldn’t be our motive. I know that for me I’ve always received more of a blessing from helping someone than the time or money spent. Ch 15 is a great chapter for anyone who owes someone else. God says that every seven years the loans are to be forgiven and the servants to be set free if they wanted freedom. A great foreshadowing of the payment God made with Jesus to set us free from sin. How joyful these debtors must have been to have the slate clean and a new beginning. If  you feel burdened in any way there is only one who can take that burden and the best thing is it is a free gift to us. A gift is free to the person receiving it, but it still had to be bought by someone. We are so thankful God and his Son were willing to pay that price to cancel our debt.