Devotion for August 17, 2008

The Importance of Church Discipline

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: ‘I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne [is]. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas [was] My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 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. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives [it]’” (Revelation 2:12-17 NKJV).

Here is a church being destroyed by moral decay. The doctrine of Balaam refers to the advice that Balaam gave Balak by which he might cause Israel to sin and incur the displeasure of God (Num 21:16). It seems this advice revolved around the use of women to entice the men of Israel to commit sexual immorality with them (Num 25:1-3). This is a logical conclusion and fits with the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. They taught the men and priest to abstain from marriage and remain celibate. In turn, they offered indulgences in the form of prostitutes. Their doctrine in fact became a stumbling block just like Balaam’s doctrine. Both the Nicolaitans and the whores of Balak encouraged eating unclean meat and sacrificing to false gods.

Obviously this church lived in a society carried away with evil. They dwelt where Satan’s throne was. However, the Lord does not excuse their lack of attention to this matter. Instead He tells them to repent or He will come and fight against those who hold to this wicked doctrine. He makes a distinction between the church and those who hold to these doctrines in the church. It is interesting to note the warning is to the church and not the evil men in the church. The evil men will be dealt with, but the church will also suffer in the Lord’s dealing with the evil men.

Therefore, one can see the importance of church discipline. Allowing wickedness to go unchecked in the church will incur the Lord’s displeasure which will lead to His discipline. Could it be that many churches are feeling the chastening hand of God now?

It seems to this writer that one of the first acts of discipline the Lord brings is that of separation. He simply removes his hand of blessing and allows the church to become pacified with self-manufactured blessings. Happy talk takes the place of real spiritual power. Conversions are man-made thereby providing fuel for more divine discipline.

Friends, the Church is in a time of spiritual decay. It is more and more likely that wickedness will infiltrate the ranks. Dealing with known sin is critical for the spiritual wellbeing of the body. Please pray earnestly that leaders will have the courage and insight to deal with sin effectively and decisively.

Also, look to your own lives. God will discipline you if sin is un-confessed. Do not be naïve the world will influence you. Therefore it is imperative you limit your exposure to it, and increase your exposure to God and His Word.