Apr 17, 2018
The world is full of temptations of all kinds, and it is constantly casting its deceptively-enticing lures our ways, in hopes of distracting and catching us in a down moment. Even the body of Christ, the church, can find itself lured away from trusting in Christ alone through faith alone, and accepting Satan’s offer of satisfaction without sanctification, and happiness without holiness. In Revelation 2:18-20, Jesus is going to address yet another congregation, both commending and condemning them. He will applaud them for their faith and endurance, but warn them against their unhealthy toleration of immorality in their midst. Jesus is going to have some fairly serious words for an individual in their local congregation who was leading the fellowship astray. He would pull no punches or spare no pains in pointing out this woman’s evil influence on the flock. And He was not too happy with the church body for allowing her to have a platform from which to spout her false doctrine and spread her deadly influence on the rest of the fellowship. Their tolerance was intolerable to Christ. He demanded immediate action. And He called them to hold fast. They were not to allow this woman to pry their grips from the cross of Christ. Temptations tend to offer us something enticing that requires us to take our hands off the one that really matters: Jesus Christ and our faith in Him. Like a child with a favorite toy, we find ourselves offered something brighter, shinier and newer, but it requires that we let go of what we have. We trade in the source of joy for the promise of greater happiness. But Jesus will tell them to hold on to what they have. Because the reward to come is greater than anything the world could ever offer.