Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam,
After praising the Church in Pergamos for their faithfulness in the face of severe persecution, Jesus reprimands them for a few things. He said, 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. (Revelation 2:14-15)
The first thing Jesus scolded them for was the fact that there were some people holding to the doctrine of Balaam. What is the doctrine of Balaam? Jesus told of some of their practices in His next sentence. who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. However, a quick word study reveals a lot more.
We find the Doctrine of Balaam mentioned several times throughout the Word of God and none of it is good. As you read the following Scriptures in regard to this, be mindful of the Church today and ask yourself, “Is the doctrine of Balaam being practiced in the modern Church?”
They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; (2 Peter 2:15) Another translation states it like this: Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing. (2 Peter 2:15 ESV)
Balaam used his God-given talents for illicit purposes. He was a prophet from Mesopotamia but tried to sell his gift for personal gain. When that didn’t work, he used Moabite and Midianite women to tempt God’s people into sexual immorality and pagan rituals for money. He was in modern day language, a pimp. Everyone who participated in this demonic activity brought God’s judgment on themselves. You can read all about this in the 25th Chapter of Numbers.
Jude also wrote about these people and said Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. (Jude 1:11) The doctrine of Balaam is rooted in greed and we all know that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. (1 Timothy 6:10)
In a nutshell, the doctrine of Balaam is believing one can be involved with the things of this world and still serve God at the same time. It speaks of compromising one’s faith and forgetting that they are called to come apart and be separate from the world. (2 Corinthians 6:17) It teaches that a little sin doesn’t matter if there is an opportunity to make a little money or gain a little more power or prestige.
This is incredibly common in the Church today! People are selling the Gifts and Callings of God. Others are charging people to hear the Gospel of Christ or to be healed. This is a travesty and has no place in the Kingdom of God. Jesus NEVER sold anything! He never charged anyone to hear Him speak or to be healed or delivered from a demon.
The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is to be the continuance of the Ministry of Jesus. It’s not to be a business for profit. As stated above, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. (1 Timothy 6:10) Don’t get caught up in this demonic doctrine of Balaam. Jesus scolded the Church of Pergamos for this and I’m sure He has not changed His Mind about that today. For I am the Lord God and I do not change. (Malachi 3:6) God means what He says and says what He means.
It’s time to read the Word of God and obey because…………….
He is about to……….turn the tide
Thank you Lord for Your Word, Doreen
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