BAD DOCTRINE CORRUPTS GOOD SERVICE

DATE:
Wednesday, March 21, 2018.

DISCUSSION TOPIC:
Bad Doctrine Corrupts Good Service

BIBLE READING:
Revelation 2: 18-29

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Qs. 2, 5 See Questions HERE.

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DISCUSSION:

By man's standards, the church at Thyatira was doing extremely well. Their CV was very impressive and could be the envy of other churches in the area. Look at v. 19 for some of their impressive practices. Their service was however contaminated by tolerance for false doctrine (vs. 20-22). They allowed some wrong teachings that caused the people to be misled into sexual immorality and idol worship. They were mixing Christianity with paganism. What other problem can you see in v. 24?

These problems are also common in our contemporary Church. Some churches emphasise spiritual gifts, love and sacrificial services but down play issues of character, morality and holiness. We need to know that no amount of loving and sacrificial services can compensate for sin. "A little leaven, leavens the whole lump".

God, in His mercy, gives people time to repent before bringing them to judgement (v. 21). Today may be another opportunity that God is giving you, your family and church to repent. He searches the depths of our hearts and knows our thoughts and every secret of our hearts (v. 23). Nothing is hidden from His eyes.

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And so:

Any church that tilts towards some doctrines at the expense of the others promotes false teachings.

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me not to be deceived by wrong doctrines that are being peddled as "deep secrets" or "new revelations". Give me ability to discern errors no matter how well they are crafted.