This study was first taught on February 17, 2019

Topic: The Assessment of the Churches (11.1): The Church in Pergamos (The Challenges of Teaching Sound Doctrine (1))

(use the audio to study)

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Background
We commenced, last week, to look at the assessment of the church in Pergamos, with a view to seeing the state of the church today. First, we made some general observations about the church in Pergamos:
1. The church was in the citadel of Satan, yet they did not betray nor deny the Lord.
 The church of God can be located anywhere, but must not allow Satan to influence it, even if all of them are to be killed for their faith in God!
 The church can be in the world, but the world should not be in the church!
2. The church in Pergamos was assessed by the Lord as having fault, despite their holding on to the Lord in the face of Satan’s severe attack, even till death.
 The church of God must be perfect by the assessment of God!
 The Lord is coming for a church that is without spot, wrinkle, or blemish!
3. What the Lord found faulty in the church in Pergamos.
 Some were practicing, adhering to, being led by, and, shaping their lifestyle by, the doctrine/teachings of Balaam—froth with filthy lucre, idolatry, and sexual immorality.
 Some others also were practicing, adhering to, being led by, and, shaping their lifestyle by, the doctrine/teachings of the Nicolaitans—abusing the grace of God by tolerating and even promoting lewdness, immoral living, and, lawlessness.
4. The remedy for the church in Pergamos.
 Repentance was extended to the church, because it is an assessment, not judgment.
 Refusal to repent will result in speedy judgment!
 Rewards will be given to those who repent and remain faithful—hidden manna (the Bread of Life); a white stone (declaration of purity) with a new name written.

Next, we focused on the aspect that the Lord found fault with them—the multiplicity of doctrines—syncretism, which we defined as an illogical compromise in religion; a confederation of beliefs; a reconciliation or an attempt to reconcile different systems of beliefs; a fusion or blending of religions. We noted that syncretism can be likened to a married woman with numerous lovers, all at the same time! Syncretism is idolatry of the highest order and makes those who should adhere to God in faith, turn away from Him on to other gods, which are no gods.

We saw that the Lord Jesus, as well as, Scripture warns us against syncretism, which sadly, many churches today have found themselves engaging in, to the detriment of the faith of many a believer in Christ. We said that syncretism creeps in unnoticed, brought into the church by “wolves in sheep’s clothing”! We also saw examples of syncretic practices in the church today, and these include Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s, local festivals, marriage ceremonies (mixing culture, court, and church), among others. Finally, we noted that the solution to syncretism is to have singleness of focus—“looking on to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith”, and, strictly adhering to the word of God, which is beneficial for instruction, correction, reproof, and prepares us for every good work!

Scripture Text(s)
Revelation 2:12-17
We are faced today with a situation in which churches across the world are filled with all manner of ‘doctrines’ or ‘messages’, that are being propagated by all manner of persons, claiming to have been sent by God to deliver such ‘doctrines’ or ‘messages’ to the church of God. Yet, in Jeremiah 23, God said plainly that He did not send many of them! He also, said that those whom He has sent should speak His word faithfully.

We are thus faced with the challenge of sound doctrine in this generation, as with all other generations before us, and indeed, generations to come, for as long as Christ tarries (2 Peter 2:1-3). Many people go to church meetings, and don’t even know that what they are hearing from many so-called pastors/ministers, is not from God, but from Satan, and that those messages are killing them spiritually. The challenge of sound doctrine presents the church today, with two difficulties—the presenter of the doctrine, and the receiver of the doctrine. First, let us define sound doctrine:
 It is the correct biblical teaching of the word of God, which leads the hearer to godly living and edification.
 It is the unadulterated teaching of the word of God, with no ‘leaven’ introduced.
 Any other teaching, even those taken from the word of God, that is not in line with the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ, and, His apostles and prophets as documented in the bible is false, strange, and a wrong doctrine, originating from Satan!
And now, let us look at the challenge of sound doctrine, first from the perspective of the presenter.
When we talk of the challenges of teaching sound doctrine, we are speaking of the difficulties that arise or the hurdles that must be scaled, should a person seek to engage in the teaching of sound doctrine—that is, the doctrine of Christ, which leads to godliness and edification, and which is without adulteration or contamination—lest he fall into the temptation and condemnation of syncretism.
2 Peter 2:12-20; John 17:17, 19; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:14, 16, 20-21; Matthew 15:17-20; 12:22-27; Joshua 1:8; 1 Timothy 3:2d; Hebrews 5:12-13; James 3:1ff; Titus 1:9-14; 2 Timothy 2:15-17; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 2:11-12; Matthew 7:22-23; 2 Timothy 3:10-17; 1:12-13; Romans 8:35, 38-39; Ephesians 1:3; 2:4-7; John 11:23-26.

Conclusion
The hurdles of sanctification, authorization to teach, and full conviction of the veracity of the word of God must be scaled by those who have been called by God to teach His doctrine. The one who will teach the sanctified word of God, must be authorized and able to handle the word in sincerity and with meekness of heart. He must be sanctified—purged, purified, and prepared to be fit for the Master’s use. Indeed, he must see the need for, and the know the value of his personal sanctification (consecration) before the Lord and advance in it. He must be fully persuaded or convinced in his heart about the veracity of the word of God, lest he turn away from it and teach heresy.

The challenge of teaching sound doctrine begins with who the teacher is before we can talk about what he is teaching. Therefore, we must allow God to make the tree good through sanctification, that we may produce the good fruit of sound doctrine.

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