Resisting Evil

Wandering in the Wilderness: Resisting Evil

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Revelation 2:18-28

Introduction

           In Christ’s letter to Pergamum Christians, he mentions the teaching of Balaam. Balaam was an Old Testament character who was commissioned to bring about the defeat of God’s people in the wilderness on behalf of the Moabites. After his first attempt was unsuccessful, Balaam advised the Moabites to send in their young women to infiltrate the Israelite camps. Eventually, some of God’s people in the wilderness took up the pagan religions of the Moabites and blended them with their own just as they had done by creating families with them. This subtle form of corruption came from deep within the ranks of the people and eventually caused problems for the whole body. It was the same for the Christians in Pergamum. It is the same for contemporary Christians today.

            A similar problem existed in the church at Thyatira. Another Old Testament character was cited by Christ as he directed the people to open their eyes to the threat of evil in their midst. This time the threat is not a slow awakening of “sleeper cells” but comes from a prominent leader whose false teachings are leading the people into corruption. Similarly, the people wandering with Moses long ago were corrupted by a charismatic leader. He was a Levite named Korah.

           

Silver-tongued Devils

He led a rebellion of 250 chosen men against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. (Numbers 16:1,12, 24, 25, 27) After being confronted by them, Moses prayed and told them the next morning, “You have gone too far” (16:7). Korah assembled all the congregation against Moses and Aaron, but the glory of the Lord appeared to them all, and Moses and Aaron prayed God would not be angry with all for one. So, fire from the Lord consumed the usurpers. Some of Korah’s supporters, namely Dathan and Abiram and their families were swallowed by the earth into Sheol, with Korah and his men.

Thyatira’s Christians were threatened by a silver-tongued devil whom our Lord likened to Jezebel. The unnamed prophetess and Jezebel were gifted with persuasiveness and fond of attention. Yet, their message was not from God, and their subtle efforts to undermine the body and its leaders were diabolical. Their motives were self-serving, and they considered the people of God as easy marks. They were grifters whose motives and methods were being manipulated by the Enemy.

 

Conclusion

            The people of God are always in danger of being tempted to sin. However, the Christians of Thyatira have a distinct advantage over the people of ancient Israel. The One “who has eyes like a flame of fire” and “who searches mind and heart” has sent an advocate who opens blind minds and warns careless disciples. The Spirit, who is the essence of the Body of Christ, will combat corruption and eject evil. But we must be courageous and strong in upholding the Lord. We must look discerningly for signs of His authority over the Church and its leaders.

            In the Christian family, there are elders and youngsters. They are identifiable by gifts of the Spirit, expressions of the Word, and Christlike deeds. This means the mature Christian will be humble and Christoriented. (1 Corinthians 8:1) He/she will speak the truth in love. (John 1:16-18) There will be obvious signs of Spirit-led leadership. (Galatians 5:22) Signs will include but are not limited to authentic expressions of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

During these trying times of wilderness wandering, it is more important than ever to follow God’s appointed leaders. While they are often flawed like Moses, David, Peter, and Paul these leaders will be known by the signs. If someone emerges due to charisma and ebulliently espouses answers to all of our problems, beware. Remember, comfort kills! (Matthew 10:34-36)