The past several weeks we have studied the subject of compromise. In this lesson, we want to review and our study and put it all together. We will also address some attitudes that encourage compromise and others that prevent it.
A. Defined
1. While the English language has several definitions – 1. A mutual agreement to refer matters in dispute to the decision of arbiters. 2. A settlement by arbitration or by mutual consent reached by concession on both sides… verb. 1. To bind by mutual agreement; to agree. 2. To adjust and settle by mutual concessions, to compound.
2. Our focus is on how it relates to our spirituality
a. To settle for less than one’s convictions
b. To surrender to that which is wrong for personal gain or advantage
B. Why is compromise a sin?
1. It diminishes the importance of following God’s word by saying we can accept less than ALL that He has commanded – cf. Revelation 22:18-19
2. It divides one’s loyalties – Luke 16:13 – You cannot serve 2 masters.
3. It makes one double-minded – James 4:8 – purify your hearts, you double-minded…
4. It is usually a selfish act – James 4:1-3
5. It affects others – Not only are you settling for less than your convictions, you are leaving the impression with those you compromise with that they are also alright.
6. It can cause us to be partakers in others sins - When you leave the impression with others that they are alright, you are as guilty as they are – 2 John 9-11
7. Compromise ALWAYS leads one further away from the truth
C. Why people Compromise
1. Usually it involves material gain – It is a selfish act - there is something to gain physically by compromising, whether it be monetary, social status or simply avoiding conflict – Matthew 6:19-21
2. Family ties – failure to do so will alienate or strain relationships with family and friends – Matthew 10:34-38
3. Fear – Often people are afraid of the unknown so they give in rather face these results – Hebrews 10:31
4. A desire to avoid confrontation – usually a good thing, UNLESS it means compromising. And many will compromise rather than fight for what is right – Matthew 12:30 – He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
5. A lack of faith – some simply don’t trust God enough to let Him have His way – Hebrews 11:6
A. Those who compromised
1. Reuben - Genesis 37 –in sparing Joseph’s life compromised by allowing him to be put into a pit instead of delivering him directly to his father. We noted that his intentions were good and they spared Joseph’s life, but Reuben did not go far enough.
2. Solomon – 1 Kings 11:1-3. Because of his love for women allowed them in latter life to turn his heart away from God. We are told that his heart was not loyal to the Lord – vs. 4. And he did not fully follow the Lord – vs. 6. Truly, later in life he settled for less than what he KNEW was right.
3. Jeroboam - 1 Kings 12:25-32. After the kingdom divided, he erected high places and golden calves at Dan and Bethel and told the people of Israel that it was too far for them to go to Jerusalem. They were encouraged to worship God at these places, which became the snare that lead to the ultimate downfall and captivity of Israel.
4. Peter – Galatians 2:11-13 – Compromised by withdrawing for his Gentile brethren when his Jewish brethren were with him.
5. The churches at Pegramos and Thyatira – Revelation 2:12-17, 18-23 - Both compromised, Pergamos by allowing those living in sin and holding false doctrine to remain in their midst (unchallenged) and Thyatira by allowing false doctrine to be taught (unchallenged). The result was a weakening of these churches and the danger of condemnation by the Lord.
A. Be Aware of What IS Compromise
1. To avoid sinful compromise, you have to clearly understand what it is and how it happens.
2. This study has been designed to help us understand this.
3. You WILL never know God’s will if you don’t study God’s will! – 2 Timothy 2:15
4. Along with this, understand WHEN you can “give in” based upon the “liberties” of our brethren.
B. Respect for God’s Word
1. We have noted that compromise happens because of a lack of respect for God’s word. There is no respect for truth.
2. What is truth? John 17:17.
3. If we are to avoid compromise we have to respect God’s word as His word. It is indestructible, unchangeable, pure and understandable. The truth works!
C. Determine NOT to Compromise
1. Avoiding anything that is wrong requires determination
2. Until we make up our mind that we will respect God’s word at all times and at all cost, we will be in danger of compromise.
3. Paul did not give in “not even for an hour” – Galatians 2:5
D. Learn from Examples of those who resisted compromise
1. Moses before Pharaoh - 4 times, Pharaoh tried to get Moses to compromise.
a. Sacrifice in the Land – Exodus 8:25-27; Don’t go far – 8:28-29; Men only – 10:7-11; Leave behind your flock – 10:24-26
b. IN each case Moses said, “NO” stating that they needed to obey God completely and without compromise.
c. If we are to avoid compromise we need a desire to obey ALL of God’s word – part of it is not enough – James 2:10
2. Nehemiah – Chapter 6 - Was invited to come discuss his differences with their enemies as he rebuilt Jerusalem. This was an attempt to thwart the plans of God for the city.
a. Nehemiah simply was too busy to consider their offers. He also knew their motives were less than noble.
b. If we keep busy doing God’s will, we will not have time to compromise with His enemies.
3. Jesus – Matthew 4:1-11
a. In the wilderness, Satan tempted Jesus 3 times. On one occasion he offered all the kingdoms of the world to Him if He would worship him.
b. Jesus answered with scripture.
c. Therein lies the answer to avoiding compromise in our lives – appeal to God’s word in all that you do
E. Watch Your Attitude
1. Attitudes that promote compromise – selfishness, half-heartedness, pride, arrogance, ignorance, weakness, double-mindedness – James 3:13-16
2. Attitudes that prevent compromise – 2 Peter 1:5-7.
a. Faith – trusting in God and His word at all times
b. Virtue – moral excellence. Integrity.
c. Knowledge – We have extensively shown how respect for God’s word prevents compromise. And the more you know, the stronger you will be – 2 Timothy 3:15-17
d. Self-control – In avoiding compromise this is self-explanatory.
e. Perseverance – holding fast the word of life – Philippians 2:16
f. Godliness – God-likeness. The more we strive to imitate God’s character in our life, the less likely it is that we will compromise.
g. Brotherly Kindness – How much you REALLY care about your brethren will determine what stand you will take and when.
h. Love – Do you care about God, your brethren, the truth, etc. enough that you will do what is right?
Thus, our study about compromise is brought to a conclusion. It has been my hope that in this study, we will be aware of the dangers of compromise and that we will take the necessary steps to avoid it, preserving our souls and the souls of others, as well as the Lord’s church.