“WITHOUT COMPROMISE” (1)
From time to time in my lessons, I will stress the importance of being considerate of others and tolerant of our differences. It is often mentioned that as we must be willing to give in to them, we must do so, “without compromise”. I have been asked to address what it means to compromise and in this lesson, I will begin an attempt to answer this question.
As I begin, I want to say that I have great concern for the health of the Lord’s church as a whole. And my concern has nothing do to with what the Bible has to say about the church and how it is to be managed, or its ability to accomplish all that God has intended for her. Nor do I question God’s power to preserve the church in its purity and simplicity. BUT, I am very concerned at the lengths to which some are willing to compromise in order to appeal to more people. If you follow what is happening among brethren (not necessarily here at Bellflower) there is great reason to be concerned. Many churches are compromising on moral issues, God’s law of marriage, and even the tolerance of men teaching a form of theistic evolution or other false doctrines. Many congregations want sermons that are non-offensive and that make us feel good rather than convicting us of sin. They want certain topics to be avoided because of their divisive nature, when in reality, these are the subjects that NEED to be addressed.
Still, other congregations, often in response to the above churches, want a steady diet of fault finding, intolerance and criticism of everybody else. Emphasis is placed upon WHAT is said without due consideration into HOW it is presented (which is VERY important). And they too want to avoid portions of God’s word – views opposite of the churches they oppose. Many churches become Pharisaical by binding that which God has NOT bound in response to those churches that have loosed that which God has NOT loosed. Often, the result of such is driving away many that are teachable and driving wedges between brethren that are NOT necessary. (NOTE: By saying this, I readily admit that there are times that wedges NEED to be driven – between those who demand and teach the truth and those who want to compromise. But not ALL “wedges” are necessary and when possible we need to strive to avoid them.)
So today, I want to begin a study about the sin of compromise. We want to:
Ø Define what compromise is and observe what the Bible has to say about it
Ø Note numerous examples of compromise found in the Bible and the results
Ø Examine the importance of a proper respect for God’s word
Ø Contrast compromise with tolerance
Ø And note how to avoid compromise
Today, we will begin by identifying what compromise is.
A. Defined by Webster - Noun 1. A mutual agreement to refer matters in dispute to the decision of arbitrators.
2. A settlement by arbitration or by mutual consent reached by concession on both sides; a reciprocal abatement of extreme demands or rights, resulting in an agreement.
3. A committal to something derogatory or objectionable; a prejudicial concession; a surrender; as, a compromise of character or right.
… Verb 1. To bind by mutual agreement; to agree. [Obs.] 2. To adjust and settle by mutual concessions; to compound. Webster’s revised, unabridged dictionary (1913)
B. As we use the term, we refer to one (or a group) who is willing to adjust one’s beliefs in order to accommodate those who differ with them. To settle for less than one’s true convictions.
C. Compromise among churches
Churches can compromise in a number of ways:
1. They can avoid studying certain subjects or forbid them to be addressed in the pulpit and classes
2. They can lower their convictions to accommodate those who do not agree with them or “soften” their stand for the truth
3. They can IGNORE what the Bible teaches on various subjects or call into question the validity of plain Bible teaching.
4. They can fail to enforce the teachings of the Bible in their members.
5. They can allow false teachers to present their doctrines without challenging them (Consider the church at Thyatira).
D. Compromise in our own lives
1. Compromise is also a great concern in our lives as Christians. There are many ways that WE can compromise:
a. We can do those things that we know we shouldn’t do.
b. We can leave the impression that we approve of what others do by saying nothing or participating with them.
c. We can allow our brethren to do that which is wrong without saying anything. Note that this applies mainly to our brethren, because we cannot control what the world does.
d. We can IGNORE God’s word as we make decisions about our life and thereby compromise with Satan.
e. We can act in doubt and thereby compromise our faith. When we violate our conscience we are often compromising.
f. We can conform to the teachings or demands of others rather than God.
g. We can divide our loyalties between God and the world.
h. We can support that which we verbally oppose. Do we spend our money and time supporting industries that are against God? To we make donations to religious organizations because they are doing good works? Do we go places where many are engaged in sinful activities or leaning toward them?
2. Notice that in many of these ways, we are compromising our faith in God for the pleasures of this world.
A.
There are
aspects of life that demand compromise. In managing a company or even a nation,
sometimes there has to be compromise – a happy medium where everyone finds some
satisfaction while avoiding the extremes.
BUT, in religion, in our worship to God and our study of God’s word, there is NO
room for compromise. In fact, when we compromise in religion there are a number
of sins that we can be guilty of.
B. It diminishes the importance of following God’s word
1. Revelation 22:18-19 – Do not add to or take away from it.
2. Deuteronomy 4:1-2 – The same applied to the Law of Moses.
3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All scriptures inspired of God is profitable…
4. When we compromise, we are saying that something about God’s word is not important enough that we have to keep it.
5. Illustrate: The man who gives his son instructions and he only keeps part of it. He has NOT obeyed his father, but simply did that which he agreed with.
6. If Satan can convince us to leave undone any portion of God’s word, he may succeed in keeping us out of heaven.
C. It divides one’s loyalty
1. Exodus 20:2-3 – You shall have no other gods before Me. This was the 1st commandment.
2. When answering what is the greatest commandment, Jesus said it was to love God FIRST. Matthew 22:37-39.
3. Matthew 6:24 – NO one can serve two masters, hate/love, loyal/depise.
4. James 4:4 clearly teaches that friendship with the world is enmity against God.
5. When we compromise, we are trying to please two parties at the same time. That may be acceptable in business matters and nation interests, but when it comes to God’s word, it degrades God from his importance. And in essence you are saying that you only need to be loyal to Him in that which you agree with.
6. Remember who owns the fence!
D. It is usually a selfish act
1. You can rest assured that where there is compromise, chances are there is a selfish motive
2. Too many are willing to surrender convictions because it means more money in their pocket, or a better social status or because it’s easier.
3. James 4:1-3 – where do wars come from? Why are there so many problems? Because of selfishness.
4. It was a selfish act that caused Judas to betray Jesus – Matthew 26:14-16.
5. 2 Timothy 3:2-5 – Men will be lovers of themselves (they think FIRST about themselves), lovers of money…haughty (arrogant, high-minded),…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,… having a form of godliness but denying its power.
E. It can lead others astray
1. Often compromise leads away those who are weak in the faith. Not only are they willing to compromise, but the one in whom they put their trust gives them an evil example.
2. Matthew 18:6 – a warning is given by Jesus about one who causes these little ones to stumble.
3. A prominent example is Paul rebuking Peter in Galatians 2:11-13
4. We are not to do ANYTHING that will make our brother stumble – Romans 14:21. In reality this is a passage that calls for us to be willing to do without for the sake of our brethren. While it is dealing with our liberties, what would that say of compromising the truth?
F. Compromise can cause one to partake in the sins of others
1. We see many examples of this in the Bible, including Peter as he crept closer to the fire of the enemy.
2. 2 John 9-11 warns us clearly to not leave the impression that we approve of those who are teaching false doctrine. In fact, we are told in no uncertain terms, that if we bid him Godspeed, we partake in their evil deeds.
3. Ephesians 5:11 – have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.
G. Compromise always leads one further away from the truth
1. As you study the history of the church, you will find this to be the case time after time. It begins with allowing a little compromise. This leads to more compromise later. Finally, the church is so far away from God’s intent. It happened gradually and often starts with perceived “innocent” compromise.
2. Just like a small crack in the dam will eventually lead to a bigger one if it is not fixed. J.W. McGarvey was known to have told younger, prospective preachers in later years to no compromise their faith at all. While he did not believe in the instrument of music in worship, he held preaching appointments at those congregations. Note what he told these younger preachers. "You are on the right road, and whatever you do, don't let anyone persuade you that you can successfully combat error by fellowshipping it and going along with it. I have tried. I believed at the start that was the only way to do it. I've never held membership in a congregation that used instrumental music. I have, however, accepted invitations to preach without distinctions between churches that used it and churches that didn't. I've gone along with their papers and magazines and things of that sort. During all these years I have taught the truth as the New Testament teaches it to every young preacher who passed through the College of the Bible. Yet, I do not know of more than six of them who are preaching the truth today. It won't work."
A. Some compromise for material gain.
1. There are many churches that will not take a stand because of monetary reasons.
2. 1 Timothy 6:17 – don’t trust in uncertain riches.
B. Some compromise out of fear
1. They may not actually believe something, but because intimidation, they compromise and go along with that which know they should not do.
2. Matthew 10:28 – do not fear those who can kill the body but not destroy the soul…
3. They may fear rejection or it is easier to say nothing rather than defend the truth.
C. Some compromise for the sake of family
1. How many are there that suddenly change when their families become involved in something they formerly thought was wrong.
2. Matthew 10:37-38 – He who loves father or mother more than Jesus is not worthy of Him.
D. Lack of faith
1. Far too many end up compromising their convictions because they lack faith in God to help them. Rather than turn to God, they turn to the physical that they can see.
2. James 1:5-6 warns us to ask in faith or God has no pleasure in us.
Truly, there is much to be said about the subject of compromise and for the next few weeks we are going to study to lessons that explain the sin of compromise. Where do you stand now before God? Are you compromising with the devil? If so, now is the time to repent.