The deeds, doctrine, and spirit of witchcraft and control in todays church excerpt from the deceivers and false prophets among us book but this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the nicolaitanes means conquer the laity, which i also hateso hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the nicolaitanes, which thing i hate. They are the spiritual descendants of the nicolaitans who still teach the same heresy, and conduct the same abominations, recorded 19 centuries. Surprisingly little of substance is known concerning the nicolaitans only mentioned in scripture in the book of revelation. Jesus said he hates the doctrine of the nicolaitans rev. The nicolaitans disobeyed the command issued to the gentilechurches, by the apostolic council held at jerusalem in 4950 ad, that they should refrain from the eating of things sacrificed to idols. Simon peter replied, you are the christ, the son of the living god. The doctrine of the nicolaitans periodically, i will be posting brief commentaries on various topics related to the publication of my book these prophets and the revelation mindstir media, 20.
How many believers and even pastors and evangelists of our day have fallen into adultery or are watching pornography on the internet. Such a restriction, though seemingly hard, in that it prevented the christian communities from joining in public festivals, and so brought upon. A bible study focused on who are the nicolaitans in the book of revelation will provide a starting place for study. In churches where the topic is not taught or discussed, some sincere followers of. The adherents were called nicolaitans, nicolaitanes, or nicolaites. Not every name in the bible is significant spiritually. And then, leaving christ, they willfully commit sin. They claimed as their founder nicolas, a proselyte of antioch and one of the seven deacons of the congregation of jerusalem acts 6.
In the greek language, nicolaitan means conquer nikao the people laos. This fundamental teaching is the doctrine of the nicolaitans, which christ so unsparingly condemned in the book of revelation. See the following sources related to nicolaitan licentiousness and the doctrine of unconditional eternal security. The spirit of the nicolaitans deteriorates the structure of the church body by attempting to create subordinates rather than brothers and sisters. Apr 17, 20 jesus said he hated the nicolaitans because of their deeds. Does the bible give any one individual spiritual authority over another individual. Christ hates the deeds of the nicolaitans the crisis unfolding in america today by jeremy james give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Before we start studying why jesus hates the works of the nicolaitans, we should see what the nicolaitans represented and what they taught. It is the same authority that jesus had, he spoke as a man having authority, but he did not speak on his own authority on earth but only the authority his father had given him. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers acts 2. He commends them by stating that they hate the works of these people which he, too, also hates revelation 2. Irenaeus identifies them as followers of nicolas, one of the seven chosen in acts 6, and as men who lead lives of unrestrained indulgence1. The books of john, 1 cor, gal, col, 1 and 2 tim, jude, and 1 john all. Spiritual authority of jesus apostles sons to glory.
It is therefore important for us who desire to serve god to know the authority of god. Nicolaitans international standard bible encyclopedia. L esson 11 understanding spiritual authority in this lesson, we will study what is known in many evangelical churches as spiritual authority. Another look at the nicolaitans 115 rites and ceremonies which are without new testament authority. For this reason many bible scholars believe that the spiritual character of the. Nicolaitans were one of the heretical sects that plagued the churches at ephesus and at pergamum, according to revelation 2. The exchange became slightly heated, but in the end, the point i was trying to make from the very beginning, was that what had been in the letter to the church at ephesus, the deeds of the nicolaitans, had by the letter of the pergamos church, become the doctrine of the nicolaitans. Now we are going to turn to the second chapter of the book of the revelation, and the title of the sermon this morning is the doctrine of the nicolaitans in our preaching through the bible and through the book and through the revelation, we are come to the third church, the church at pergamos. Criswell sermon library the doctrine of the nicolaitans. What were their teachings and doctrines that jesus so abhorred, and in what way are they connected with the doctrines of salvation by grace alone without bearing fruit of salvation by grace and works and once saved always saved. One of the major condemnations are the deeds of the nicolaitans. Rick renner, author and pastor of good news moscow church, explains the spirit behind this doctrine succinctly. First, nicolaos may have nothing to do with nicolaitan doctrine. A slave brought under this kind of authority is always distraught and nervous because of the great responsibility and expectations to please his master.
Mike leads us through a bible study in this article to learn who are the nicolaitans mentioned in the bible book of revelation. The strongs hebrew and greek dictionary says the nicolaitans mentioned in revelations 2. The book of revelation gives commendations and condemnations to the seven churches. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the nicolaitans, which thing i hate. Spiritual authority by watchman nee is a deep and wonderful read for the person who searches for something deeper with god. We are on the wrong road if we meet man first before we obey authority. The requirements of decency and order, under which an attempt is made to justify some of the latter extravagances, are actually of a much more modest nature, and by those seeking spiritual worship. Split into two sections, the first part of the book looks at submission to authority and the second part looks at wielding authority. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the nicolaitans. Personally, i believe that jesus hatred towards the works of the nicolaitans was particularly due to the doctrine of balaam. It has, through the centuries since its founding on calvary by christ, fought valiantly against many forms of false christianoriented doctrines. Like the other men, stephen was of good report, filled with the holy spirit and wisdom.
If those people abuse that authority, shame on them, and god will judge them for it. The doctrine of the nicolaitans is something jesus says that he hates revelation 2. Jesus says in his letter to pergamum, but i have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of balaam, who taught balak to put a stumbling block before the children of. The doctrine of the nicolaitans, which thing i hate. By ger groenhart i would like to lay a foundation with a description of what i believe is the nicolaitan doctrine. Nicolaism was an early christian sect mentioned twice in the book of revelation of the new testament. To the angel of the church of ephesus write, these things says he who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.
There has been an ungodly spiritual authority in the church throughout history, which is nothing more than the prideful spirit of control, manipulation, domination and intimidation over the flock and a rebellion of the rightful authority of god. Who were the nicolaitans, and what was their doctrine and deeds. Although those involved in this teaching are well meaning, the nicolaitan doctrine has consequently has brought many under its bondage and control unaware. Books of the bible verse of the day bible in a year bible topics. They may have been identical with those who held the doctrine of balaam. Spiritual, also defined by webster, says, pertaining to spirit or renewed nature of man. And then, the nicolaitans, by satanic practices, spiritually removed christians from god. Oct 17, 2008 why does god hate the practices of the nicolaitans. But this is the doctrine of the nicolaitans, which christ so unsparingly condemned in the book of revelation. When opening any nee book, it can be overwhelming on an intellectual and spiritual level. You hate the practices of the nicolaitans, which i also.
The lord commends the ephesian church for hating the deeds of the nicolaitans, whereas he has against the church in pergamos, those who hold to the nicolaitan teachings which he hates. So the doctrine of once saved always saved has no scriptural support. Something that god hates in the book of revelation, the prophet john gives the churches a message from god in which they are either commended or rebuked for the way in which they are living out their faith. The doctrine of the nicolaitans, mentioned twice in johns discourse to the seven churches in revelation, is as prevalent in our churches today as it was then. The doctrine of the nicolatians part 1 gay christian. Who were these nicolaitans, and why were their deeds to be hated. Revelation 2 mentions the doctrine of balaam, the doctrine of the nicolaitans. They seem to have held that it was lawful to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication, in opposition to the decree of the church rendered in acts 15. Ireneus and hippolytus, two leaders in the early church who recorded many of the events that occurred in the earliest recorded days of church history, said the nicolaitans were the spiritual descendants of nicolas of antioch, who had been ordained as a deacon in acts 6. Spiritual authority by watchman nee living christian books.
This time, jesus specifies that he hates their doctrine. Nicolaitans commentary a testimony of jesus christ. The emphasis on the nicolaitans being rulers of the peoplelaity is far stronger than that of the interpretation that says it is let us eaters, in light of pauls statement about the basic principles colossians 2. Although there are many opinions about the doctrine of the nicolaitans, the bible provides many clues about what it means. Peter and jude use similar language in their books to counter the antinomian teaching extant in their congregations. Today, the doctrine is now largely taught that the gospel of christ has made gods law of no effect. Who are the nicolaitans mentioned in the book of revelation. So the real question on spiritual authority is not does it exist, but how is it to be exercised. While many might find the title to be ironic, arguing that few books are more hidden or veiled, it is an appropriate one, for it truly. Lets look more closely at this pernicious doctrine. A couple of those messages had to do with a false doctrine that found its way into the church.
He commends them by stating that they hate the works of these people which he. We must understand these doctrines and behaviors to fully understand the biblical warnings. This is a doctrine that will undoubtedly, as the doctrine of the nicolaitans, be more widely proclaimed in the latter days than at any other time in the history of the church. Such a restriction, though seemingly hard, in that it prevented the christian communities from joining in public festivals, and so. A bible study on spiritual authority douglas jacoby. The nicolaitans are mentioned as a licentious sect in the apocalypse 2. When these two words are compounded into one, they form the name nicolas, which literally. But this is the doctrine of the nicolaitans, which christ so unsparingly condemned. The nicolaitans of the book of revelation true discernment. The ascetic extreme could lead to pagan ascetic conduct like forbidding marriage or not eating meat and other neglect of healthy care of bodily activities. They exercised authority and power over the people using the positional, top down hierarchy system.
Otherwise, how can we ever learn what authority is. The lord declared that he hated the doctrine of the nicolaitans and so must the saints revelation 2. So, what, exactly, was the teaching of the nicolaitans. The doctrine of the nicolaitans new vision ministries.
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Authority is a tremendous thing in the universe, nothing overshadows it. Jan 23, 2012 they are the spiritual descendants of the nicolaitans who still teach the same heresy, and conduct the same abominations, recorded 19 centuries ago, by apostolic authors of the new testament. The fight we help to lead against gay christian doctrine is nothing new to the church. Its a new breed, but then again, its not a new breed at all. And yet, one of the most unfortunate features of all this is that there are those in the christian church who do not hold the doctrine of the nicolaitans, but who practice their deeds of dominating the laity by lording it over the church of jesus christ, which should be subject only to one divine master.
And the doctrine of balaam will, in many instances, be proclaimed by those holding to the doctrine of the nicolaitans. So putting these together, we see that spiritual authority means power derived through respect or esteem or influence of character, pertaining to the spirit or renewed nature of man. Jesus hates the works of the nicolaitans sermon index. The content of the book is a comprehensive study in biblical prophecy. Although this one doesnt seem like a major offense, in their context, they had committed a serious spiritual crime. Photo by jesper aggergaard on unsplash nicolaitan apostles are rising. Pharisaic christianity the doctrine of the nicolaitans. As we began taking a closer look at a first century heretical sect called the nicolatians, there emerges.
Clearly, the nicolaitans played a major negative role in the early history of the church. I now understand that the doctrine of the nicolaitans is compromise with the world. Now we are going to turn to the second chapter of the book of the revelation, and the title of the sermon this morning is the doctrine of the nicolaitans. The lord commends the ephesian church for hating the deeds of the nicolaitans, whereas he has against the church in pergamos, those who. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the nicolaitans, which i also hate.
Surprisingly, the nicolaitans are only referenced twice in scripture, both of which are in the book of revelation. May 04, 2014 pastor jeff bryant discusses the doctrine of the nicolaitans and warns of the dangers that this doctrine poses to the church today. Let us not see the man but only the authority vested in him. These keys can be seen as a symbol of power and governing authority. What is the doctrine of balaam and also of the nicolaitans in the book of revelation. Lord, after what ive read today, i dont want to allow any spirit of compromise in my life. This false doctrine attempts to divide the body of christ into some form of a clergylaity system.
This doctrine taught that only those who served as the official clergy were the ones who could hear, understand, and knew what god was saying to the people. He is supposed to have apostatized from the true faith. It allows for sensual sins being considered irrelevant to our spiritual growth and life. But i have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of balaam, who taught balak to put a stumbling block before the children of israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Nicolaism also nicholaism, nicolaitism, nicolationism, or nicolaitanism was an early christian sect mentioned twice in the book of revelation of the new testament. Those who followed the doctrine of the nicolaitans assumed superiority over the people. Although its not out of the ordinary for god to hate practices of pagan groups, such as the child sacrifice of the canaanites leviticus 20. The first time they appear is in gods spiritual assessment of the ephesian church. But the doctrine is now largely taught that the gospel of christ has made the law of god of no effect. In the bible, among many questions, the commonly asked question is about the doctrine or teaching of the nicolaitans and about church government. Immersed in pagan roman culture in that city, the sect of the nicolaitans may have attempted to woo the christians away from their religion, just as they had been wooed before.
The word nikos is the greek word that means to conquer or to subdue. Nicolaitans have drawn a great deal of scholarly debate, because much known about the group still lies in obscurity. Spiritual babylon will be spread throughout the earth. His words were perversely interpreted by the nicolaitans as authority for their immoral practices. Jesus warned us about nicolaitan leaders in his letter to the church in. What is the doctrine of balaam and of the nicolaitans in. Jul 09, 2000 the spirit of the nicolaitans deteriorates the structure of the church body by attempting to create subordinates rather than brothers and sisters. One such reference is made concerning a doctrine that is attributed to a group called the nicolaitans. Is the hatred only because the nicolaitans were teaching the doctrine of balaam. For the sake of profitability for the publishers who produce my books, im. The nicolaitans used the grace of god as an excuse for the violation of gods moral law.
The nicolaitans likely enjoyed conquering and subduing others. They were considered heretical by the mainstream church. Who were the nicolaitans, and what was their doctrine and. Beware the doctrine of the modernday nicolaitan apostles. The nicolaitan gospel, the doctrine of balaam, and the last church duration. Nicolaitans have drawn a great deal of scholarly debate, because much known. That, in turn, depends on how one defines spiritual authority. In spiritual authority, nee carefully and clearly charts the primary importance of submitting to gods own authority, as well as to his delegated authorities.
The doctrine of the nicolaitans is still practiced today when we exalt or elevate a priest, pastor, elder, bishop, fivefold minister, or clergy member to a hierarchal position of rank, authority and power over the other members of the family of god. The deeds and doctrine of the nicolaitans, and the deeds and doctrine of current christian preaching and teaching, are, in numerous instances, one and the same. In other words, spiritual authority is delegated by god, but derived through godliness. Does the bible give any one individual spiritual authority. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the nicolaitans, which thing i hate. The nicolaitans were a sect or party, which arose during the apostolic church period to challenge the truth taught by christ. So you also have those who hold the teaching of the nicolaitans. This was the reason jesus hated the doctrine and the deeds of the nicolaitans. Jesus warned us about nicolaitan leaders in his letter to the church in pergamum. The word nicolaitans appears twice in the scriptures and is found in the book of revelation. Christ hates the deeds of the nicolaitans zephaniah. Because the doctrines and the works of the nicolaitans caused spiritual injuries to christians by placing religious and social pressures upon the christians there to leave christ. Some churches do a good job of dealing with spiritual authority, but others do not.
Doctrine or teaching of the nicolaitans and church government. Proceeding through the book of acts, however, it is apparent that this idyllic scene did not continue. Nicolaitans followers of nicolas, a sect mentioned in revelation 2. The name nicolaitans is derived from the greek word nikolaos, a compound of the words nikos and laos.
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