Fleshly Indulgence Rev 2: 18-29
Christ commended this church for her love, service, and faith, and her patience, and her works; the latter being more than the former. A church with love, faith and hope (the root of patience) surely should not have any negative thing to be said about it. But the LORD had one thing that the church should pay attention to. The doctrine of Jezebel is what we will call it. There seemed to be a woman figure in the church likened to Jezebel, because in manner and practice they were similar, who taught the servants of Christ, church members I believe, to commit sexual sins and to eat things offered to idols. And the church, the elders and members allowed it. These sins were the same in essence with that of the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, just that the promulgators were different. The same spirit of immorality and idolatry championed by different voices and faces.
Why is sexual immorality and idolatry the greatest and most effective weapons of the Adversary? These two sins go deep down to the root of what we profess as our faith. Let us have a closer look at them.
- Sexual immorality– Because it is very appealing to the eyes and flesh, it is difficult to turn away from. It is Satan’s most effective trap to keep a soul in bondage. It offers momentary pleasures as often as it is engaged in but at a deeper level, it is a rejection of God’s decree and ordination. Sexual immorality asserts that man cannot be like God. It refutes the image of holiness and purity of God in man. It makes God a liar. It is a sin that Satan uses often and again because it is effective unless one clings to mercy and grace.
Today, sexual immorality lies behind many successful ventures. Sexual immorality of different guises is the instrument those who want to make it big engage to advertise themselves. Secular songs and movies, promotional and other initiatives and endeavors that want to attract many audiences and followers must employ sexually immoral contents otherwise they won’t get visits or followers. Wherever you turn or you are, immoral contents are just a look or click away- now in the days of mobile phones and internet. Sexually immoral contents are now available to people of all ages. What used to be for adults and was sacred is now open to all. And its appealing nature makes it a go-to for everyone who does not guard his or her heart, hand and steps.
- Food offered to idols and Idolatry– notice the subtle strategy of Satan- he offers food sacrificed to idols and not the idols themselves. He does not say bow to idols, but says ‘nothing is wrong with eating food offered to them’. But by eating, one is indirectly staking a claim in the existence and reality of idols. To say there are other gods is to deny God and His Sovereignty. If God is not Sovereign, He does not deserve total obedience and worship. This is a deeper level of sin that removes God from His place. And that is what the Evil one has always wanted to achieve- to rob God of true and wholehearted worship because He is Sovereign. The first and the second Command given to the children of Israel deal with this matter. God is One and the only God therefore you shall not bow to another Exodus 20:1-5; 1 Cor 8:1-12 (for more insight).
But some may say that Paul argued one may eat if it doesn’t make someone else to stumble. Paul’s argument is that when you eat because you understand that idols are nothing, what of your observer who thinks they are real? You are definitely not helping them by eating because you are indirectly affirming their convictions. Therefore, you should abstain.
You may also say, what about identification and contextualization? What about being all things to all men as Paul said? If what is stated earlier is foundational, one will politely excuse himself from partaking in such feasts or meals. This is different from eating food served by host communities or families to a Missionary or Evangelist as a guest.
Note, the sin of sexual immorality in all its shades and the eating of food offered to idols are strategic instruments to weaken the faith and testimony of Christians and the Church. We cannot win the world to Christ that we love its ways.
In what ways are we falling into or accommodating sexual immoralities as a lifestyle while trying to uphold the faith?