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. Nicolaitans international standard bible encyclopedia. Beware the doctrine of the modernday nicolaitan apostles. 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. 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. Nicolaism also nicholaism, nicolaitism, nicolationism, or nicolaitanism was an early christian sect mentioned twice in the book of revelation of the new testament. 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. 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. The first time they appear is in gods spiritual assessment of the ephesian church. 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. The doctrine of the nicolaitans, which thing i hate.
But this is the doctrine of the nicolaitans, which christ so unsparingly condemned in the book of revelation. Today, the doctrine is now largely taught that the gospel of christ has made gods law of no effect. Does the bible give any one individual spiritual authority. The word nikos is the greek word that means to conquer or to subdue. So the doctrine of once saved always saved has no scriptural support. Although this one doesnt seem like a major offense, in their context, they had committed a serious spiritual crime. Our spiritual life is separate from our physical life. The adherents were called nicolaitans, nicolaitanes, or nicolaites. In the greek language, nicolaitan means conquer nikao the people laos. Lord, after what ive read today, i dont want to allow any spirit of compromise in my life. Books of the bible verse of the day bible in a year bible topics. Jesus warned us about nicolaitan leaders in his letter to the church in. In the bible, among many questions, the commonly asked question is about the doctrine or teaching of the nicolaitans and about church government. A slave brought under this kind of authority is always distraught and nervous because of the great responsibility and expectations to please his master.
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the nicolaitans. This fundamental teaching is the doctrine of the nicolaitans, which christ so unsparingly condemned in the book of revelation. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers acts 2. Surprisingly, the nicolaitans are only referenced twice in scripture, both of which are in the book of revelation. Nicolaitans commentary a testimony of jesus christ. They may have been identical with those who held the doctrine of balaam.
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. Those who followed the doctrine of the nicolaitans assumed superiority over the people. 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. And the doctrine of balaam will, in many instances, be proclaimed by those holding to the doctrine of the nicolaitans. We must understand these doctrines and behaviors to fully understand the biblical warnings. By ger groenhart i would like to lay a foundation with a description of what i believe is the nicolaitan doctrine.
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. Nicolaitans have drawn a great deal of scholarly debate, because much known. Christ hates the deeds of the nicolaitans zephaniah. Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. The lord declared that he hated the doctrine of the nicolaitans and so must the saints revelation 2. The doctrine of the nicolatians part 1 gay christian. For the sake of profitability for the publishers who produce my books, im. I now understand that the doctrine of the nicolaitans is compromise with the world.
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. The book of revelation gives commendations and condemnations to the seven churches. Nicolaitans followers of nicolas, a sect mentioned in revelation 2. He commends them by stating that they hate the works of these people which he.
And then, leaving christ, they willfully commit sin. The nicolaitans were a sect or party, which arose during the apostolic church period to challenge the truth taught by christ. The nicolaitans used the grace of god as an excuse for the violation of gods moral law. 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. For this reason many bible scholars believe that the spiritual character of the. Peter and jude use similar language in their books to counter the antinomian teaching extant in their congregations.
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. 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. Criswell sermon library the doctrine of the nicolaitans. Surprisingly little of substance is known concerning the nicolaitans only mentioned in scripture in the book of revelation. Apr 17, 20 jesus said he hated the nicolaitans because of their deeds. A bible study on spiritual authority douglas jacoby.
The nicolaitans of the book of revelation true discernment. Although those involved in this teaching are well meaning, the nicolaitan doctrine has consequently has brought many under its bondage and control unaware. His words were perversely interpreted by the nicolaitans as authority for their immoral practices. Mike leads us through a bible study in this article to learn who are the nicolaitans mentioned in the bible book of revelation. 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. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the nicolaitans, which i also hate.
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 ac 15. 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 nicolaitans were also called balaamites, after balaam who in the book of numbers caused the moabites to tempt israel to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and engaging in baal worship which involved having sex orgies before carved genitalsnaked statues of a man and a woman. A bible study focused on who are the nicolaitans in the book of revelation will provide a starting place for study. Nicolaitans have drawn a great deal of scholarly debate, because much known about the group still lies in obscurity. The nicolaitan gospel, the doctrine of balaam, and the last church duration.
Jesus warned us about nicolaitan leaders in his letter to the church in pergamum. 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. In other words, spiritual authority is delegated by god, but derived through godliness. See the following sources related to nicolaitan licentiousness and the doctrine of unconditional eternal security. They were considered heretical by the mainstream church. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the nicolaitans, which thing i hate. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you hebrews. So you also have those who hold the teaching of the nicolaitans. It is therefore important for us who desire to serve god to know the authority of god. Nicolaism was an early christian sect mentioned twice in the book of revelation of the new testament. They exercised authority and power over the people using the positional, top down hierarchy system. They claimed as their founder nicolas, a proselyte of antioch and one of the seven deacons of the congregation of jerusalem acts 6. The word nicolaitans appears twice in the scriptures and is found in the book of revelation. The strongs hebrew and greek dictionary says the nicolaitans mentioned in revelations 2.
But the doctrine is now largely taught that the gospel of christ has made the law of god of no effect. 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. 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. L esson 11 understanding spiritual authority in this lesson, we will study what is known in many evangelical churches as spiritual authority. 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. Nicolaitans also appeared to eat food offered to idols, which acts appears to decree against. What is the doctrine of balaam and also of the nicolaitans in the book of revelation. Revelation 2 mentions the doctrine of balaam, the doctrine of the nicolaitans. One such reference is made concerning a doctrine that is attributed to a group called the nicolaitans. Such a restriction, though seemingly hard, in that it prevented the christian communities from joining in public festivals, and so brought upon. Although there are many opinions about the doctrine of the nicolaitans, the bible provides many clues about what it means. Who were these nicolaitans, and why were their deeds to be hated. Spiritual authority by watchman nee is a deep and wonderful read for the person who searches for something deeper with god. Who were the nicolaitans, and what was their doctrine and deeds.
Is the hatred only because the nicolaitans were teaching the doctrine of balaam. 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 name nicolaitans is derived from the greek word nikolaos, a compound of the words nikos and laos. If those people abuse that authority, shame on them, and god will judge them for it. Proceeding through the book of acts, however, it is apparent that this idyllic scene did not continue. What is the doctrine of balaam and of the nicolaitans in. Its a new breed, but then again, its not a new breed at all. 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. 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. Jesus hates the works of the nicolaitans sermon index. Who were the nicolaitans, and what was their doctrine and. Spiritual, also defined by webster, says, pertaining to spirit or renewed nature of man.
Split into two sections, the first part of the book looks at submission to authority and the second part looks at wielding authority. Nicolaitans were one of the heretical sects that plagued the churches at ephesus and at pergamum, according to revelation 2. Are there nicolaitans, today, who play a role in the story of gods church. 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.
Oct 17, 2008 why does god hate the practices of the nicolaitans. You hate the practices of the nicolaitans, which i also. 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. This time, jesus specifies that he hates their doctrine. 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. Photo by jesper aggergaard on unsplash nicolaitan apostles are rising. God has given us authority over spiritual wickedness in high places, we have the authority to cast out demons, to bring down the high places and bring down strongholds. Who are the nicolaitans mentioned in the book of revelation. In spiritual authority, nee carefully and clearly charts the primary importance of submitting to gods own authority, as well as to his delegated authorities. So, what, exactly, was the teaching of the nicolaitans. Such a restriction, though seemingly hard, in that it prevented the christian communities from joining in public festivals, and so. The nicolaitans are mentioned as a licentious sect in the apocalypse 2. Some churches do a good job of dealing with spiritual authority, but others do not.
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. Not every name in the bible is significant spiritually. Doctrine of nicolaitans redeeming grace ministries. Otherwise, how can we ever learn what authority is. 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. 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. Lets look more closely at this pernicious doctrine. And then, the nicolaitans, by satanic practices, spiritually removed christians from god. This was the reason jesus hated the doctrine and the deeds of the nicolaitans. Let us not see the man but only the authority vested in him.
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. Does the bible give any one individual spiritual authority over another individual. Another look at the nicolaitans 115 rites and ceremonies which are without new testament authority. Spiritual authority of jesus apostles sons to glory. When these two words are compounded into one, they form the name nicolas, which literally. They are the spiritual descendants of the nicolaitans who still teach the same heresy, and conduct the same abominations, recorded 19 centuries. Before we start studying why jesus hates the works of the nicolaitans, we should see what the nicolaitans represented and what they taught. Pharisaic christianity the doctrine of the nicolaitans. How many believers and even pastors and evangelists of our day have fallen into adultery or are watching pornography on the internet. First, nicolaos may have nothing to do with nicolaitan doctrine. The doctrine of the nicolaitans new vision ministries.
Clearly, the nicolaitans played a major negative role in the early history of the church. The books of john, 1 cor, gal, col, 1 and 2 tim, jude, and 1 john all. The spirit of the nicolaitans deteriorates the structure of the church body by attempting to create subordinates rather than brothers and sisters. The nicolaitans likely enjoyed conquering and subduing others. Personally, i believe that jesus hatred towards the works of the nicolaitans was particularly due to the doctrine of balaam. Rick renner, author and pastor of good news moscow church, explains the spirit behind this doctrine succinctly. We are on the wrong road if we meet man first before we obey authority. This false doctrine attempts to divide the body of christ into some form of a clergylaity system. Like the other men, stephen was of good report, filled with the holy spirit and wisdom. 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 fight we help to lead against gay christian doctrine is nothing new to the church. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the nicolaitans, which thing i hate. I never read without first saying a prayer to ask for guidance and revelation. The doctrine of the nicolaitans is something jesus says that he hates revelation 2.
So the real question on spiritual authority is not does it exist, but how is it to be exercised. He commends them by stating that they hate the works of these people which he, too, also hates revelation 2. In churches where the topic is not taught or discussed, some sincere followers of. You hate the practices of the nicolaitans, which i also hate. When opening any nee book, it can be overwhelming on an intellectual and spiritual level. It has, through the centuries since its founding on calvary by christ, fought valiantly against many forms of false christianoriented doctrines. 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. He is supposed to have apostatized from the true faith. Nicolaitans commentary using a testimony of jesus christ. A couple of those messages had to do with a false doctrine that found its way into the church.
But this is the doctrine of the nicolaitans, which christ so unsparingly condemned. Spiritual babylon will be spread throughout the earth. These keys can be seen as a symbol of power and governing authority. Doctrine or teaching of the nicolaitans and church government. Spiritual authority by watchman nee living christian books. It allows for sensual sins being considered irrelevant to our spiritual growth and life. One of the major condemnations are the deeds of the nicolaitans. 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. 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.
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