In studying this passage of Scripture, this church is often referred to as the “Compromising Church.”

The church had become lazy in allowing false doctrine to permeate the church.

The problem is the people were eating food sacrificed to idols, which was religious compromise.

They were also committing sexual immorality, which is moral compromise.

“One compromise here, another there and soon enough the so-called Christian and the man in the world look the same” AW Tozer

As followers of Christ, this is something we need to be aware of and fight against in our personal lives.

I came across this story when studying this:

Winter was coming on and a hunter went out into the forest to shoot a bear out of which he planned to make a warm coat. By and by he saw a bear coming toward him and raised his gun and took aim. “Wait,” said the bear, “Why do you want to shoot me?” “Because I am cold,” said the hunter. “But I am hungry,” the bear replied, “so maybe we can reach an agreement.” In the end, the hunter was well enveloped with the bear’s fur and the bear had eaten his dinner.

What an apt picture and description of compromise.

What I have noticed about compromise is how it has a tendency to creep slowly into our lives. It usually doesn’t work quickly, and if we are not careful, like this bear, compromise will consume us.  It will become a part of us.  Worse yet, we will fully give in to sin, and allow it to consume us.

There is one simple remedy given for the problem of compromise: REPENT!

Repent is a command that applies to Christians, not only to those who first come to Jesus.

What this brings about is change, a change of the inner man, particularly with reference to accepting the will of God.

This causes us to think differently afterwards.

I want to end with a quote from Keith Green:

“No Compromise is what the whole Gospel of Jesus is all about… ‘For I tell you…no man can serve two masters…’ (Matt. 6:24). In a day when believers seem to be trying to please both the world and the Lord (which is an impossible thing), when people are far more concerned about offending their friends than offending God, there is only one answer…Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him!”

Let’s examine our hearts, and allow God to show us any areas where we may be compromising in our lives, in our relationship with God.

And, like the beginning of this passage reads, “remain loyal” to Jesus–in all areas, at all times.

 Have It All // Brian Johnson      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WPbs7N-E0Q

Song: When the Fight Calls

Artist: Young & Free

8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. 9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

Revelation 2:8-11

Jesus, the first and the last, the one who died and came to life. The One who knows the beginning from the end. The One who died – who absorbed all that sin and evil could hurl at a man. And the One who came to life – who overcame evil with good, death with life.

Jesus…knows.

He knows their context: Smyrna. It was a city that had been destroyed and rebuilt, a city once dead now come to life. It was a prestigious and wealthy city, chosen ‘first’ among cities to house a temple for Emperor Tiberius.

He knows their present struggle. Poor in the midst of wealth. Persecuted by religious and pagan enemies alike. He knows their future struggle, which for some means martyrdom. But, as the One who died and came to life, he also knows their future glory – the crown of life.

It’s meant to be an encouraging word to a group of believers facing incredibly challenging circumstances. We may not know exactly what He knows. But we know that He knows. And that knowledge calms fears, fosters courage, and builds enduring faith.

Take a moment to rest in His knowledge today. Know that He knows. The One who knows the end from the beginning, who who knows life after death – He knows your context, your present and future challenges, and the life that comes through your faith in Him.

This verse jumped out at me from Monday:

Psalm 42:2…My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

Drinking and thirst are common pictures of man’s spiritual need and God’s supply. Here, the emphasis is on the desperation of the need.

We need water.  We need God.

And then yesterday, Pastor Andy wrote about passion in our relationship with God.

We get so caught up in chasing after that which is not ultimately pleasing…or brings only temporary pleasure.

We lose sight of serving God first and foremost.  Of passionately going after Him… of realizing that in Him and Him alone do I find what my soul is longing for.

That only God can satisfy our deepest longings, just like water can quench my thirst.

It’s amazing that most of us in our country can drink water whenever we please.  We have no need to be dehydrated. Just drink water when your thirsty.

When I lived in Arizona, I learned the hard way if you ignore these signs that your body is sending you, you can get yourself in trouble.

I had been playing basketball for a few hours. I was thirsty, but more people showed up, and I just kept playing.

And I paid the price.

I became sick, and was ill the rest of the night.

Why?

I ignored the symptoms.

Many of us allow this to happen spiritually.  We are thirsty, but searching for so called relief in other places.

The words of Jesus in John 4 to the Woman at the Well ring true

Look at the words of David in Psalm 63

Psalm 63:1-3–O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you;

my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.

Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.

People despair without the sense of life; David despaired without the sense of God’s great love.

God is God. He loves you.  Your soul thirsts for Him.

Steadfast love…lovingkindness. It IS better than life!

As Jesus told the woman at the well in John 4:14–

But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”,

The water He gives will keep you satisfied.

Do you feel thirsty? Dry? Like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling?

You’re thirsty!  Drink again!

Following Christ is not just a one-time sip that satisfies, but a continual connection to Him.

If you “feel” dry, what are you doing that is robbing a growing, thriving relationship with God?

Are your passions misplaced?

Cling to Him consistently, persistently and your thirst will be quenched!!!

“What does a thirsty man do to get rid of his thirst? He drinks. Perhaps there is no better representation of faith in all the Word of God than that. To drink is to receive-to take in the refreshing draught-and that is all. A man’s face may be unwashed, but yet he can drink; he may be a very unworthy character, but yet a draught of water will remove his thirst. Drinking is such a remarkably easy thing, it is even more simple than eating.” Spurgeon

Keith Green – My Eyes Are Dry – YouTube