Avoid Sectarianism!

Jesus further reproves the Christians in Pergamum, saying: "So you, also, have those holding fast the teaching of the sect of Nicolaus likewise." (Revelation 2:15) Previously, Jesus has commended The Ephesians for their hatred of the deeds of this sect. But the Christians in Pergamum need counsel on keeping the congregation free from sectarianism. More firmness is needed in upholding Christian standards so that the unity for which Jesus prayed at John 17:20-23 may be preserved. It is necessary "both to exhort by the teaching taht is healthful and to reprove those who contradict."- Titus 1:9.

From early days, the Christian congregation has had to contend with proud apostates, who by smooth, deceptive speech "cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching" provided through Jehoah's channel. (Romans 16:17, 18) The apostle Paul warned of this threat in almost all his letters. In modern times, when Jesus has restored the true congregation to its Christian purity and untiy, the danger of sectarianism remains. Hence, any who may have become inclined to follow a breakaway group, thus forming a sect, should heed Jesus' words: " Therefore, repent. If you do not, I am coming to you quickly, and I will war with them with the long sword of my mouth."- Revelation2:16.

How does sectarianism get started? Pehaps a self-styled teacher sows doubts, disputing some Bible truth (such as our being in the last days), and so a splinter group breaks off and follows him. (2Timothy 3:1; 2Peter 3:3,4) or someone criticizes the way Jehovah is having his work done and appeals to a self-sparing spirit by claiming that it is neither Scriptural nor necessary to go from house to house with the Kingdom message. Sharing in such service after the example of Jesus and his apostles would keep these ones humble; yet, they prefer to split off and take it easy, perhaps only reading the Bible occasionally as a private group. (Matthew 10:7, 11-13; Acts 5:42; 20:20, 21) Such ones concoct their own ideas about the Memorial of Jesus' death, the Scriptural command to abstain from blood, celebration of holidays, and the use of tobacco. Moreover, they downgrade Jehovah's name; very soon they fall right back into the permissive ways of Babylon the Great. Even worse, some are moved by Satan to turn upon and 'beat their fellow slaves,' their onetime brothers-Matthew 24:49; Acts 15:29; Revelation 17:5.

Any who waver because of apostate influence should be swift to heed Jesus' call to repent! Apostate propaganda must be rejected as the poison that it is! Its basis is envy and hatred, in contrast with the righteous, chaste, and lovable truths that Jesus feeds to his congregation. (Luke 12:42; Philippians 1:15, 16; 4:8, 9) As to those who refuse to repent, the Lord Jesus does indeed "war with them with the long sword of [his]mouth." He is sifting his people in order to preserve the unity for which he prayed during his last evening with his disciples on earth. (John 17:20-23, 26) Since apostate ones refuse the loving counsel and help offered by the stars in his right hand, Jesus judges and punishes them "with the greatest severity," consigning them to "the darkness outside." they are disfellowshipped, no more to act as leaven among God's people.-Matthew 24:48-51; 25:30; 1Corinthians 5:6, 9, 13; Revelation 1:16.

Next time: 'Hidden Manna And A White Pebble'