Holding Fast to Jesus' Name - Avoid Sectarianism!

 Jesus further reproves the Christians in Pergamum, saying: "So you, also, have those holding fast the teachings 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 the Christian standards so that unity for which Jesus prayed  at  John 17:20 may be preserved.  It is necessary "both to exhort by teaching that is healthful and to improve 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 Jehovah's channel.  (Romans 16:17, 18)  The apostle Pau warned of this threat in almost all his letters.  In modern times, when has restored the true congregation to its Christian purity and unity, the danger of sectarianism  remains.  Hence, any who may have become inclined to follow a breakaway group, thus forming a sect, should heed Jesus next words: "Therefore repent, if you do not, I am coming for you quickly, and I will war with them with the long sword of my mouth." - REVELATION 2:16.

How does sectarianism get started?  Perhaps 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 follow him.  (2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3, 4)   Or someone criticizes the way Jehovah is having his work done and appeals to a self-sparing spirit by claiming that is is neither Scriptural nor necessary to go from house to house with the Kingdom message. Sharing such service after the example  of Jesus and his apostles would 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 one time 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 1:5. 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 apostates one refuse the loving counsel and help offered by the stars in is 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;  1 CORINTHIANS 5:6, 9, 13; REVELATION 1:16.

Next time: Holding Fast to Jesus' Name - 'Hidden Manna and a White Pebble'

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