For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6, ESV
The Lord is looking for faithful servants and sons (and daughters!), those who sacrifice of themselves for the sake of Christ through whom we find our adoption – not merely giving out of their abundance, who give out of love, not obligation.
To add to Wally’s thoughts, I have heard most of the same things he writes here, but I have also heard that, based on vv. 14-15, the Nicolaitians did the same things as Balaam. And to go with this, it may be that Nicolaus was not necessarily an apostate, merely misunderstood by those who came after him. Regardless …
What does this mean? They engaged in seeking pleasure in all of its forms, from eating and drinking to sex of various kinds and anything else that makes us happy. Further, they may have picked up the habit of making everyone a prophet, even excusing wrong prophecies.
How much of this is accurate? I am not sure, but it sounds a lot like what is happening within the global church today. Many strange beliefs, teachings, and practices have arisen, especially in the past 20-30 years!
Daniel
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19, ESV
This is not promising you will have all you ask for or think you need.
Remember, God’s primary aim is to glorify His name, and He will meet those needs that help us bring Him glory through sharing the Gospel.
(But he does like giving us good gifts, too!)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10, ESV
The Deceiver will try to drag you down, to doubt yourself, your life, your salvation.
But Jesus defeated him at the cross! When worries come, focus on Christ!
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Matthew 6:7-8 ESV
The difference between simply repeating a prayer and praying the same thing repeatedly is the first is doing a religious work while the second can be a sincere desire to hear/see God answer as you seek His presence.
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Daniel 12:3, ESV
Because of Christ’s good work, we now can be like a city on a hill, letting our good works shine brightly to the glory of the Father.
The only thought I will add to Wally’s is that John, the one who wrote down the words of Revelation, also spent that last years of his life primarily living in Ephesus!
Daniel
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22, ESV
Many things in this life and drive us down and practically kill us. Many other things can lift us up and give us joy.
The joy of the Lord is what gives us hope and makes the problems of life more nuisances (in the grand scheme).
I know I deal with everything listed here that can make things uncomfortable when greeting people. And I am the Youth Pastor! We have been at our little church for just over a year, and there are still a few people who barely talk to me. They are more shy than I am! But a few shy ones have begun opening up.
Start by simply saying hi.Daniel
This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Greet Others.
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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8, ESV
Our timeless, all-powerful, loving, ever-present, unchanging God put on human flesh to draw us to Himself in grace and forgiveness.
Trust in His nature and Word, not the changing winds of doctrine so prevalent nor emotional responses to life.
a simple man of God 