In His message to the church of Ephesus, Jesus had many words of praise as they were doing many good works in His Name. Unfortunately, these were in danger of being nullified by one critical failure – in doing the work of the King, they had been ignoring the King Himself. They had abandoned the intimate, love relationship with Jesus that their church had been built upon, their source of divine growth. Now, by basically ignoring Him, they were going about the business of the church under their own power, seeking their own direction. At this point, Ephesus was operating on spiritual fumes and needed to quickly repent of this or risk losing the light of Christ in their presence.
Despite warning them of their need to turnaround from this perilous situation, Jesus then added another positive word of commendation:
6 But you have this, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Revelation 2:6 (NASB)
Jesus praises the church of Ephesus for hating something He hates – the deeds done by a group of people known as the Nicolaitans.
So just who were the Nicolaitans? And what were their deeds which Jesus hates? (Notice that He does not hate the Nicolaitans, but their deeds.)
Bible scholars tend to fall into two camps on their identity. In one camp, the Nicolaitans are believed to be a heretical sect derived from Nicholas, one of seven deacons chosen in the early Christian church (Acts 6:5). This sect is believed to have endorsed a lifestyle of sinful behavior, including sexual immorality, believing that, since salvation is by faith in Christ, evil works are just fine, and sin can be pursued just vigorously as when they were unbelievers, without the need for repentance. This attitude neglects the emphasis that God’s word places on seeking a life of holiness and purity, through divine sanctification by the Holy Spirit living within us.
The second popular view of the identity of the Nicolaitans is a sect which places a human barrier or obstruction between God and His people, a “clergy class”, through which all two-way communication with the Lord must occur. This concept runs counter to the curtain of the temple being torn in two at Christ’s death on the cross, opening the way for believers to come directly to God. Believers are encouraged to boldly approach the throne of God, through faith in Christ.
16 Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. Hebrews 4:16 (NASB)
Be assured, God is fountain of grace and forgiveness when we do approach Him to confess our sins and earnestly seek to turn away from them. But we must be aware of when our thoughts, words, and actions are offensive to Him.
What does the word of God tell us about the things which displease Him the most? Here are three passages which give us wisdom in this matter.
First, from the apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians:
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:19-22 (NASB)
Second, God’s word given to prophet Zechariah tells us some more things which He hates:
16 These are the things which you shall do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace at your gates. 17 Also let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury; for all these things are what I hate,’ declares the Lord.” Zechariah 8:16-17 (NASB)
Finally, in Proverbs 6, the Lord points out some of the attitudes and behaviors which seem to anger Him the most:
16 There are six things that the Lord hates,
Seven that are an abomination to Him:
17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,
19 A false witness who declares lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19 (NASB)
No person is without sin, but we can all be cleansed of it daily by confessing our sins to God through faith in the atoning death and resurrection of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. When we become aware of our sins and shortcomings, and confess them to Him, we have the privilege and freedom to walk alongside Him in complete forgiveness. May we do so today as we continue on our faith journey.
Reflection
What sinful words, actions, or habits are the most difficult for you to be free of? We all have them. May the Lord grant us His divine power and strength to overcome all of our difficulties. We pray:
Lord, continue to cleanse and sanctify us through the power and presence of Your Holy Spirit within us. May we walk with You, forgiven and free, having confessed and repented of our sins, taking them directly to the cross of Christ. We seek to be a reflection of Your purity and holiness. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Have a blessed and beautiful day, cleansed and free in the Lord today.
Times and Seasons - The Book of Revelation FOR TODAY 