When we consider the nature of authority we need only begin with God and us. All authority properly flows from God and then delegated to his creation as he so pleases. Where power is the ability to do, authority is the right to do. Consider God’s authority is supreme.
Dan.4:34-5 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Psalm 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Psalm 135:6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
Rev. 19:6 Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Matthew 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?
Ephes. 1:11 … according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: v9 according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Dan.2:21 he removeth kings, and setteth up kings:
2 Chron. 20:6 And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?
Psalm 9:7 But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.
Psalm 47:8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
Psalm 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
Psalm 93:2 Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.
Psalm 103:19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
We could begin to mount up our hearts in praise at the supreme authority and power of our God. We will be granted eternity to explore this wonder, world without end; A-men. But let us consider that even among the heavens there is delegated authority. We see the arch angel (Jd.9) and chief Princes (Dan.10:13, 12:1) among the principalities and powers, authorities, thrones, or dominions (Eph.1:21, Col.1:16).
Rom.13:1-7 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
1 Tim.2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1 Pt.2: 12-5 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
We have authority in the church which is Christ’s body.
1 Cor.12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Eph.4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
1 Tim.5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. V19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
1 Tim.3:2-5 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife… One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) v12-13 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Act.14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. V4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. v6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
1 Pt.5:1-3 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.
Act. 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Heb.13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
1 Cor.16:15-16 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
Mt.18:15-18 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Mt.20:25-8 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
We have a structure of authority in the marriage and the home.
Gen.2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
1 Cor.11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
Eph.5: 22-24 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Eph.6:1-2 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
Col.3:18-20 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord
1 Cor.7:36-9 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
These are proper delegated authorities- he “gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work” (Mk.13:34). But ultimately “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Ac.5:29) “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Rom.14:12) “thy soul shall be required of thee” (Lk.12:20) Our first and foremost obligation is to obey God above all other authorities. And this is where we will focus our attention now.
The center of authority is the will which is in the heart of man. 1 Corinthians 7:37 “Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart”. A person has authority over their own will and heart. Ex. 35:29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 1 Chron. 28:9 …serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: Ezra 7:13…which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem...
This authority also pertains unto their property (that has been rightly acquired- using your skills and time to trade for other’s goods and services). Mt. 20:25 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Act.5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? King Ahab said unto Jezebel- “I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard.” (1 Ki.21:6) “Neither shalt thou steal… Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's.” (Dt.5:19, 21)
This revolutionary truth of the freedom/authority/rights of the individual became a key debate during the American Revolution and the Enlightenment era as a product of the 1st Great Awakening after the Reformation manifested it in early stages. It was the will of the individual man breaking free from the iron yoke of the Church/State leviathan. (https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel03.html ) Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Cor.3:17) Ever since Lucifer magnified his will beyond its delegation from God the usurping of will (pride/self will) has become the mover of sedition and bondage through the ages.
Isa.14:12-14 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
This is the nature of rebellion- an encroachment of will. Whether the will of one or the majority moving upon the rights of the individual, or the powerful upon the weak. It is wickedness. 1 Sam.15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. When the church of Jesus Christ, his body and bride, is in particular subjected to the enslavement and cruel treatment of the rebellious it is particularly hateful unto him. Enter the Nicolaitanes.
Revelation 2:6
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. (v15) So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
Although the context of Revelation 2 does not clearly indicate who these wicked people are neither their hateful deeds and doctrines, we do understand from the agreement of most teachers of the Greek language that the name itself holds the Greek meaning of ‘conquer the people’ roughly. From the combination of two Greek words, nikos and laos. Nikos means "conqueror" or "destroyer," and laos means "people."
We will not follow some here who take an interpretation from historical considerations of accounts of Nicolas and antinomianism, which seem superfluous and subject to more doubt (and probably a crafty device from the mother of Harlots). Rather we will simply start from the meaning of the name itself and compare this with scriptures. This seems to be consistent with what the Spirit indicates in other places- Jn.1:38, 41-2, 9:7, Rv.9:11, 1:8, Mt.1:23, Ac.4:36, 13:8, Heb.7:2.
If we simply look for people whom Christ issued the sharpest rebukes threatened with greater damnation (Mt.23:14,Mk.12:40, Lk.20:47) who ruled over the people of God, the Pharisees, scribes and lawyers are the primary candidates (Mt.23). And we do find quite a bit of information in the New Testament concerning false apostles (Rev.2:2) and teachers lording over the flock and having dominion over their faith. We will examine what they do (deeds) and how they justify such (doctrine).
Since we understand that there are delegated authorities in the church as listed above, we can know the proper exercise of the authority God has given to those holding to the Head even Christ (Col.2:19). We already noted the scriptures show us the nature of exercising this authority. It is not as the Gentiles exercise dominion (Mk.10:42, Lk.22:25). How do they exercise dominion? We see in the Centurion “For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.” (Mt.8:9) Again we see here- “But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?” (Lk.17:7-8) In other words even when proper authority is being exercised in the church it is NOT as a prince giving commands to servants. Jesus contrasted the manner of exercising spiritual authority among his people: “But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.” (Lk.22:26) “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mt.20:28) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
And thus love or charity was the bond of perfectness (Col.3:14, 1 Cor.13). And love was not of necessity it was freely offered. When Paul wrote to Philemon regarding his fled servant Onesimus whom Paul had begotten with the gospel (Phl.10) he asserted that he “might be much bold in Christ” (v8) and retain Onesimus to minister to him (v13). Instead he declared “Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.”(v9) How was this love to be expressed by Philemon? “But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.”(v14) It was “obedience” (v21) to be done willingly, freely. Such is the nature of love. Such is how God calls to us.
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (1 Cor.13:4-5).
Rom.14:5 “…Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” It is interesting to look at the description of tyranny and usurpation over other men’s conscience that our countries founders used in trying to separate rights and powers. Consider these in light of church leadership-
‘to compel a man to act on opinions which he disbelieves -belief can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence- abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under despotism - every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate. This right is in its nature an unalienable right. It is unalienable, because the opinions of men, depending only on the evidence contemplated by their own minds cannot follow the dictates of other men’.
The role of the church regarding the ministry of the word would not be to badger and manipulate people to believe things they aren’t convinced of in their hearts. Rather to faithfully present the truths of scripture in order that the Holy Ghost can reveal and persuade them inwardly. We do not force people to listen although we may force them to hear the truth (tell them). Whosoever comes to listen to us will be hungry and thirsty for the Lord as we are charged to “speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pt.4:11). God gives the Holy Spirit to them that obey him (Ac.5:32) and they are taught by him (1 Jn.2:27) being led by him (Rom.8:14) the Spirit bearing witness directly to the believer himself (Rom.8:16). They must receive their understanding from him enlightening their eyes (Eph.1:18, Col.1:9). God promised regarding his Spirit “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” (Ezek.36:26-7) God does this by us choosing to believe his words:
Rom 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 1 Samuel 16:7 …the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. Christ will gently lead all his sheep as they hear his voice and follow him. (Jn.10:27) “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”(Isa.40:11) “And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.” (Heb.8:11)
This is strictly an operation of God persuading the person in their heart. Any attempt of men to interfere forcibly with the conscience and will of others through manipulation, deceit, cruel mocking, coercion, force, threats (not inspired by the Holy Ghost), compelling them without their own assurance of the truth being insisted upon them, is tyrannical. Again this is necessity laid upon them by men and not by God.
There is a biblical 'compelling' which is to 'inspire to act through persuasion' which would involve their will. “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Lk.14;23) “But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice.” (1 Sam.28:23) “But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:” (Gal.2:3)
There are examples also of compelling people without persuasion of conviction by necessity not willingly. “And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:” (Lv.25:39) “And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.” (Mt.27:32) “But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?” (Gal.2:14) This would be the nature of conquering or dominating people without persuading them in their hearts. This was to be avoided by ministers of the Spirit (Gal.3:5)
2 Cor.1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. 1 Pet.5:2-3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
Ezk.34:4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
Just to maintain a balance again- this is not to say that the man of God should not “speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority” (Tit.2:15); but it would be “authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction” (2 Cor.10:8). But we are speaking of those who cannot discern their own “proud wrath” (Prv.21:24) causing their “proud waters” (Ps.124:5) to over flow the souls of the guiltless; from the sharp rebuke of him whose “heart is enlarged” (2 Cor.6:11) who admonishes as a father (v13).
But the proud magnifies himself and is vainly puffed up in his fleshly mind thinking himself to be the ‘great power of God’ he will intrude into the ministry that he has not been called into; into things he hath not seen. (2 Chr.26:16-19) Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Eccl. 7:8) The impatient cannot wait upon the Lord and so he will run greedily in his presumption thinking it faith (Num.14:40-44)- “he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly” (Prv.14:29) Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. (Prv. 19:2)
Thus he enters upon the path of the Pharisee who loved to glory in positions and titles (Mt.23:7), flattering himself that he is the only true prophet or apostle or mediator; they love to have the preeminence (3 Jn.9). Preferring their ‘interpretation’ and tradition over the rightly divided word of God (Mk.7:9, Mt.15:6) and to those that follow them “they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord” (Jer.23:16). They “have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered” (LK.11:52). For they are not being taught and led by the Spirit of God but their own inflamed spirit.
The Deeds of the Nicolaitanes
Once these usurpers have ascended above the place the Lord has called them into they begin to exercise dominion over the faith of the Lord’s church. They will use good words and fair speeches to deceive the hearts of the simple (Rom.16:18). They seek to cause divisions and offences among the churches with unsound doctrines (v17) speaking perverse things in order that they might draw away disciples after them (Ac.20:30). They take a yoke they have made for their own lives after years of laboring in vain, establishing their own righteousness (Rom.10:3), and they lay it upon those whom they seek to control by condemning their hearts for not being as holy as they themselves (Isa.65:5). So they lade men with burdens grievous to be borne only to show how superior they themselves are to the weaker; to cause the weak and feebleminded to feel the condescension of their state while they magnify themselves against them. Since the weaker “who knoweth not the law” (Jn.7:49) as well as they do, cannot answer them back, they intimidate and dominate them into silence through shaming them and casting them out of the assembly. ‘They are cursed (Jn.7:49) if they disagree with us’. Those unpersuaded who dare question them and search the scriptures whether these things are so (Ac.17:11) will be trodden under foot with scoffing and mockery- “dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.” (Jn.9:34, 3 Jn.10) While the true minister of God “drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love” and was to them “as they that take off the yoke on their jaws”, and laid meat unto them.” (Hos.11:4)
“We see” say they (Jn.9:41) “we see”, as though they have the light of God because they can trap the weak and catch them in their words (Mk.12:13, Lk.20:20) humiliating them that they cannot answer again, he laughs them to scorn, and mocks them. Knowledge puffeth up (1 Cor.8:1) and when these weak find no answer for his sophistry he vaunteth himself and continues “to think of himself more highly than he ought to think” (Rom.12:3). Because they have established their own righteousness (Rom.10:3) for so many years in great zeal they are able to place themselves blameless (Phil.3:6) before the weak in faith and boast themselves “I am strong” making clean and beautiful the outside, garnishing themselves outwardly appearing righteous unto men (Mt.23:25,27,28). They trust in themselves that they are righteous, and despise others (Lk.18:9) setting at naught the brethren and their thoughts and words (Rom.14:1-4,10). ‘My words are weighty and powerful’ they vaunt; even provoked to wrath at those who see their wickedness or do not esteem them as highly as they esteem themselves. They “speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous” (Ps.31:18) ‘prating against them with malicious words’ (3 Jn.10). To prate is to ‘talk foolishly or tediously about something at great length’ and so “a fool's voice is known by multitude of words” (Ecc.5:3) “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin” (Prv.10:19). A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; (Prv.26:28)
Sometimes these fakers will wear their arrogance in the form of embellished robes or exceedingly humble garments (Mt.23:5, Mk.12:38) intended to distinguish them from the men of low estate they exalt themselves over. They love titles and names for themselves (Mt.23:7-10) and to be recognized by the rich men of the world. God resisteth the proud and those who justify themselves before men are an abomination unto him (which thing I hate, Jam.4:6, Lk.16:15). Not content with flattering titles as ‘father’ and ‘master’ or distinguishing outward appearance they seek to control men as though they speak from the mouth of God. They compel men to obey their commands through intimidation. They are the prophet or priest with whom we have to do (Heb.4:13). They berate men scornfully with the “contempt of the proud” (Psa.123:4) if they decline honoring them. “ A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.” (Prv.15:12) They try to alienate and divide from the wise and righteous “neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.” (3 Jn.10) “Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath” (Prv.21:24) wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason (Prv.26:16). If he is not lording over the flock as thoroughly as he desires he must meddle and be a busybody in other men's matters (1 Pt.4:15) in other men’s houses. He must establish a network of whisperers (or confessionals) and tattlers and backbiters (1 Tim.5:13, Rom. 1:29-30, 2 Cor. 12:20- as he rules his house so he lords over the church-1 Tim.3:5, 1 Pt.5:3) that he can manipulate and control people with. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. (Prov. 16:28) If the house be divided perhaps he can conquer it more easily (Mk.3:25). He might set a man at variance against his wife in bitterness (Col.3:19, 1 Pt.3:7) or children against their mother. “Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:” (Prv.25:9) But he ‘goeth about as a talebearer revealing secrets’ (Prv.20:19, Lv.19:16) falsely accusing, slandering, sowing discord among brethren. When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart (Prv.26:25, 6:16) ; divining revelations and dreams- from his own heart, confirmations to guide his actions and others (Jer.14:14, Ezk.13:6). “And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words”. (Lk.20:20) Then he ‘smiteth his neighbor secretly with the rod of his mouth’ (Dt.27:24, Isa.11:4, Psa.64:2) betraying the trust of his friends when he needs to conquer them. “Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?”(Psa.64:3-5) While they flatter themselves that they are wielding the sword of the Lord faithfully, their ministry consists of breaking the bruised reeds and quenching the smoking flax. (Mt.12:19-20) They glorify the ministration of condemnation and death, killing with the letter. (2 Cor.3:6-9)
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (Jam.3:14-8) Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; (Heb.12:15)
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. v20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. (2 Cor.11:13-5)
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. (3 Jn.11)
The Doctrine of the Nicolaitanes
If the Nicolaitanes conquer the people in practice they would also construct doctrines to justify imposing their yoke of bondage on the flock. We find many such examples of this in the New Testament usually related to “handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us” related to our conscience (Touch not; taste not; handle not- Col.2:14, 21). Of course their doctrines would involve the need to submit to them as priests and mediators. Interestingly the conscience can be formed in such a way that it condemns us for something that the Lord does not consider wrong or may not be revealing to us yet as not expedient.
I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. (Rom.14:14)
Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. (1 Cor.8:7)
For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; (v10)
But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. (v12)
The ‘Lord’s freeman’ should seek to exercise himself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men’ (Ac.24:16) ‘our conscience also bearing witness in the Holy Ghost’ (Rom.9:1). The conscience is created naturally in man bearing witness to this work of the law written in their hearts, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another (Rom.2:15). Since the law is the knowledge of sin (Rom.7:7, 3:20) those who continually burden themselves with it are continually under condemnation, for we cannot be as righteous as Christ practically speaking- even though he is our righteousness. (Rom.10:3-4, Phil.3:9)
When the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. (Rom.7:9-12) Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. (Rom.5:20) Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Rom.3:20) The strength of sin is the law. (1 Cor.15:56)
The Nicolaitanes will exercise themselves in the ministry of condemnation. (2 Cor.3:9) They will put a yoke on the neck of the disciples binding their conscience to things the Lord himself does not. The effect is that it wounds and defiles the weaker brother’s conscience. We see an instance played out in Acts 15 of this very issue surfacing in the early church. “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved… Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them” (v1-2) “But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”v5 Peter’s answer to this offers us great peace and joy in the Holy Ghost- “God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” (v8-11)
Paul and Barnabas saw this error and did not give place to it at all to protect the Gentile brethren. The conclusion of the church meeting together was this- “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.” (v28-9) What is interesting is that they instruct the Gentiles to abstain from meats offered to idols where Paul said that there was nothing wrong with eating it (1 Cor.8:7-13, Ro.14:14). The Holy Ghost was concerned about their weak conscience being defiled (Tit.1:15, 1 Cor.8:10, 12). Yoking the conscience with burdens before they know by revelation and are persuaded by the Lord Jesus and do not have the faith or power to bear is to magnify oneself injuriously against the weak. “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” (Mt.23:4) These doctrines bind the weak conscience to laws which strengthen the power of sin over their hearts drowning them in condemnation. The heart that condemns is one that draws back from God (1 Jn.3:20-1). They need love and fellowship. These doctrines “have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body” (Col.2:23) but do nothing in saving from the power of the flesh, rather they drive men into either hypocrisy or hopelessness and despair. Can you imagine these Pharisees counseling the woman in John 8 who was newly justified to whom Christ said “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more”?(Jn.8:11) They would find fault (Mk.7:2) where the Savior found none (and all-Jn.8:7-9). Were the Pharisees to ‘disciple’ her (Mt.23:15) they would tell her she must be subject to ordinances (Col.2:20), wear certain garments, she must not eat with defiled that is to say unwashen hands (Mk.7:2), she must hold to the washing of pots and cups (v8), touch not, taste not, handle not (Col.2:21), worship in this mountain (Jn.4:20), pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin (Mt.23:23), observe days and months and times and years (Gal.4:10, Col.2:16), forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from meats (1 Tim.4:3) don’t drink coffee or eat sweets, practice bodily exercise and on and on. Abstaining from fornication and idolatry was not enough; they must control and conquer you with their doctrines.
“It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go” (Song 3:4)
Now this being true it does not dissolve the responsibility of the elder believers to teach the younger to be holy. But let the older encourage them to search the scriptures themselves and learn to be taught of God themselves. ‘To his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand… Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.’ (Rom.14:4-5) But our focus here is damaging the conscience of the younger believers. Paul himself knew that all meats were ok to eat whether offered to idols or not (1 Tim.4:4-6, 1 Cor.8:4, Rom.14:14) and he knew we were not obligated to observe days or feasts (Gal.4:10, Col.2:16) and yet he would not permit these beliefs to set your brother at naught or dispute with him or cast him out of the church if he doesn’t comply. (Rom.14:1, 10) Now if he teaches you must do these things to be saved (Ac.15:1,5, Gal.1-2) this is another gospel and should be dealt with accordingly (Tit.3:10). We need room to grow in grace and in communion with the Holy Ghost (2 Cor.13:14, 2 Pt.1:2-3) and that will not occur under a ministry of condemnation. There has to be a consideration for the spiritual maturity of each Christian. We have newborns (1 Pt.2:2), babes (1 Cor.3:3), children, young men and fathers (1 Jn.2:12-13) each able to bear a greater burden as they grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Pt.3:18). We cannot expect babes in Christ to be as strong as young men and condemn them continually for not. If the time comes that they ought to be teachers and we can’t speak to them as unto spiritual then a rebuke might be appropriate. (1 Cor.3:1-3, Heb.5:11-14). And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. (2 Tim.2:24-5) But the chastening of the Lord (Heb.12:5-13) is done by the Father of spirits (v9) and it isn’t our duty to coerce people into spirituality for coercion would be the opposite of spirituality. (2 Cor.3:17)
Finally brethren, a man must believe what God impresses upon his heart by the Spirit. With the heart man believeth! (Rom.10:10) Whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (Jn.3:15) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (v36) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (Jn.5:24) Through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Ac.10:43) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. (Rom.1:16) We must believe the gospel of Christ to be saved (1 Cor.15:1-3) and God will judge the secrets of every man by Jesus Christ (Rom.2:16) rendering to every man according to his deeds (2:6) and there is no respect of persons with God (2:11). And so your eternal salvation turns and hinges upon your will responding to the will of God; faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom.10:17) We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Rom.14:10-12)
The decision is his alone and no man with him. Their choices “follow involuntarily the evidence proposed to their minds; that Almighty God hath created the mind free, and manifested his supreme will that free it shall remain by making it altogether insusceptible of restraint; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments, or burthens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, who being lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as was in his Almighty power to do, but to extend it by its influence on reason alone…” (Thomas Jefferson Draft for a Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom 1779) This principle is self evident- involuntary coercion begets hypocrisy and pride. The doctrines and deeds of the Nicolaitanes make men twofold the children of hell (Mt.23:15); twice dead, plucked up by the roots (Jd.12).
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