But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. (Revelation 2:14-15)
There is a warning in Revelation 2:14-15 about people who take portions of Scripture and corrupt them for their personal gain. Jesus called that the doctrine of Balaam. Some people in the church at Pergamos were corrupting what God had said with the intention of gaining more resources and money. Just as Balaam’s false and manipulative words became a stumbling block for the people of Israel, the errant teaching in the Pergamos church made them ineffective for the Lord.
The false doctrine made people feel good. It said they could take part in sinful feasts that celebrated false gods with drunken revelry. It said fornication wasn’t a sin against God. Why? Because if the people felt good about their sin, they would give more to the leaders who allowed them to commit such acts.
Many preachers have done the same and used the Word of God as a means to an end. They preach about false doctrines of grace and minimize preaching what the Word says about sin so they can amass a following who will financially support their church or ministry.
This is nothing more than rebellion against God.
Now remember, these leaders in the church at Pergamos started out holy, called, and anointed. God still had a heart for them because Jesus called upon them to repent. We all miss it and teach things that are much more about our background, our experience, or our feelings, but those things can end up being entirely wrong. You may be wrong about it, but your heart was right. And when your heart is right, your teaching can be corrected, and you can be restored.
Practical Application
Why do you do what you do? Your heart is the most important aspect of your ministry. We are called to love God and love others through our actions. Are your actions at work or at home telling a story of love and mercy?