The Doctrine of the NicolaitansBy Bob SperlazzoInformation is provided from different ministries for informational purposes and spiritual instruction. However, every doctrinal viewpoint on other ministry sites (and the links they contain) are not under our control and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of "Rock of Offence". Also, our inclusion of these links do not in any way infer that these websites agree with the material or doctrinal position of "Rock of Offence". This teaching is from PraiseNet. HTML formating changes were made to conform it to this website. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work on Rock of Offence is distributed under fair use without profit or payment for non-profit research and educational purposes only. Folks, In light of the very healthy discourse about authority in the church, I submit the following study on the subject. We need to be fully informed as musical worship leaders as well as pastors (or any of the other 5-fold offices)! The word "Nicolaitan" comes from two Greek words (niké and laos) which together mean "victory over the people" (Strong's) or "conquering the Laity" (The Spirit-Filled Life Bible), the strong connotation being one who rules over the people in their charge by force. In contrast, the Scriptural model is that those who are in church leadership must not dominate and rule by force, but rather lead by example: "...not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" (I Pet. 5:2-3, also Luke 22:25-26; Philip. 3:17; Philemon 14; Matt. 20:25-28; I Pet. 5:1-4; Ezek. 34:1-5; and Matt. 24:45-51). Historically, the Nicolaitans were a religious sect who were typified by their view of clerical rule and the separation of the clergy (church leadership) from the laity (the common people). This view was also prevalent under Papal rule, the foundation of the Roman Catholic religion. The Nicolaitans were religious, bigoted and prideful of their spiritual prowess. They held their women in common and were also noted for their spirit of condemnation, guilt, and thus, false repentance. An analogy of this would be the early Roman Catholic church and their practices of self-flagellation and deprivation as a work of compensation for their sins, totally denying the work of the cross. Unfortunately, the doctrine of the Nicolaitans has crept into the present day Church in a Trojan horse of "discipleship" and "shepherding." Although those involved in this teaching are well- meaning, the Nicolaitan doctrine has consequently has brought many under its bondage and control unaware. Jesus said He "hates" the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (Rev.2:6 & 15-16)! Let's look more closely at this pernicious doctrine. Control vs. Spiritual AuthorityAs we minister to literally hundreds from the Body of Christ year after year, there has been one prevailing issue: How do we as believers distinguish true Spiritual Authority from fear-generated control, that is, the doctrine of the Nicolaitans? We must first examine the definitions. Authority, as defined by Webster's 1828 Dictionary, says, "Power derived through respect or esteem or influence of character." Spiritual, also defined by Webster, says, "Pertaining to spirit or renewed nature of man." So putting these together, we see that Spiritual Authority means power derived through respect or esteem or influence of character, pertaining to the spirit or renewed nature of man. In II Samuel 23:3, the Word says, "The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, 'He that rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.'" Control, defined by Webster, is "that which restrains; to overpower; to have under command; to have superior force." Fear is defined as "a painful emotion excited by an expectation of evil." To generate means "to cause to be; produce." So then, fear-generated control is restraint or force caused by an expectation of evil. This results in slavery. It is important to know the distinctive difference between legitimate or genuine authority, and illegitimate or false authority, ie: control. (The meaning of a word often lies within the word itself -- eg: "author" is the root of "authority;" this tells us the source of authority is God, the Author of all things.) Genuine authority is administered under the Genuine Author with meekness, sincere concern and unselfish servant-oriented motivation. False authority is administered through a motivation of fear which needs to be in control, or one of intolerance or anger. This motivation is definitely self-preserving and self- serving. Genuine Spiritual AuthoritySo different is control which is motivated by fear in an effort to feel more secure. It is always "standard setting," causing "performance orientation." It is always condescending and critical. And, it always produces in those under it a kindred spirit of fear, rebellion and resistance through anger, destining that person to follow the example and learn to also become a controller. In every aspect of our Christian walk, as a husband or wife, as a parent, as an employer or employee, or as a member of the Body of Christ, this issue is crucial! We must learn to operate in true spiritual authority, which correctly applied will elicit a response instead of a reaction. Abuse of authority is an issue still plaguing the "little church" (the family) and the corporate world, as well as the greater Body of Christ -- the "big Church." The Word says in I Corinthians 14:38, "If a man wishes to remain ignorant, let him remain ignorant." But the Word also warns, "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge." If you are a controller, you must repent and seek the Author for the source of true authority to flow through you. If you are under the control of an abusive authority which renders it illegitimate, you need to know the truth and be set free. Repentance and forgiveness insure deliverance, and the truth will set you free from the virulent doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Hope this helps! God bless, Bob Sperlazzo http://www.topica.com/lists/ICD/ Visit the Worship Resource Center at http://www.praise.net/worship/ Need help with your subscription? Contact worship-help@praise.net Visit PraiseNet Website This Message Is From Bob Sperlazzo And PraiseNet |
