Compromises in Religion

John ends the book of Revelation with a warning not to add to or take away from what is written. This principle applies to all of God’s commands and will for mankind, and not adding to or taking away from it leaves no room for us to make compromises with God. Unfortunately, mankind often does this very thing, changing God’s instructions to better suit what we want. In actuality, the end result compromises our faith and our eternal reward in heaven. Pharaoh and his attitude during the 10 plagues provides a wonderful example of the ill effects of attempted compromise with God, resulting in his nation suffering from plagues and personal loss frequently.

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Sermon Outline

• Rev. 22:18 – General principle of not adding to or taking away from God’s word.
  • Where God has bound, we cannot compromise, e.g., 1^st day of week to worship – Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2
  • Where God has loosed, we have room for judgment, e.g., no specified time to assemble on 1^st day.
• Pharaoh’s Compromises with God (instructed Israel to go to wilderness to worship – Ex. 4:22-23; 5:1)
  • After 2^nd plague, take frogs away, and I’ll let them go – 8:8
    • Changed mind after plague was gone – 8:15
    • Bargain with God and forget our responsibility after trial is over…
  • After 4^th plague (flies), sacrifice to God here in the land – 8:25
    • One place as good as another…
    • Not what God commanded – 8:27
  • Don’t go very far – 8:28
    • “A little religion will be enough…”
    • Not what God commanded
  • After 7^th plague (hail), “I have sinned this time; I’ll let you go, and you shall stay no longer.” – 9:27
    • Insincere repentance – 9:34
  • After 8^th plague (locusts), only the men can go – 10:8-11
    • Is it necessary for women and children to worship also?
    • God wants the whole family – Acts 16:33; Eph. 5-6
  • After 9^th plague (darkness), leave flocks and herds behind – 10:24
    • So Egypt could steal Israel’s flocks after losing all of theirs? Or Pharaoh wanted some incentive for them to return…
      • “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Mt. 6:21
    • “Not a hoof shall be left behind” – 10:26
• Results
  • Pharaoh banished Moses from his presence forever, sealing his fate and that of his people – 10:28-29
  • “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” – 12:13
  • Pharaoh sent people out before chasing them down and perishing in Red Sea – 12:31-32
• Conclusions
  • What compromises do we make with God that aren’t justified?
    • Skip worship altogether or just do it occasionally?
    • Don’t take family?  Or fail to teach children?
    • Fail to give God 100% because our treasure is elsewhere?
    • Instrumental music
    • Use of funds for unauthorized works
    • God’s warning in Revelation should be enough—His dealings with Pharaoh are evidence