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Commentary on "Conformity, Compromise, and Crisis in Worship"
Day 1: Sabbath Afternoon, August 13, 2011 - Introduction
Overview
“Compromise between our own inclinations and God’s clear direction can lead to false worship, but Elijah’s message calls us to repentance, obedience, and worship of the one true God.” [Teacher’s Quarterly, Page 91]
“God is keenly aware of the stealthy nature of evil, especially in those who profess His name. Perhaps this is why He rarely imparts a blessing without strict directions on how to ‘stay blessed.’ ” [Teacher’s Quarterly, Page 95]
Problems
There is much to recommend in this lesson. The author does a fine job of describing the problems that result from compromise. The stories of Solomon, Jeroboam, and Elijah are powerful expressions of our human weakness (that is, the reality of indwelling sin) and the costs associated with apostasy.
My issue with the lesson is not with the problem statement. My issue is with the proposed solution – strict obedience to God’s dictates. According to the lesson, we cannot expect to be blessed if we disobey. This logic leads to one of two inescapable conclusions: First, we never will be blessed because we rarely, if ever, obey; or second, if we do obey, God is in our debt, so He must bless us. Neither of these conclusions is tenable. Both lead to exactly the kinds of compromise and apostasy that the author is trying to prevent.
Let me assure you. I am not denying, in any way, God’s call to obedience. He is perfect and rightfully demands perfection. The difference between my and the lesson author’s position is this: In Christ Jesus I am perfect; I don’t need to become perfect. In Christ Jesus I am forgiven; I don’t need to get forgiveness. In Christ Jesus I have eternal life; I am not working towards eternal life. In fact, I have been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3b); I don’t need to worry about these blessings being taken away.
In short, the lesson would have us work from a position of weakness to hopefully attain a position of strength. I believe Jesus would have us work from a position of strength, His, and move from victory to victory as His Spirit changes us from the inside out.
Summary
- This lesson does a fine job of explaining the dangers and costs of compromise.
- This lesson falls short in its suggestion of the solution – strict adherence to God’s law.
Copyright 2011 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised August 8, 2011. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.
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