How do you know when to compromise?

Sometimes compromise is a good and necessary thing

Sometimes compromise is a bad and dangerous thing

Revelation 2:12-17

12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.

14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

The Complaint = the church at Pergamum was engaging in cultural compromise

What does it look like to engage culture without assimilating to culture?

Two Defaults:

1).  Escaping Culture

Revelation 2:13
‍I know where you live

2).  Assimilating to Culture

Bottom Line

Rather than escaping our culture or assimilating to our culture, Jesus challenges us to live faithfully within our culture

ACTION STEPS:

PRAY

Create some space with Jesus to pray through the following:

• Am I living in a holy huddle or Christian bubble?
• Where might Jesus be inviting me to be more engaged in our community?
• Where might I be assimilating to culture and no longer living like Jesus?
• Are there any areas of my life that I need to turn from to prioritize faithfulness to Jesus?

PRACTICE

• Media Audit — track what you consume (TV, music, podcasts, social media, etc.) and then reflect on how they might be shaping your thoughts, desires, and values.  
• Relational Intentionality — have a conversation this week with someone who doesn’t share your faith.  Listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and interact with both charity and conviction.