The 4 Isms of Revelation

There are four problems, or heresies, in the the seven churches of Revelation 2. These are assigned to different congregations, but are at least occasionally present in all churches and potentially in all Christians. We must be vigilant to spot these tendencies and eliminate them as soon as possible.

1. Laymenism: Revelation 2.6. This problem, referred to here as being a system followed by Nicolaitans, is a malady that happens in the church when our activities and programs become more important than our ministries. We begin to serve the church rather than God.
2. Legalism: Revelation 2.9. Although in this passage we are looking at the 'synagogue of Satan' we should not be distracted by the drama of that term. There are tendencies in every group to adhere strictly to a set of guidelines, rules or laws at the expense of the spirit of God.
3. Balaamism: Revelation 2.14. The problem with Balaam, remembered famously as the prophet with the talking donkey, was that he refused to be led by the Holy Spirit. He was more interested in fame, acceptance and fortune than he was in pleasing God.
4. Jezebelism: Revelation 2.20. Jezebel was a queen in the Old Testament who used her power not to benefit her people or to bless God, but to please her self and her own wishes. This line of thinking and action has often been equated with sexual immorality or promiscuity. However, we need to be aware that anytime our own desires become more important than God, or anything else, we are in danger.