“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” — Revelation 2:14
“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” — Revelation 2:20
In both churches, the Lord rebuked not only the false teachers but also the churches for tolerating them. Balaam brought compromise into Israel, while Jezebel brought corruption into Thyatira. Satan could not destroy God’s people through outward attacks, so he sought to corrupt them from within.
The lesson is clear: what we tolerate today may control tomorrow. False doctrine, sinful influences, and worldly compromise must be dealt with before they become stumblingblocks to God’s people.
Achan — Joshua 7:20-21
Achan tolerated a forbidden desire in his heart and secretly kept the Babylonish garment, silver, and gold. What seemed like a small compromise brought defeat to the entire nation at Ai. One tolerated sin became a stumblingblock to many.
Ananias and Sapphira — Acts 5:1-10
Ananias and Sapphira allowed hypocrisy to enter their hearts. They wanted the appearance of spirituality without genuine obedience. God judged them because compromise and deception had been tolerated rather than confessed.
Every believer should examine his heart for any “Balaam” or “Jezebel” influence — anything that encourages compromise with the world, weakens separation, or draws him away from wholehearted obedience to Christ.
Proverbs 4:23 — “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
A tolerated compromise today can become a destructive stronghold tomorrow.
Guard the truth, guard your heart, and stay close to the Lord.