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Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 11:1-6

The Danger of Compromise

(Part 1)

Intro.

1.  Compromise: “a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc. by reciprocal modification of demands” (dictionary.com).

  a.  Positively: Some circumstances it is proper, 1 Cor. 9:19-23.

  b.  Negatively: It is capitulation, "referring to a 'surrender' of objectives, principles, or material(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compromise).

2.  King Solomon and his wives: Great sin of compromise, 1 Kgs. 11:1-8.

  a.  God’s blessings and conditions to maintain His favor, 1 Kgs. 3:5-9, 10-14.

  b.  Conditional blessings: Be distinct, pure, etc., 1 Kgs. 9:3-9.

  c.  Solomon’s compromise caused God to be angry and led to the division of the kingdom, 1 Kgs. 11:9-10.

3.  We are warned against moral and doctrinal compromise, 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; Gal. 1:6-10; Eph. 5:8-11; 2 Jno. 9-11.

 

I. MORAL AND DOCTRINAL COMPROMISE IS SIN.

  A.  Compromise is Double-Mindedness, Jas. 4:4, 8 (1:8); Matt. 6:24.

  B.  Compromise Stands by when Sin could be Prevented, 11:7-8 (cf. v. 5); 1 Sam. 3:13.

  C.  Truth does not Continue in Such an Environment, Gal. 2:5.

  D.  Causes God’s People to be Indecisive and Faithless, 1 Kgs. 18:21.

 

II.  COMPROMISE BEGINS IN THE HEART, 1 Kgs. 11:4.

  A.  In Compromise, the Heart is Turned Away from God, 11:2, 9.

  B.  In Compromise, the Militant Spirit of the Gospel is Replaced with a “Kinder, Gentler” (more positive) Approach toward Sin and Error, 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Jude 3; Jer. 6:14.

  C.  In Compromise, Love for God becomes Secondary, Mk. 12:29-30; Matt. 6:21, 31-33 (Mk. 7:21-23).

  D.  Keep Your Heart Pure to Avoid Compromise, Jas. 4:8 (1 Tim. 1:5).

 

III.  COMPROMISE IN KING SOLOMON’S LIFE:

  A.  Unlawful Marriages, 1 Kgs. 11:1-3 (Deut. 7:3-4).

    1.  Sinful marriages and their evil influence, Neh. 13:26-27.

      a.  Today, marriage to unbeliever is not sin (1 Cor. 7:12-14).

      b.  But, additional challenges and temptations exist, 1 Pet. 3:1-2.

    2.  Multiplied wives, Deut. 17:17. (cf. 1 Kgs. 3:1)

    3.  Applications:

      a.  Know the value of a godly partner (1 Pet. 3:2; 1 Cor. 7:15).

      b.  Don’t compromise Christ’s marriage law (Matt. 19:4-6, 9).

          -(Today, a “foreign” woman would be one not free to marry/remarry, cf. Mk. 6:17-18; Matt. 5:32).

  B.  False Worship, 1 Kgs. 11:5-8.

    1.  Can take the form of direct participation, 11:5, 7.

    2.  Can take the form of encouraging it in others, 11:8.

    3.  Can take the form of changing the action of worship while trying to keep the same God (1 Kgs. 12:28-33).

    4.  Applications:

      a.  We must not worship other gods. (Col. 3:5; cf. Exo. 20:3)

      b.  By suggesting or leaving the impression by our silence that any kind of worship pleases God (Jno. 4:24).

      c.  By supporting those who practice false worship (2 Jno. 9-10).

  C.  Compromise Causes:

    1.  God’s wrath to be stirred up, 1 Kgs. 11:9.

    2.  The loss of God’s blessings, 1 Kgs. 11:11.

    3.  Still more compromise, 1 Kgs. 12:28-33; Gal. 5:9.

 

Conclusion

1.  Compromise may be fine in politics and in solving disputes between two enemies; fine in resolving issues of judgment and liberties.

2.  But, it is deadly to our souls when it comes to honoring and obeying the God of heaven and earth, 2 Cor. 6:17.

3.  Contend earnestly for the faith and endure hardship as good soldiers of the cross, Jude 3; 2 Tim. 2:3.