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.