The Spirit of the Nicolaitans in the Church
“Especially the Black Church”
By
Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr.
OPENING:- There is in the Body of Christ a clarion cry today from a remnant of the people of God that I truly believe is coming from the mouths of burden ridden souls and going directly to the heart and ears of God. I hear and have the same cry that is coming forth from the sheep shouting in this the last days “Where are the real shepherds”. Shepherds who are willing to lead and are not be worried about their personal crowns of glory, popularity, and authority. For far too long there has been the demand to have praises sung, honor bestowed, authority given, and positions popularized to certain ones of them. However, now is the time that the watchman should be warning the people of impeding danger, equipping them to be double fisted, working in one hand and ready to fight in the other like Nehemiah did. Nehemiah 4:17 says “They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon”. It is time for the true watchman on the wall and not the blind dogs to stand tall and cry loud and say like Zechariah in the book named after him Zechariah 13:5 KJV says, “But he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth”. The New American Standard Bible says it like this “but he will say, ‘I am not a prophet; I am a tiller of the ground, for a man sold me as a slave in my youth”. It’s time for the watchmen, the leaders, the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher, Bishop, Minister, and any other title to truly answer the call and work the work of the ministry, which is not operating or having a position or title in the church, but it is being effective in the world. Understand the Church, which is the body of Christ is designed to be the instrument of God to reach the world, the catalyst to ignite a change in the world, an ever-present presence in the world. Contrary to tradition and popular religious practices it was never intended that the world, the sinner should come to the church to find Christ, but rather the church was intended to move out into the world, Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”. When the world begins to see the church, the body of Christ among them, ministering to them, challenging them, loving them, reaching them where they are, then will they begin to understand that Jesus Christ is not dead and gone but he lives and is here among them operating through everyday believers, like the song we used to sing said just Ordinary People.
PRAYER:-
SCRIPTURES: 1 Timothy 4:16 says “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee”. This scripture is one of the reasons I am doing this lesson today.
Revelation 2:6 & 15 says “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate”.
Matthew 4:3 says, “And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread”. So often times we hear this scripture and we focus on the turning stones to bread because Jesus had just fasted 40 days and 40 nights and the temper, Satan, was tempting Him with something to satisfy His hunger and that is true, but let me suggest to you that the 1st thing he did was to question His identity. If he could cause Jesus to doubt His identity, then he could win the other temptations.
Identity: is the distinguishing character or personality of an individual. Your identity is the most important part of who you are. Your identity is the doorway to your destiny. No doubt you have heard the phrase your circumstances or your situation doesn’t determine your destiny, or your past doesn’t determine your future and that’s true; however, your identity differently does determine your destiny. Who you are will determine where you will go and what you can do? If you don’t believe that just try to walk right up to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave in Washington D.C., you will see just what your identity will or will not let you do.
The terrible thing about identity theft is you can spend your whole life building your credit, building your positive identity and in one moment somebody steals your identity, and your future is destroyed.
The same thing happens in the spiritual realm. You can spend your entire life building your spiritual identity but in one moment the devil steals your identity and you find yourself in a situation that you didn’t even realize why because your identity has been stolen.
The spirit of the Nicolaitans steals your identity and causes you to live opposed to what God has for you to live.
Let me present a few question that I will answer in this lesson.
1. Who were the Nicolaitans?
2. What were their deeds?
3. Why did God hate them?
4. What was their doctrine?
5. How is the Spirit of the Nicolaitans operating in the church today – especially the black church?
Who were the Nicolaitans:- The Nicolaitans were a heretical hierarchical system of church government devised, propagated, and instituted by a corrupt sect of usurpers that surfaced toward the end of the First Century A.D. The root of the word Nicolaitans comes from Greek nikao, which means to conquer or overcome, and from the Greek laos, which means people and which is where we get the word laity from. Laity, a term used in the days of the Early Apostolic Church to allude to congregational believers who are not Fivefold Ministers or a part of the governmental presbytery of a church. Combined, these two components precisely convey the overall primary goal of the Nicolaitans, which was to conquer the laity.
What were their deeds: - They were the hierarchy of a ruling class over the rest of the people, developing a pecking order of fleshly leadership! The two words together especially means the destruction of the people and refers to the earliest form of what we call a priestly order or clergy which later in church history divided people allowing for fleshly leadership rather than those led by the spirit of the Lord. A good translation of Nicolaitan would be "those who prevail over the people or to conquer the laity”.
What was their doctrine:- The teaching of the Nicolaitans was the beginning of the concept that remains yet today in much of Christendom in which an elite class of professional clergy is set in as a hierarchical ecclesiastical government to in effect lord over the laity. The Nicolaitans taught and instituted a form of ecclesiastical hegemony (domination by force by one entity over another) based on a pyramiding, multilevel ascendancy structure comprised of priests, bishops, and cardinals, and so on, all of whom were under complete subjection to a singular religious potentate.
Why did Jesus hate them:- Because it is not the leadership God ordained. Jeremiah 3:15 says, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding”.
Nicolaitanism is the clerical system that flourished with the Roman papal hierarchy of priests and clergy lording over the flock, which was the basis of the Protestant Reformation. Protestant means to protest something.
According to Wikipedia The Council of Trent, held between 1545 and 1563 in Trent in northern Italy was the 19th ecumenical council of the Catholic Church. Prompted by the Protestant Reformation, it has been described as the embodiment of the Counter-Reformation. The Council issued condemnations of what it defined to be heresies committed by proponents of Protestantism, and also issued key statements and clarifications of the Church's doctrine and teachings, including scripture, the Biblical canon, sacred tradition, original sin, justification, salvation, the sacraments, the Mass, and the veneration of saints
The Council of Trent stated, "If anyone shall say that there is not in the Catholic Church a hierarchy established by the divine ordination, consisting of bishops, presbyters and ministers, let him be anathema”. Anathema is a formal curse by a pope or a council of the Church, excommunicating a person for denouncing a doctrine.
Now let me hit the 5-fold ministry which is Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher - true, but it is not the question of the ministries that is controversial but rather in the separation of them into a hierarchy. The 5-fold ministry is works not title or position, the work of an Apostle, the work of the Prophet, the work of the Evangelist, the work of the Pastor, and the work of the Teacher. When I was young in ministry and was going for my ordination, it was one of my role models Bishop John C. Pace who explained the work of the 5-fold ministry to me like this, The work of the Apostle is the thumb for it touches all the other ministry works, the prophet is the index finger because it points people to the right way, the work of the Evangelist is the middle finger because it is out in front of all the others working in the field, the Pastor is the ring finger because the work of the pastor has them married to the church, and the teacher is the pinky finger because it is picky over the small things.
Therefore the 5-fold ministry corrupt but the corruption and the spirit that was taken over by the Protestants with their own leadership roles and coverings causing separation and lording authority over the laity is evil. The Church of Ephesus was commended for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans. This separation is evil in God's sight, and He hates the lust for religious power over others. Matthew 20:26 says, “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister” – your servant.
UNDERSTAND:- There has been an ungodly spiritual authority in the Church throughout history, which is nothing more than the prideful spirit of control, manipulation, domination, and intimidation over the people of God and especially within the Black Church.
Ok Bishop how is the spirit of the Nicolaitans in the church today – especially the Black Church?
The spirit of the Nicolaitans: - The Nicolaitan heresy was virtually identical to what we do today, and it led then the church into the spiritual “black hole” of the Dark Ages. Sadly, unless we wake up from the spiritual slumber that we have been in for so long and go through the process of recovery and restoration we will suffer the Words of God Revelation 2:16 says, “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth”.
The spirit of the Nicolaitans happens today when we separate the so-called clergy from the laity. As I have already stated the 5-fold ministry is works not title or position. Especially the Black church has used these works and turned them into hierarchal positioning.
We have adopted the Catholic garb and use of colors to represent the distinction from the so-called common laity, the flock of God. We are the sheep He is the Shepherd. My sheep know my voice and another they will not follow.
The Black church says they are different because they have renamed it. It is now called Apostolic Order or Ecclesiastical Etiquette. However, when it separates the leaders form the people and holds them in some kind hierarchical system that demands praise, honor, and authority that is lorded over the people then it is the spirit of the Nicolaitans. Luke 22:25 - 26 says, “And he said (JESUS) unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve”.
I am talking about the spirit of the Nicolaitans when I say the spirit of the Nicolaitans or the spirit of Jezebel or a Python spirit it is talking about how something operates and the character of it.
WATCH THIS: - My wife and I have a little black and white shih tzu named Allie. A shih tzu is a hairy dog she has long black and white hair. Now if I cut all her hair off and start calling her mittens, she all the sudden is not going to start using a litter box and meowing – WHY – because her spirit and her character is a dog. Just because we change the name from Catholic Apparel or Catholicism to Apostolic Order or Ecclesiastical Etiquette does not change the spirit behind it or the character of it, it is still just a dog, and it will return unto its own vomit.
Does it look good, does it make it seem like everything is altogether nice, Yes it looks good, but Jesus himself said in Matthew 23:27 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness”. Matthew 23:5-6 says, “But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues”.
You will not find this happening with our Predominantly white brothers and sister like the United Pentecostal Church. I like the United Pentecostal Church and their (B.O.T.T.) Because Of The Times conventions. I have followed them for years and the way they worship and sing and preach does my soul good deep down within. But what you do not see is the superfluous fluff like robes, sashes, cassocks, collars, staffs, the 4-winged biretta that looks like a Chinese Take Out box on the head. You see unified people of God coming together in the beauty of Holiness giving God all the Glory, Honor, and Authority for he is the only one who is worthy to receive it.
The Black Apostolic Church must separate their leaders by rank and file, put on their superfluous fluff of so-called Ecclesiastical Attire, then stop the worship service, have the whole and lowly and now spiritually emasculated congregation stand as The Spirit of the Nicolaitans march down the isle in their Apostolic Oder Apparel honoring the fleshly impulses of men and women instead of worshipping God. That is the spirit of the Nicolaitans and that is what is wrong. I have been in the near most of my life and in the 56 years I have seen it and yes I at a time participated in it, but when God revealed to me what was actually being done and how He hates it, I had to repent I have to work out my own soul salvation.
Now someone may say well Jesus wore a robe it was made without seams. Yes, Jesus had a Tunic that was made without seams, it was a gift more than likely that someone gave him. Now this tunic is only mentioned in the book of John 19:23 says “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout”. Now that is another Bible Lesson, but I will say in order for Him to be crucified and pay the price of sin and death and redeem our sin sick lost souls He had to come out of that garment in-order to do the work He was sent to do.
Another way the Black Apostolic Church operates under the spirit of the Nicolaitans is in the Tithes and Offerings.
So many times, the people are made to feel like they are committing a sin and failing God if they do not pay tithes.
Tithes is not mentioned any place in the New Testament, the Apostles never taught on tithes. The spirit of the Nicolaitans in the church today has Offering Lines that separate the people and make them feel lower and unequal in the eyes of God. Malachi 3:10-11 says, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts”.
We have been made to feel like if we don’t pay tithes that God will not bless you and like hell hounds will be on our trail because we didn’t pay tithes. The purpose of tithes is not to receive a blessing, but that the store house my be full to be able to provide for those that are in need, not to make the preacher wealthy and live in a big house and have an airplane. I am going to steal this from my brother “You want a big house and a nice car, get a job, build your credit, pay your bills and you can have a nice car and a nice house too”.
Let me explain Offering Lines. An offering line is when they get ready to take up the offering and they come out of their mouths and say “I want all those who will give 200 dollars to stand in the middle of the isle hold your 200 dollar up high so I can see it and then they will work their way down to 100 dollars, 50 dollars until they get to the ones that can’t give that kind of money and say ok everyone else just give what you can.
That is the spirit of the Nicolaitans operating in the church because it separates the people, and it is not even Biblical. Matthew 6:3-4 says, “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly”.
The role of the Nicolaitans and the spiritual descent into apostasy portrays consequences that ensue when false teachers are not exposed and their false teaching dealt with before it is too late. It is for this very reason that the Word of God warns us in Galatians 5:9 “A little leaven leavens the whole lump”
It’s also the reason the Worf of God declares in 1 Corinthians 5:7,13,8 “Clean out the old leaven (false teaching), that you may be a new lump,” and “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves,” in order that we might “celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and TRUTH”
Sadly it is common among false religions, cults that their doctrines and practices are based upon the isms and schisms of vain, carnal-minded humanity that blindly invented deeds that became doctrines, dogmas, and practices that were infused into the fabric, foundation, and functions of the Black Church today. This we call tradition and so-often times are held in greater regard then the Word of God.
The Ephesian church was not taken in by the deeds of the Nicolaitans, however, not so with the church of Pergamum. Jesus condemned the Pergamum church because “some” among them apparently the leadership of the church practiced the deeds of the Nicolaitans and deceived by them. Revelation 2:15 says, “Thus you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching (doctrine) of the Nicolaitans”
The problem just boils down to fleshly leadership by prideful people who have either willingly or uninformedly manipulated, controlled and dominated the church and the people bringing it and them into the state it is now literally saturated it with the traditions of men and the doctrines of demons.
1 Timothy 3:1 says, “This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work”. Wanting to be a leader in the church is not wrong, but as the scripture says is a good work. It is not a title to be gained, a position to be held, or a garment to be worn that is the Nicolaitan spirit and it injures and alienates the same ones that the church was supposed to have served and ministered to all along.
When we have leadership in the church that does not consider the work it takes to keep it pure and Holy opens the door wide for pride to come in and corrupt it and leave the people in a state of confusion.
My warning to anyone in leadership and those that desire to be in leadership in the Church of God. Do not seek to promote yourself or your ministry but rather act with the leading of the Holy Spirit and allow others to do the same.
Understand when God is truly speaking and acting through you His sheep will hear His voice and they will not be bamboozled by some flashy garment.
Remember Jesus Christ is the only way, He is the only leader. Jesus has given us the responsibility to continue the work of the ministry and not to seek titles, exalt ourselves, lord it over others, act in pride, operate in the flesh or any such thing.
We must operate totally in the spirit of God and not the spirit of flesh (Nicolaitanism).
I will close with this thought:- The saints of the New Testament never confirmed or bestowed leadership, not once. In all cases, Jesus was the true leader and His true followers were given ministerial functions as servants in the church. Leadership may have been inferred through the authority that we have in Jesus such as the rulership mentioned by Paul, but never once was it ever referred to or conferred. There were no clergy as distinguished from laity. All the laos of Christ were God's lot, inheritance, or clergy. The elders and overseers among them were divinely inspired and endowed "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ." Too many in leadership positions in the church today are acting in the flesh according to the pride of their calling. It is important that we not step out of Gods will into any kind of presumption through leadership.
If we are to meet Jesus as His Bride, we need to have the mind of Christ and that we only want to follow Him.
The best that we can do to get others into the kingdom is to be an example unto them, Love them, and minister to them where they are spiritually, emotionally, and yes physically and above all point them to our leader Jesus Christ. The so-called Ecclesiastical apparel will never lead a lost soul to Christ regardless of how nice it may look.
Bishop Melvin L, Maughmer, Jr.
