THYATIRA TOLERANCE

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen

NOVEMBER 16?

Anybody here know the significance of November the 16th? In 1995, the United Nations declared what they called a year for tolerance, and they called on UNESCO to follow suit.

THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF TOLERANCE

So on November the 16th the entire world is called to celebrate what is called the International Day of Tolerance, as a way to provide awareness that we all ought to be tolerant of each other.

Tolerance is respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.

Now that sounds innocuous enough. It sounds harmless enough. Sounds like something we could all get behind, right? It might seem like something everyone would naturally aspire to. However, as the old saying wisely reminds us, "the devil is in the details."

Tolerance is respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.

When you read that statement, there's a tiny word that often goes unnoticed, glossed over, or not given the attention it truly deserves. Yet, it's the word upon which the entire concept hinges. That word is "acceptance."Tolerance once meant

recognizing other people's right to have different beliefs or practices

but now it means

accepting the differing views of other people.

Do you see the profound implications of that subtle shift? Under the old definition, two people disagreed without abandoning their position.

Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice

For example, I'm pro-life unashamedly pro-life. I respect the right of those who claim to be pro-choice. Here's the problem. If I don't accept your view as just as valid as my view, I am intolerant. And this leads to all kinds of designations such as bigot, narrow-minded, and judgmental. According to some in our government you are classified as dangerous.

Jesus will not tolerate the toleration of what should not be tolerated.

The aim of today’s text is teach us that Jesus will not tolerate the toleration of what should not be tolerated.

THE SEVEN

Two thousand years ago, Jesus, through the Apostle John, wrote seven letters addressed to seven churches, mainly located in what is now the country of Turkey.

THE SEVEN

What makes these letters relevant even today, after two millennia, is that what Jesus conveyed to those churches back then still holds significance for the church today. These letters can be likened to a heavenly audit, a divine assessment that encompassed both commendable aspects and areas that needed improvement.

THE SEVEN

It's essential to understand that when Jesus spoke to those congregations, He was addressing the very individuals who were sitting in the pews, much like you and me today. Therefore, the words of Jesus to the people in those ancient congregations are just as relevant and applicable to us as modern-day Christians.

THYATIRA

In the Book of Revelation, Christ's fourth letter is addressed to the church in Thyatira. Interestingly, this letter is the lengthiest among the seven letters to the churches of Asia, despite the fact that Thyatira was the least prominent of these seven cities.

THYATIRA

Situated approximately forty miles southeast of Pergamos, Thyatira had a population of no more than twenty-five thousand. While it may not have held much political or cultural significance, Thyatira was a thriving hub of commerce.

THYATIRA

Archaeological findings have revealed that Thyatira was home to numerous trade guilds, which were early forms of modern labor unions. These guilds were organized based on various trades, including bakers, bronze workers, cobblers, weavers, tanners, dyers, and potters.

THYATIRA

Joining one of these guilds was nearly essential for a tradesperson to succeed in Thyatira. However, becoming a member came with certain requirements—participants had to partake in pagan festivals.

THYATIRA

During these festivals, participants consumed food that had been dedicated to the gods and goddesses associated with their respective trades.

THYATIRA

To gain entry to a trade guild, individuals were obliged to worship the guild's patron deity by participating in sacrificial feasts and eating food dedicated to that god. Furthermore, these festivals often involved immoral practices and other forms of idol worship.

THYATIRA

Remarkably, within this primarily pagan city, famous for its trade guilds, a small Christian church was established by the will of God.

THYATIRA

The identity of the church's founder remains unknown. The only other mention of Thyatira in the Bible is found in Acts 16, where we learn about Lydia, a seller of purple goods, who was converted under the ministry of the Apostle Paul near a river in Philippi.

THYATIRA

Even before her conversion, Lydia was described as a devout Gentile who "worshipped God." It's worth noting that Lydia was originally from Thyatira (Acts 16:14–15).

THYATIRA

While historians have speculated that Lydia's influence may have played a role in the establishment of a church in Thyatira, there is no concrete evidence to confirm this theory.

THYATIRA

Now, if you were to visit the church in Thyatira 2000 years ago from an external perspective, you'd be impressed. You might say, "Wow, this church has it all together. They are making great strides and truly dedicated."

THYATIRA

This would be the type of church many would aspire to join. The issue, however, lay not in what was visible externally. The problem was deep-rooted within the church.

THYATIRA

You see, nobody understands the church better than Jesus Himself. Nobody comprehends Christians better than Him.

THYATIRA

Jesus possesses the ability to perceive what remains hidden to others. He discerns aspects of this church that are beyond our sight. You may ask, "How is Jesus described?" Well, let's delve into verse 18.

Revelation 2:18 ESV

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

Revelation 2:19 ESV

“ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.

Revelation 2:20 ESV

But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

Revelation 2:21 ESV

I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.

Revelation 2:22 ESV

Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works,

Revelation 2:23 ESV

and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.

Revelation 2:24 ESV

But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden.

Revelation 2:25 ESV

Only hold fast what you have until I come.

Revelation 2:26 ESV

The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,

Revelation 2:27 ESV

and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.

Revelation 2:28 ESV

And I will give him the morning star.

Revelation 2:29 ESV

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Revelation 2:18 ESV

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

THYATIRA

The Lord Jesus has eyes that can burn through every conceivable façade and defense that we can devise to hide our true selves from others, eyes that penetrate right into our hearts.

THYATIRA

When his eyes are upon you, He sees right through you. He knows all things; nothing in my life is shielded from His gaze, even those things that I hide from myself. Nothing is hidden from Him.Christ’s description of Himself to this church is full of authority.

THYATIRA

In the previous letters, Christ’s self-descriptions were beautiful pictures of Himself. He is the One who holds the seven stars (Rev. 2:1); He is the One who is the first and the last (v. 8); He is the One who has the sharp two-edged sword (v. 12).

THYATIRA

But here He describes Himself in terms of His absolute authority as “the Son of God” (v. 18). So these are the words of the very Son of God—that is, of Almighty God

How many people occupy your seat right now?

If I were to ask you, "How many people occupy your seat right now?" You might answer, "One person." But you'd be mistaken. There aren't just one, but three individuals sitting in your seat at this very moment. You may wonder,

Who are these three?

Well, here they are: there's the person you perceive yourself to be, there's the person others perceive you to be, and then there's the person that God knows you truly are. Yes, there are three distinct personas in your seat. Now, you might ask,

Why three?

The answer lies in the fact that only Jesus can see and understand the person you are in the eyes of God. In fact, Jesus himself acknowledged this truth in verse 23 when He said, "I am He who searches hearts and minds."

You see, you cannot conceal anything from Jesus because, in His presence, there are no secrets. Nothing remains hidden.

THYATIRA

Now, this realization may evoke a sense of unease, which is perfectly natural. It does the same for me. The truth is, Jesus sees our imperfections with crystal clarity and hears our innermost secrets with remarkable acuity.

THYATIRA

The church we are discussing today faced an internal issue, a spiritual ailment that, if left unaddressed, would ultimately consume it. The core of the problem lay in their failure to meet the test of tolerance.That was indeed the crux of the issue, the significant problem at hand.

THYATIRA

However, it's essential to grasp that failing the tolerance test, as seen through the eyes of God, doesn't align with the world's perspective. The world often states that if you are not tolerant, you fail the tolerance test.

THYATIRA

But the divine perspective differs. In God's eyes, failing the tolerance test occurs when you tolerate what should not be tolerated. That's the true measure of tolerance. If you start accepting what should be rejected, you are falling short of passing the test.

THYATIRA

This particular church was indeed tolerating something that should not have been tolerated. They were enduring what should have been firmly addressed and removed.

THYATIRA

Sadly, this is a predicament faced by many churches and Christians today. They believe they are broadening their horizons, but in reality, they are only compromising their convictions. Let that concept resonate for a moment.

THYATIRA

They were opting for compromise over unwavering conviction, choosing comfort over necessary confrontation, and prioritizing peace over steadfast principles.

THYATIRA

Now, let's explore the lessons we can glean from this church.

When you tolerate what is wrong, you inevitably contaminate what is right.

So today, let's delve into what Christ is saying to us so we can pass the tolerance test. There are three crucial aspects to consider.

THE LORD COMMENDS OUR SPIRITUAL HEALTH

First and foremost, the Lord commends spiritual health. This represents the positive aspect of this particular church.

THE LORD COMMENDS OUR SPIRITUAL HEALTH

Similar to a diligent physician conducting a thorough examination, Jesus, in His divine role, assesses not just for potential issues but also for what is right and commendable. When Jesus scrutinized this church, He found several aspects worthy of commendation.

THEIR ENGAGEMENT

For instance, in verse 19, Jesus acknowledges that this church was actively engaged. They were a congregation that was diligently at work. They weren't idle; they were actively involved in the ministry of the church.

THEIR ENGAGEMENT

They were committed to worship, discipleship, service, and outreach. They dedicated their time and talents to the service of the Lord, striving to make a difference in their community. They were genuinely living out their Christian faith.

Three types of churches.

There are churches that simply watch things happen, churches that merely hope things happen, and then there are churches that take action and make things happen.

This was a church that made things happen.They were actively working, ministering, and endeavoring to please God to the best of their abilities. However, as Jesus continued to observe, He noticed something else.

THEIR ENGAGEMENT

In verse 19, Jesus makes a remarkable statement: "I know your deeds. I know your love. And I know your faith." Among all the seven churches, this one in Thyatira stood out for their love.

THEIR ENGAGEMENT

Thyatira was strong where the church at Ephesus was weak. Ephesus lost their first love where Thyatira was flourishing. Thyatira was weak precisely where the Ephesians were strong. In their warmth and fervency and in their emphasis on Christian experience, the believers of Thyatira had lost their doctrinal moorings

THEIR ENGAGEMENT

Love naturally produces a desire to serve. When you love Jesus, you don't serve out of obligation; you serve out of a joyful willingness. One way to gauge a servant-like attitude is by observing how you respond when treated as a servant. This church exhibited a profound servant spirit.

THEIR ENDURANCE

Jesus also commends their endurance, noting that they were doing even more than they had in the past. They were fervently working, loving, giving, witnessing, praying, and growing. This church was on the move, advancing in their faith and ministry.

THEIR ENDURANCE

While everything seemed healthy from an external perspective, Jesus shifts our focus to what's inside. Here's a thought-provoking question for all Christians: Reflect on your life a year ago, three years ago, or even five years ago.

If we were to conduct a spiritual X-ray of your life, what would we find?

Are you loving Him more than before? Giving more? Serving more? Desiring Him more? God desires our spiritual growth before our ascension, and He wants us to grow bolder, not just older.

What lies within?

So, in many ways, the Thyatira church had all the check boxes marked. They were doing well externally, but the real question remains: What lies within?

THE LORD COMMANDS OUR PERSONAL HOLINESS

The second crucial aspect to note is that the Lord doesn't just commend our spiritual health; He also commands our personal holiness.

THE LORD COMMANDS OUR PERSONAL HOLINESS

As I read this letter, I imagine that, up to this point, the members of this church must have been quite pleased with themselves, thinking, "We're doing so well. How could there possibly be anything wrong with our church?"

THE LORD COMMANDS OUR PERSONAL HOLINESS

They might have even considered pausing to celebrate their success. However, their elation quickly shifted as they read the next words from Jesus, a dreaded phrase they'd encountered before. When you hear those words from Jesus, it's time to brace yourself. Here's what He said:

Revelation 2:20 ESV

But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

THE LORD COMMANDS OUR PERSONAL HOLINESS

In that moment, the atmosphere in the church likely changed. They turned to one another, wondering, "What could Jesus possibly have against us?" Then they read the next word, and I invite you to say it out loud with me: "Toleration."

THE LORD COMMANDS OUR PERSONAL HOLINESS

Yes, Jesus had an issue with a specific form of tolerance, and when you hear that, it's a wake-up call. Jesus had one significant grievance: they were tolerating someone named Jezebel, who was claiming to be a prophet.

THE LORD COMMANDS OUR PERSONAL HOLINESS

This was the problem, the failure of the tolerance test. They were tolerating what should not have been tolerated - false teaching, false doctrine, and false preaching, right in the heart of the church.

Who was this woman, Jezebel?

Before we proceed any further, it's essential to address a question: Who was this woman, Jezebel?

Who was this woman, Jezebel?

Well, evidently, she was a false teacher within the church who had managed to gather a following by presenting herself as a prophet. There has been some debate among biblical scholars regarding whether Jezebel was her real name, but that's not the crucial point here.

Who was this woman, Jezebel?

John's emphasis was that she resembled the Jezebel we find in the Old Testament. Now, let's briefly explore who the biblical Jezebel was.

Who was this woman, Jezebel?

She was a devoted worshiper of the Pagan god Baal, the god of fertility. King Ahab of the Jews, at that time, broke God's law by marrying her, despite her being a pagan with no allegiance to the true God.

Who was this woman, Jezebel?

Consequently, she became the influential queen, leading the nation toward idolatry and apostasy. Ahab even built an altar to Baal and financially supported 450 false prophets, spreading falsehoods and corrupting the people.

Who was this woman, Jezebel?

Fast forward 900 years, and John's revelation warns that a Jezebel-like figure has reemerged. She might not have been physically present, but her spirit was infecting the church. So, what was she teaching that was so concerning?

Who was this woman, Jezebel?

In verse 20, it's revealed that her teaching led God's servants astray into sexual immorality and the consumption of food sacrificed to idols. This was a dangerous deviation from God's truth.

Who was this woman, Jezebel?

Jezebel was promoting the idea that it's acceptable to worship other gods, advocating for religious tolerance, and suggesting that all paths lead to the same destination.

Who was this woman, Jezebel?

Furthermore, she was introducing sexual immorality into religious practices, effectively sanctioning fornication, adultery, and various sinful sexual behaviors.

Today’s Jezebel?

Now, let's bring this message into the 21st century. There are voices today that echo similar sentiments, claiming that the church has been wrong for centuries, particularly on issues like sexual ethics and religious exclusivity.

Today’s Jezebel?

These voices argue that society's newfound enlightenment should replace long-standing biblical principles.

Today’s Jezebel?

However, we must resist the temptation to adopt such thinking. We cannot waver in our commitment to the timeless truths found in God's Word. We must not buy into the lie that doubts the veracity of everything God has said.

Today’s Jezebel?

It's crucial to recognize that while we are called to be tolerant in certain areas, there are things we must remain intolerant of.

NO COMPROMISE

Consider this: We cannot stand for the truth on some issues, like sex abuse, racism, or child molestation, while simultaneously embracing compromise on other critical matters.

NO COMPROMISE

We must make a clear choice between standing on the unchanging Word of God or seeking approval from the ever-shifting currents of culture. There is no middle ground, no straddling the fence.

NO COMPROMISE

We are called to stand firm in our convictions, just as figures like Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King did in their time.

NO COMPROMISE

So, let it be known that we, as a church and as individuals, will choose to uphold the truth and stand against compromise. We will not compromise our convictions for the sake of cultural approval. We will stand on the rock of conviction rather than sinking into the sands of compromise.

MARCH 8, 2004

Allow me to illustrate this with a powerful example. On March 8, 2004, Gene Robinson was consecrated as the first openly gay Bishop in the Episcopal Church.

MARCH 8, 2004

This ordination sparked a major debate because the Episcopal Church had never before approved a gay person becoming a bishop. Amidst this controversy, the Episcopal Bishop of Virginia made a rather perplexing statement. He proclaimed,

"If you must make a choice between heresy and schism, always choose heresy."

What's striking is that this statement itself is heretical. It's crucial to remember that even Jesus, the gentle and loving Savior, declared,

Luke 12:51 ESV

Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

He drew a line in the sand, proclaiming that He would set family members against one another.

Why?

Because, as I've emphasized previously, it's better to be divided by the truth than to be united in error. The Episcopal Church, however, chose the opposite path, preferring unity in error over the truth.

A WORD FROM JESUS

Now, let's delve into what Jesus had to say to this tolerant church. Did He simply tell them, "You're all fine; just accept one another and let's all get along?" No, He didn't. Instead, He conveyed a powerful message:

Revelation 2:21 ESV

I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.

Revelation 2:22 ESV

Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works,

Revelation 2:23 ESV

and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.

I WILL GIVE TO EACH OF YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR WORKS

Yes, each of us individually will be held accountable for our deeds. If we compromise biblical conviction, if we tolerate what should not be tolerated, we will answer to Him.

I WILL GIVE TO EACH OF YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR WORKS

While salvation through Christ absolves us of judgment for our sins, we will still be judged according to our works. When we stand before God, He will examine our lives and ask whether we stood for Him, whether we tolerated what should never have been tolerated.

I WILL GIVE TO EACH OF YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR WORKS

Remember this: Preventing false teaching is far easier and wiser than trying to remove it once it has infiltrated. So, let us resolve never to tolerate what God Himself does not tolerate.

The Lord commands both spiritual health and personal holiness, and it's imperative that we heed His commands.

THE LORD CALLS FOR A BIBLICAL HEART

Now, let's wrap this up with a profound truth. The Lord calls for a biblical heart. What counsel does Jesus offer to the church? It's the same advice He gives to us today. He states,

Revelation 2:24 ESV

But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden.

Revelation 2:25 ESV

Only hold fast what you have until I come.

So, there were faithful individuals in the church who refused to compromise with false teaching, and Jesus tells them to stand firm. They are to hold on to the truth of God's Word until His return.

THE LORD CALLS FOR A BIBLICAL HEART

What do they have? They have the Word of God, the same thing we have today. Jesus is telling us, as your pastor, and telling all of us as a church to hold onto a biblical heart for biblical truth.

THE LORD CALLS FOR A BIBLICAL HEART

I want to emphasize something critical. There may be parts of the Bible you don't fully understand, passages that challenge you, or verses you wish weren't there. But remember, this book is a sword that can cut through any false teaching, a fire that can consume any error, and a hammer that can shatter any falsehood. With my last breath, I'll hold onto this book, never turning away from it.

THE LORD CALLS FOR A BIBLICAL HEART

Now, what does Jesus promise to those who are victorious, to those who refuse to compromise?

Revelation 2:26 ESV

The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,

Revelation 2:27 ESV

and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.

THE LORD CALLS FOR A BIBLICAL HEART

In other words, if we remain under the authority of the Word of God and the Son of God in this world, we'll have authority in the next. But we must be willing to be the last people standing, even if it means rejection by the culture.

We must have the resolve to hold fast to biblical truth, even in the face of cultural pressure.

We shouldn't merely respect other beliefs or accept everything without discernment. We should respect others while standing firm in our convictions based on God's Word.