THE CHURCH THAT TOLERATED SIN
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THE CHURCH THAT TOLERATED SIN
THE CHURCH THAT TOLERATED SIN
18 “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.
19 “ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.
20 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.
21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.
22 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,
23 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.
24 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.
25 Only hold fast what you have until I come.
26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,
27 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.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 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.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
“Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira:
“The Son of God, the One whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze, says: I know your works—your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first. But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives My slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality. Look! I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her practices. I will kill her children with the plague. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who examines minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works. I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven’t known the deep things of Satan —as they say—I do not put any other burden on you. But hold on to what you have until I come. The one who is victorious and keeps My works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations—
and he will shepherd them with an iron scepter;
he will shatter them like pottery —
just as I have received this from My Father. I will also give him the morning star.
“Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.
22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.
23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you):
25 Only hold on to what you have until I come.
26 To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—
27 ‘He will rule them with an iron sceptre; he will dash them to pieces like pottery’— just as I have received authority from my Father.
28 I will also give him the morning star.
29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
rev 2:18-29
18 “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: “The Son of God, the One whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze, says:
19 I know your works—your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first.
20 But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives My slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols.
21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality.
22 Look! I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her practices.
23 I will kill her children with the plague. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who examines minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works.
24 I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven’t known the deep things of Satan —as they say—I do not put any other burden on you.
25 But hold on to what you have until I come.
26 The one who is victorious and keeps My works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations—
27 and he will shepherd them with an iron scepter; he will shatter them like pottery — just as I have received this from My Father.
28 I will also give him the morning star.
29 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 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.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:
19 “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
24 “Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.
25 But hold fast what you have till I come.
26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—
27 ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’— as I also have received from My Father;
28 and I will give him the morning star.
29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’
18 “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: “The Son of God, the One whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze, says:
19 I know your works—your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first.
20 But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives My slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols.
21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality.
22 Look! I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her practices.
23 I will kill her children with the plague. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who examines minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works.
24 I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven’t known the deep things of Satan —as they say—I do not put any other burden on you.
25 But hold on to what you have until I come.
26 The one who is victorious and keeps My works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations—
27 and he will shepherd them with an iron scepter; he will shatter them like pottery — just as I have received this from My Father.
28 I will also give him the morning star.
29 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:
19 “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
24 “Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.
25 But hold fast what you have till I come.
26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—
27 ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’— as I also have received from My Father;
28 and I will give him the morning star.
29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’
18 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Thyatira. This is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes are like flames of fire, whose feet are like polished bronze:
19 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.
20 “But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman—that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet—to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols.
21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to turn away from her immorality.
22 “Therefore, I will throw her on a bed of suffering, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer greatly unless they repent and turn away from her evil deeds.
23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve.
24 “But I also have a message for the rest of you in Thyatira who have not followed this false teaching (‘deeper truths,’ as they call them—depths of Satan, actually). I will ask nothing more of you
25 except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come.
26 To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, To them I will give authority over all the nations.
27 They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.
28 They will have the same authority I received from my Father, and I will also give them the morning star!
29 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.
18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.
22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.
23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you,
25 except to hold on to what you have until I come.’
26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—
27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received authority from my Father.
28 I will also give that one the morning star.
29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
“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.
“ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. 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. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 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, 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. 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. Only hold fast what you have until I come. The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 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. And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:
‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first.
‘But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
‘I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality.
‘Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds.
‘And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.
‘But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you.
‘Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.
‘He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations;
and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father;
and I will give him the morning star.
‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
18 “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: Thus says the Son of God, the one whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze:
19 I know your works—your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. I know that your last works are greater than the first.
20 But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols.
21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality.
22 Look, I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great affliction. Unless they repent of her works,
23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am the one who examines minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works.
24 I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven’t known “the so-called secrets of Satan”—as they say—I am not putting any other burden on you.
25 Only hold on to what you have until I come.
26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations—
27 and he will rule them with an iron scepter; he will shatter them like pottery—
28 just as I have received this from my Father. I will also give him the morning star.
29 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
18 “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: “The Son of God, the One whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze, says:
19 I know your works—your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first.
20 But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives My slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols.
21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality.
22 Look! I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her practices.
23 I will kill her children with the plague. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who examines minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works.
24 I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven’t known the deep things of Satan —as they say—I do not put any other burden on you.
25 But hold on to what you have until I come.
26 The one who is victorious and keeps My works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations—
27 and he will shepherd them with an iron scepter; he will shatter them like pottery — just as I have received this from My Father.
28 I will also give him the morning star.
29 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:
19 ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first.
20 ‘But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
21 ‘I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality.
22 ‘Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds.
23 ‘And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.
24 ‘But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you.
25 ‘Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.
26 ‘He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations;
27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father;
28 and I will give him the morning star.
29 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:
19 “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
24 “Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.
25 But hold fast what you have till I come.
26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—
27 ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’— as I also have received from My Father;
28 and I will give him the morning star.
29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’
Rev. 2:18-
Introduction:
Introduction:
Introduction:
The city of Thyatira was the smallest of the seven cities mentioned in the letters to the churches…but it’s to this little known church in a little known city that Jesus addresses His longest letter.
While not a lot is known about ancient Thyatira, some things are known and they are worthy of mention.
While not a lot is known about ancient Thyatira, some things are known and they are worthy of mention.
Thyatira was probably founded by Alexander the Great some 300 years before Christ.
1. Thyatira was probably founded by Alexander the Great some 300 years before Christ.
It was located some 40 miles south east of Pergamos, the capital city of that province.
2. The name Thyatira means “Unceasing Sacrifice”. It probably received this name because it was a military buffer city. It was located some 40 miles south east of Pergamos, the capital city of that province. When enemies invaded, they would naturally come to Thyatira first. While its location did not allow it to defend itself very well, its mission was to hold the enemy just long enough for Pergamos to prepare itself for battle. As a result, Thyatira was destroyed and rebuilt many times during its history.
It was somewhat famous in its day for commerce.
3. It was somewhat famous in its day for commerce. There was main trade route that went through the city. Thus, tradesmen from around the world bought and sold there.
There was main trade route that went through the city…So, tradesmen from around the world bought and sold there.
Thyatira was known for its woolen industry, especially for the dyes produced there.
4. Thyatira was known for its woolen industry, especially for the dyes produced there. They manufactured a very expensive purple dye that was valued by royalty and the wealthy of that era. This dye was obtained from a certain shellfish. This little creature was brought up by divers; its throat was slit open; and a single drop of this dye was obtained. That dye, coupled with the chemical composition of the water of Thyatira, made colors possible there that could not be reproduced anywhere else on earth. This industry is mentioned in the Bible. We are told about a woman named Lydia who is called “a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira…”, .
They manufactured a very expensive purple dye that was valued by royalty and the wealthy of that era.
This industry is mentioned in the Bible. We are told about a woman named Lydia who is called “a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira…” (
Thyatira was also known for its trade guilds.
5. Thyatira was also known for its trade guilds. These were like the ancient unions of the day. Workers from the various industries of the city, bakers, wool worker, dyers, bronze workers, potters, and others, all banded together to set prices, guarantee work. To refuse to join a guild was to give up all prospects of work. This little fact will become important as we move through these verses.
These were like the ancient unions of that day.
Workers from the various industries of the city, bakers, wool worker, dyers, bronze workers, potters, and others, all banded together to set prices to guarantee work.
Thyatira was also a center of occult worship.
There was a temple in the city dedicated to Apollo, the “sun god” which explains why Jesus introduced Himself as “the Son of God...”
It was to the church operating in this city that Jesus sends this letter.
It was to the church operating in this city that Jesus sends this letter. We do not know who founded this church. It is possible that the Gospel was brought to Thyatira was by Lydia who was saved in Philippi, . Or, as some think, it might have been evangelized by believers from Ephesus. There is one thing we know for sure. While the church in Thyatira might have been founded by a woman, it was certainly being confounded by a woman! There were serious problems in the church of Thyatira and the Lord comes with a word tailored just for them and their need.
We don’t know who founded this church.
It’s possible that the Gospel that was brought to Thyatira was by Lydia who was saved in Philippi, .
Or, as some think, it might have been evangelized by believers from Ephesus.
Before we begin to look at what Jesus said to the church, let’s first look at how Jesus describes Himself to the church in Thyatira.
I) THE CHRIST (v 18)
I) THE CHRIST (v 18)
18 “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: “The Son of God, the One whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze, says:
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
18 “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: “The Son of God, the One whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze, says:
18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:
18 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Thyatira. This is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes are like flames of fire, whose feet are like polished bronze:
18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
“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.
“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:
“Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira:
“The Son of God, the One whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze, says:
18 “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.
18 “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: Thus says the Son of God, the one whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze:
18 “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: “The Son of God, the One whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze, says:
18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:
18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:
Jesus comes to this church in verse 18 and presents Himself in three ways. He comes as:
Jesus comes to this church and presents Himself in three ways.
Jesus comes to this church in verse 18 and presents Himself in three ways. He comes as:
He comes as:
The Saving One – “The Son Of God”
He reminds these people that He is the Savior and that He alone is worthy of worship.
The phrase “Son of God” appears only here in Revelation & it reminds us of the deity of Jesus.
It reminds us that He & God are one…and that He has the same divine nature as God the Father.
The Searching One – “eyes like a flame of fire”
He comes as one Who sees all.
He sees the works of their hands and the motives and thoughts of their hearts.
He comes seeing all...Nothing is hidden or covered from Him.
He comes, not as the meek and lowly Jesus, but with His eyes ablaze with anger over sin.
He comes, not as the meek and lowly Jesus, but with His eyes ablaze with anger over sin.
The Sovereign One – “feet like fine brass”
Brass, or bronze, in the Bible is symbolic of judgment.
Jesus not only comes as One able to see all - He also comes as One able to judge all.
Jesus writes to this church in Thyatira & He lets them know that He isn’t coming to comfort them, but rather He’s coming to judge them for their sin.
NOTE: If there is one word that describes the situation we find at Thyatira it’s the word “compromise...”
NOTE: If there is one word that describes the situation we find at Thyatira it’s the word “compromise”.
This is a church that has left its founding principles and has gone off into compromise, corruption, and apostasy.
So, let’s examine these verses and consider The Church That Tolerated Sin.
II) THE COMMENDATION (19)
II) THE COMMENDATION (19)
“ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
rev
19 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.
19 I know your works—your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first.
19 “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first.
I know your works—your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first.
19 “ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.
19 I know your works—your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. I know that your last works are greater than the first.
19 I know your works—your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first.
19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
19 ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first.
19 “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
A. “I know your “works...”
This was an active church.
They were working within their own number and within the community around them.
Their ministry is noted by the words Jesus uses.
1. They Are Busy in the Work of God
This word means “deeds.”
The word “works & service” speaks of them as being active in good deeds and benevolent outreach.
This word speaks of them as being active in good deeds and benevolent outreach.
This church served others in the community.
They reached out to the young & the old.
They had programs to minister to all the different needs in their community.
They sacrificed their time & expended a lot of energy to minister to the needs of others.
This church wasn’t guilty of mere “religious activity.”
This church wasn’t guilty of mere “religious activity.”
In fact, Jesus commended b/c their works were increasing - “as for your works, the last are more than the first...”
They were developing and progressing in their works.
Their outreach and ministry to others was increasing.
The ministries in this church were growing & the church expanded by reaching more & more people.
2. They Are Motivated By Love
This word means “ministry.”
It’s the same work translated “Deacon” throughout the New Testament.
The word carries the idea of “those who kick up dust.”
In other words, they were so busy that they kicked up a cloud of dust as they went from task to task.
B. He Commends Their Motives
What was it that motivated these works?
What motivated them to do the things they were doing?
3. They Are Motivated By Love
This church is a loving church…They love God & they love others.
The word “love” is the word “agape.”
It refers to an “unconditional, unceasing love that knows no boundaries and that’s not influenced by the worth of the object being loved.”
It’s God’s kind of love.
NOTE: This church served people b/c they loved God but they also loved others unconditionally.
NOTE: The only real motive for good works is love.
Everything we do is to be done out of a heart of love or it’s worthless...
If I speak human or angelic languages
but do not have love,
I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy
and understand all mysteries
and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith
so that I can move mountains
but do not have love, I am nothing.
And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor,
and if I give my body in order to boast
but do not have love, I gain nothing.
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 If I speak human or angelic languages but do not have love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.
3 And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.
1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.
3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.
3 And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
. And, a love that won’t act is not genuine love at all, .
NOTE: If our motivation for serving is anything other than love for God & others - it’s sinful & it profits us nothing...
But I also want to add that a love that won’t act isn’t genuine love at all...
18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action.
1 John 3:18
18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
NOTE: Love is an action…Love doesn’t just talk, it acts…Love responds...
If we say that we love God but won’t respond in helping others, we don’t really love God as much as we say we do.
17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.
17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
17 If anyone has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need but closes his eyes to his need—how can God’s love reside in him?
18 Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action.
17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
17 If anyone has this world’s goods and sees a fellow believer in need but withholds compassion from him—how does God’s love reside in him?
18 Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.
1 John 3:17-18
If anyone has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need but closes his eyes to his need—how can God’s love reside in him?
Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action.
This church loved God & people & they demonstrated it through their actions…and the same should be true of us.
3. They Are Faithful
Jesus says He knows about their “faith/faithfulness.”
These were people that could be counted on to get the job done.
They were dependable, reliable, & consistent.
NOTE: Too many times there’s work to be done around the church but no one who wants to do that work...That wasn’t a problem in Thyatira.
There was work to do and plenty of people willing to do the work.
4. They are Steadfast
"you are now doing more than you did at first...”
When I say maturity, I’m not talking about spiritual growth…I’m talking about growth in the level of their works.
Jesus knew about their “patience.”
They were developing and progressing on their works.
Their outreach and ministry to others was increasing.
Iow’s, the people in this church didn’t give up or quit.
No matter what they faced or how difficult things got…they pressed on & endured.
They stuck with it no matter what it cost them.
The ministries in this church were growing & the church grew & expanded.
NOTE: What Jesus says about the church of Thyatira should be true of our church as well.
NOTE: What Jesus says about the church of Thyatira should be true of our church as well.
We should be a church that is busy for the glory of God.
We should be active in the Lord’s work.
We should be a church that loves God & loves people.
But before we move on, I want to remind you that God knows our works too.
Before we move on, I want to remind you that God knows our works too.
NOTE: He didn’t save us to be lazy Christians, but to be busy in His Kingdom work.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
10 For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
; .
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
.
There’s no room for laziness and slothfulness in God’s business!
There’s no room for laziness and slothfulness in God’s business!
III) THE CONFRONTATION (20-23)
III) THE CONFRONTATION (20-23)
20 ‘But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
21 ‘I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality.
22 ‘Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds.
23 ‘And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.
20 But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives My slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols.
21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality.
22 Look! I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her practices.
23 I will kill her children with the plague. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who examines minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works.
re
rev 2:20-23
20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.
22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.
23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.
22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.
23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
20 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.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
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. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 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, 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.
‘But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
‘I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality.
‘Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds.
‘And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.
But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives My slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality. Look! I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her practices. I will kill her children with the plague. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who examines minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works.
20 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.
21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.
22 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,
23 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.
This church appeared to be everything a church ought to be on the surface, but at its heart there was something wrong.
The church looked good on the outside, but it was corrupt at its core.
So Jesus confronts their sin.
A. He Confronts The Teacher Of This Church
The church in Thyatira was being led away from God by the teachings of an influential woman in their congregation.
Jesus exposes her, her teachings and her judgment in these verses.
This woman is called “Jezebel.”
She is called by the name of one of the most infamous women in the entire Bible.
A little background on the biblical Jezebel will help us to understand what this woman was doing in this church.
Jezebel was the wife of king Ahab, .
Her name means “chaste” but she was anything but that...She was the wicked daughter of a Gentile king.
She was a devoted worshiper of the god Baal and she had some 850 prophets of that wicked, sensual religion, .
Baal was a fertility god and his prophets and priests were no more than temple prostitutes...Baal was worshiped through vile sexual acts and gross wickedness.
When Jezebel came to Israel, she brought her perverted religion with her.
When Jezebel came to Israel, she brought her perverted religion with her. She led her weak-kneed husband to follow her gods and thus influenced Israel to seek Baal instead of Jehovah, . She even did her best to kill every true man of God she could get her hands on. She threatened old Elijah one time and he ran away in fear, .
She led her husband to follow her gods and thus influenced Israel to seek Baal instead of Jehovah, .
She even did her best to kill every true man of God she could get her hands on...She even threatened Elijah one time and he ran away in fear, .
Jezebel came to be identified with wickedness and idol worship.
You might remember the story of Ahab and his desire for Naboth’s vineyard, . It was Jezebel that arranged for the murder of Naboth so that Ahab could have the vineyard. This act prompted Elijah to pronounce God’s sentence upon Ahab and Jezebel, . He told Ahab that Jezebel would be eaten by the dogs, . This was literally fulfilled years later when Jehu commanded Jezebel’s servants to throw her down from a second floor window. They did and Jehu drove his chariot over her body. He went into the house, had a meal and commanded the servants to bury her. When they went out to retrieve her body, all that was left was her skull, her feet and the palms of her hands. The dogs had eaten the rest, .
Jezebel came to be identified with wickedness and idol worship.
1. v. 20 - Her Sin
This self-appointed prophetess, whoever she was, was guilty of leading the people away from the true worship of God.
Revelation (King James Version) E. The Message to Thyatira: The Church that Is Compromising or Permissive, 2:18–29
The church was tolerating false teaching, seduction, fornication, and idolatry. This is exactly what is said in the verse.
a. First, Jezebel, the false teacher, was actually teaching in the church. Contrary to Christ and the Word of God, the church was allowing her to spread her false teaching.
b. Second, Jezebel, the false teacher, was being allowed to seduce the Lord’s servants. She was arguing, presenting reasonable arguments, deceiving, misleading, and beguiling the servants and followers of the Lord. And the church was allowing it.
c. Third, Jezebel, the false teacher, was seducing the believers to commit fornication, that is, all manner of immoral acts.
Revelation (King James Version) E. The Message to Thyatira: The Church that Is Compromising or Permissive, 2:18–29
The church was tolerating false teaching, seduction, fornication, and idolatry. This is exactly what is said in the verse.
a. First, Jezebel, the false teacher, was actually teaching in the church. Contrary to Christ and the Word of God, the church was allowing her to spread her false teaching.
b. Second, Jezebel, the false teacher, was being allowed to seduce the Lord’s servants. She was arguing, presenting reasonable arguments, deceiving, misleading, and beguiling the servants and followers of the Lord. And the church was allowing it.
c. Third, Jezebel, the false teacher, was seducing the believers to commit fornication
This woman preacher may have been telling the people in this church that they could hold onto their pagan beliefs and practices and still serve the Lord...that they could sin and still be saved...
from meat sacrificed to idols, among other things. For more information concerning eating meat sacrificed to idols you can read .
This may have been the tool that church was using to get the pagans of Thyatira to come to their church.
So, the teaching at Thyatira may have been the same teaching that was rampant in that era. It may have been the idea that an individual could be saved by grace and indulge the fleshly appetite for sin. Some people held the view that the soul and the flesh were not connected. In other words, they taught that what a person did in their body had not effect on their spiritual life and vice versa. This teaching is addressed and countered in the Epistle of First John.
They were compromising their standards to attract the world.
This woman preacher may have been telling the people in this church that they could hold onto their pagan beliefs and practices and still serve the Lord; that they could sin and still be saved; that one thing had nothing to do with the other. This may have been the tool that church was using to get the pagans of Thyatira to come to their church. They were compromising their standards to attract the world. They were saying, “Oh, come as you are! Don’t change a thing. Keep living like you have always lived. We’ll accept you just like you are. God loves you and we do too. Neither He nor us expects you to change one thing.”
They were saying, “Come as you are! Don’t change a thing. Keep living like you have always lived. We’ll accept you just like you are. God loves you and we do too. Neither He nor us expects you to change one thing.”
NOTE: Whatever she was doing, she was leading the people of God astray.
The word “seduce” means “to lead out of the right path.”
She was leading them into immorality.
The word “fornication” (KJV) comes from the word “pornia.”
We get the word “pornography” from it.
It refers “to any sexual sin.”
The word literally means “to prostitute one’s body to the lusts of another.”
It can refer to sexual sin, or it can be used as a metaphor for idol worship.
Regardless of what they were doing, Jesus calls it “the deep things of Satan”, v. 24.
NOTE: The same teaching abounds in the modern church today.
Everywhere people who call themselves Christians claim they can have a relationship with God on the one hand and live lives of open sin on the other.
Homosexuals, pornographers, drug abusers, drunkards, adherents to false religions, etc. all claim to be saved and still able to do as they please.
NOTE: But that’s not what the bible teaches...
17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
Therefore, come out from among them
and be separate, says the Lord;
do not touch any unclean thing,
and I will welcome you.
“Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord.
“And do not touch what is unclean;
And I will welcome you.
Therefore go out from their midst,
and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch no unclean thing;
then I will welcome you,
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
The bible tells us to separate ourselves from that kind of lifestyle...
Jesus told His people to separate from that kind of lifestyle...
17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”
2 cor
17 Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
17 Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you.
17 “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you.
Somebody is a liar! The Lord told His people to separate from that kind of lifestyle, . He told us that His people received a new birth, . And, that they became new creatures, . The Bible tells us that anyone who lives a lifestyle of committed, continual, unrepentant sin is lost, . We have liberty as Christians, but our liberty is not a license to sin!)
. He told us that His people received a new birth, . And, that they became new creatures, . The Bible tells us that anyone who lives a lifestyle of committed, continual, unrepentant sin is lost, . We have liberty as Christians, but our liberty is not a license to sin!)
Jesus said, His people received a new birth, .
And, that they became new creatures, .
The Bible tells us that anyone who lives a lifestyle of committed, continual, unrepentant sin is lost.
8 He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
9 No-one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.
10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
8 The one who commits sin is of the Devil, for the Devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the Devil’s works.
9 Everyone who has been born of God does not sin, because His seed remains in him; he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God.
10 This is how God’s children—and the Devil’s children—are made evident. Whoever does not do what is right is not of God, especially the one who does not love his brother.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.
No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.
18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.
8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.
10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.
No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
We know that everyone who has been born of God does not sin, but the One who is born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.
1 jhn 5:18
18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.
9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.
10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.
NOTE: We have liberty as Christians, but our liberty is not a license to sin!
We have liberty as Christians, but our liberty is not a license to sin!)
2. v. 21 - Her Stubbornness
The Lord had given this woman and her followers time to turn from their sins, but they refused to do so.
Now, His patience has run out and she is going to face judgment.
NOTE: Our God is a patient, loving God!
He gives lost sinners and wayward believers opportunity on top of opportunity to get right with Him.
But when they refuse, they can expect nothing less than His judgment.
He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
1 Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
.
1 A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
A man who hardens his neck after much reproof
Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands will be shattered instantly— beyond recovery.
3. v. 22-23 - Her Judgment
Because of what she has done, she and all her followers will face God’s wrath.
By using the phrase “cast…her into great tribulation” (KJV) He is telling us that these people are not saved.
But, notice the grace in His judgment: He’s still giving them time to repent!
And if they refuse, they will be judged “according to their works.”
Salvation is always based on God’s grace; judgment comes based on man’s works.
NOTE: We must not deceive ourselves. People who will not bow to Jesus Christ, trust Him for salvation and demonstrate that salvation through a changed, dedicated life are people who have never been saved! They abide under the wrath of God and will be judged by Him according to their works, .
If you have never rusted Jesus as your personal Savior, let me challenge you to come to God while there is still time. One day, the patience of God will reach an end and nothing will remain but death, judgment and Hell!
Did you notice the reference to “her children” in verse 23? The young people are the ones who suffer the most when there is compromise and hypocrisy in the church. They see the inconsistency and they turn their backs on God and stumble off blindly toward Hell.
B. v. 20 - He Confronts The Tolerance Of This Church
Jesus expresses displeasure with this church because they allowed this woman to be in a position of leadership and because they tolerated the lies she was teaching for truth.
God is displeased that they would allow things of that nature to go on there.
NOTE: They were probably like many in our day.
They might have said, “Well, I don’t agree with it, but we shouldn’t say anything because we might hurt their feelings.”
Some folks need their feelings hurt!
When false doctrine is being preached in the church, those who know the truth have a duty to stand up and do something about it!
When we sit back and allow that kind of wickedness to go unchecked, we invite the judgment of God!
NOTE: Some churches pride themselves on their tolerance.
But I think God still expects His people to be different from the world around them.
When we do like Thyatira and compromise our standards to appeal to the world, we are turning our backs on truth.
When we open the door to let the world come in, do not be surprised if the Lord walks out!
C. v. 23b - He Confronts The Testimony Of This Church
Jesus tells this church that He would use them as an example to teach other churches what happens when truth is compromised.
The church in Thyatira had been established to bring the word of God to a pagan city.
They functioned well for a while but then they abandoned the right path…and now they are going to pay a price for their sin.
NOTE: The Lord will not tolerate sin in the church when it is allowed to flourish.
reminds us that judgment must begin at the house of God.
In other words, when there is sin in the camp, the Lord will deal with it.
He will remove His presence, His power and His touch off the wayward congregation.
He will write Ichabod over the door and watch us dwindle away to nothing...That is the price for compromise.
IV) THE COMFORT (24-29)
IV) THE COMFORT (24-29)
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you,
25 except to hold on to what you have until I come.’
26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—
27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received authority from my Father.
28 I will also give that one the morning star.
29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
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. Only hold fast what you have until I come. The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 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. And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
‘But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you.
‘Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.
‘He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations;
and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father;
and I will give him the morning star.
‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
24 I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven’t known the deep things of Satan —as they say—I do not put any other burden on you.
25 But hold on to what you have until I come.
26 The one who is victorious and keeps My works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations—
27 and he will shepherd them with an iron scepter; he will shatter them like pottery — just as I have received this from My Father.
28 I will also give him the morning star.
29 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
24 “Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.
25 But hold fast what you have till I come.
26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—
27 ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’— as I also have received from My Father;
28 and I will give him the morning star.
29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’
Not everyone in Thyatira had walked away from the Lord.
Not everyone in Thyatira had walked away from the Lord. Even in that tolerant, compromising, sinful church there was a faithful remnant. The Lord has a few words of hope and comfort for them as they struggled to walk holy in an unholy congregation.
Even in that tolerant, compromising, sinful church there was a faithful remnant.
The Lord has some words of hope and comfort for them as they struggled to walk holy in an unholy congregation.
A. v. 24-25 - He Comforts Them Concerning Their Duty
He tells them that all He expects from them is that they stay the course.
He wants them to avoid being sucked into the vortex of evil that is swirling there in Thyatira.
NOTE: That is His will for us in these confusing days as well.
He wants us to stay the course for the glory of God.
Just because others around us may be taking a new path doesn’t mean that we have to.
We can stand our ground and be faithful until death or the rapture takes us away.
B. v. 26-27 - He Comforts Them Concerning Their Destiny
Jesus promises them that if they will remain faithful to Him, they will rule with Him when He comes in His kingdom.
He seems to be saying, “You are powerless to change your situation now, but the day is coming when I will put My power into your hands. You will reign with Me and your struggle for holiness will be worth it all in the end.”
NOTE: If you are going to be a holy, godly Christian in these days, you might as well get ready to be hated, misunderstood and persecuted...But, this isn’t the end.
One day, the King is coming & when He does, He’s going to let His faithful servants reign with Him.
The worldly, compromising churches might be the ones with all the people, all the power and all the prestige...But, when the King comes, those who have served Him faithfully now will reign with Him then!
It will be worth it all when that day comes!
C. v. 28 - He Comforts Them Concerning Their Deliverance
Jesus promises these faithful believers “the morning star...”
There is much debate among biblical scholars as to what He is talking about here.
But I believe that He is promising them Himself...After all, He is the “bright and morning star”, .
NOTE: The hearer & overcomer will receive Jesus Himself forever & ever…never to be away from Him again.
Folks, that is His promise to us as well! This dark night we are in right now will not last forever. The Lord is coming! The signs are visible all around us. Symbolically, the morning star has appeared, and it signals the approach of a new day. He is coming and we are going! So, hang on a just little longer!
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
I don’t think JCOG is anything like the church in Thyatira.
However, I do think that Satan would love nothing better than to slither his way into our fellowship and cause us to abandon the truth of God.
NOTE: We must be awake & alert in these last days...
Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
We must watch and work against his tactics at every turn.
But we must look not only at the church as a whole, but at our own individual hearts.
We can’t tolerate sin & compromise our beliefs.
We must stand for truth & guard ourselves against false teaching...or we could fall away & commit apostasy.
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,
This verse describes the church at Thyatira but it also describes what’s happening right now in churches throughout the world.
Isn’t it true that sin comes in not in great numbers, but when we as individual believer allow Satan a stronghold in our lives? Has the Lord touched your heart through this message?
Has the Lord touched your heart through this message?
Let’s pray!!!
If He has called you to come before Him to deal with your sins, you come. If He impresses you to pray for this church and other churches that are holding out against the rising tide of compromise, you come. Will you obey His voice as He speaks to your heart?