2-10-2019 Just Jezebelling Revelation 2:18-29
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Introduction:
Over 200 years ago in a manufacturing town of Scotland, a young lady applied to the superintendent of a Sunday School for a class. At his suggestion she gathered a class of poor boys. The superintendent told them to come to his house during the week, and he would get them each a new suit of clothes. They came and were nicely outfitted.
The worst and most unpromising boy in the class was Bob. After two or three Sundays he went missing, and the teacher went hunting for him. She found him and his new clothes torn and dirty, but she invited him back to the school, and he came back.
The superintendent gave him a second new suit, but, after attending once or twice, Robert again was absent. Once more she sought him out, only to find that the second suit had the fate of the first.
"I am utterly discouraged about Bob," she said, when she reported back to the superintendent, "and must give him up."
"Please don't do that," the superintendent answered; "I cannot but hope there is something good in Bob. Try him once more. I'll give him a third suit if he'll promise to attend regularly."
Bob did promise and received his third new suit. He attended regularly after that, and got interested in the school. He became an earnest and persevering seeker after Jesus. He found Jesus. He joined the church. He was made a teacher. And he studied for the ministry.
The end of this story is that this discouraged boy—that forlorn, ragged, runaway Bob—became the Rev. Robert Morrison, the great missionary to China; the same Robert Morrison who translated the Bible into the Chinese language, and by so doing opened the true faith to the millions of that large country. —Church of Scotland's Children's Review.
Perseverance is the key
Transition:
We’ve covered significant ground already in chapter 2:
Ephesus, you might recall was busy working for the Lord, sincere devotion while trading in sincere love for Him. Programs in the church without passion. This is the church with the truest doctrines, but it is also the church where business and busyness took them away from heartfelt devotion to Christ.
Next was Smyrna. This church had no apparent rebuke from the Lord, but danger is still warned. This was a very poor and suffering church amid a wealthy town. It would have been easy for them to compromise, become rich, and escape persecution. How discouraged they might have been because they were not as “rich” as the Laodicean church.
Then last week, Pergamum. This church had members who held the false doctrine that it was easy to profess Christ while living in sin at the same time. Jesus called their teachings doctrines of Balaam & Balak due to the compromise of YHWH’s Word tolerated. Jesus also said some of these church members were of the Nicolaitan variety—meaning more compromise.
Today, the church of Thyatira to conclude chapter 2:
Scripture Reading:
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.’
Thyatira was an ancient center for manufacturing. The somewhat smaller city had many trade guilds for commerce such as cloth making, cloth dyeing, leatherworking, bronzeworking, and pottery making. You might recall that Lydia, Paul’s first convert in Philippi, was a "seller of purple goods” from Thyatira (Acts 16:14).
But now, the eyes of fire and feet of brass has come to see and to judge the church here, but this wicked church will not repent despite a patient judge. The church had works, service, and even patience of their own, but it was filled with sin. And it is here that we have the mention of Jezebel, the only woman mentioned in the seven letters, as referring to the wicked Queen Jezebel, the wife of Ahab. The Jezebel from the O.T. was a now infamous heathen woman, daughter of a priest of Baal; and she promoted Baal worship in Israel. She was guilty of whoredom and witchcraft (2 Kings 9:22) as well as idolatry, murder, deceit, and as some call it - priestcraft. And the church was following after her example and leadership!
Transition:
Like with previous weeks, we will start by look first at the cure, Christ!
I. The Proficiency of Christ (vv.18-19)
I. The Proficiency of Christ (vv.18-19)
Again, just the description of Christ cues us to the answer for this church.
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.
The city was not important as a center for any temples to particular gods, although Apollo was worshiped as a guardian of the city. Much like Pergamum, this was combined with the required worship of the emperor, considered an incarnation of Apollo and thus a son of Zeus himself. And beside Apollo, each guild had its own patron deity with its own related festivals.
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.
“Son of God”
Christ’s description of himself as the speaker to this church is that He is the Son of God. This sets him against Apollo and the emperor, who were said to be sons of the chief god, Zeus. This title “Son of God” is used nowhere else in Revelation. This Son of God has eyes like flames of fire and feet like polished bronze (see 1:14–15; see also Daniel 10:6). The blazing eyes indicate the penetrating power of his vision; the feet of bronze indicate strength for executing judgment.
19 “ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.
The believers in Thyatira were commended for their good deeds. Christ sees all good deeds. He knew of the believers’ love for one another, their faithfulness to Him, their service, and their patient endurance. Christ was pleased in all these good things that this congregation had right.
Transition:
Before we look and dwell on the problems of this church, or even our own church, we ought to recognize first that there are things that this church did that pleased God; yet there were things this church did that brought Jesus’ condemnation.
II. The Problem at Church (vv.20-23)
II. The Problem at Church (vv.20-23)
There was this one women, you know, in that church...
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.
In this case, the problem was a woman from among the believers, who claimed to have the gift of prophecy. She may indeed have had impressive unusual gifts, but she was using her influence, her manipulation, to teach what was wrong, misleading the believers. She was a con-artist. Like Balaam, she was leading the people into worship of idols and sexual sin, probably by teaching that immorality was not a serious matter for believers. Her name may have actually been Jezebel, or Jesus may have used the name Jezebel to symbolize the same evil she was promoting. Jezebel, a pagan Philistine queen of Israel, was considered the most evil woman who ever lived. She had led Israel’s king, Ahab, into Baal worship and eventually had spread that idolatry throughout all of Israel. “Jezebel” was being tolerated in the Thyatiran church—perhaps her manner was so manipulative and persuasive that many did not notice, or perhaps no one realized the severe danger into which she was placing the entire church.
Thyatira’s church had the opposite problem that Ephesus had. Whereas the Ephesian church had been good at dealing with false teachers but had lacked love, the church in Thyatira had lots of love but had become tolerant of false teachers. And, as was with Pergamum, the church in Thyatira was tolerating false teaching that was attempting to compromise with the pagan society. She gave them a license to sin.
Most of the people in the city belonged to various guilds. These guilds (such as potters, tentmakers, etc.) each had an area in the city and a guild hall, which functioned as a center for the guild’s religious and civic activities. Usually the guild would hold a banquet at the hall once a week, and these banquets would often be centered on idolatry—featuring meat sacrificed to idols and, most likely, some form of sexual activity. Jezebel was probably encouraging the working believers, themselves, to continue to take part in their guilds’ activities as their civic duty. A refusal to join the guilds and take part in their activities could mean a loss of a job. Jezebel suggested a way of compromise. Christ was not pleased with this woman’s teaching or with the fact that the church tolerated her.
I feel that this could speak to those today that call themselves Christian but let their jobs crowd out church. “I would go to church, but I work on Sundays” or “Sunday is my only day off, God wants me to rest right?” Maybe no fornication is taking place but there is certainly compromise and a loss of discernment.
21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.
The tragedy is that she would not repent, even though God gave her the opportunity.
When we allow false teaching, we are playing with fire. As in the case of the Corinthian congregation, where those claiming superspirituality were causing much of the trouble, false teaching within the church often comes from those who are attracted to a secretive, deeper kind of religious experience. This passage presents an opportunity to warn people about the widespread influence of false teaching in today’s religious environment and to caution them against trusting in anything other than Jesus Christ and his gospel. Jesus assures us that we will be able to recognize false teachers by the fruit (or works) of their lives (Matt. 7:15–20). In the strongest possible terms, he also pronounces judgment on Jezebel and her dedicated followers who refuse to repent.
God in his mercy had given Jezebel time to repent of her wicked ways, but she would not turn away from her immorality. Consequently, YHWH was going to punish her with sickness and suffering.
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,
“I will throw her on a bed of sickness” This is sarcasm related to her bed of adultery (teachings about immorality). The reference to those who commit adultery with her may refer to both involvement in sexual immorality and in idolatry by way of her teaching. Those involved would also be punished unless they turned away from all their evil deeds.
A couple of cautions are in order when dealing with this topic. First, there is nothing in the text that says Jezebel was a false teacher because she was a woman. We must be careful about blaming the heresy on Jezebel’s gender. Rather, it was her deceitful teaching itself that merited comparison with one of the Old Testament’s most wicked characters. Both the Old and New Testaments, on the other hand, affirm women prophets (Exod. 15:20 Mariam; Judg. 4:4–5 Deborah; 2 Kings 22:13–20 Huldah; NT Luke 2:36–38 Anna; Acts 2:17–18; 21:9; 1 Cor. 11:5).
Second, we need to be clear about the three groups being addressed in this message so as not to confuse what Jesus is saying. For example, those who are wrestling with the false teaching but have not totally succumbed are warned to repent, or they too can expect to suffer intensely. Those who are struggling the most and considering repentance don’t need to be made to feel that it is too late.
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,
“unless they repent of her deeds” This is a THIRD CLASS CONDITIONAL which referred to potential future action but with an element of contingency. IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO REPENT! but one day it will be.
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.
The phrase I will strike her children dead most likely refers to Jezebel’s followers, her spiritual “children,” those whom she had convinced to compromise with the pagan world. YHWH wanted the church to deal with Jezebel. This judgment would be an example so that all the churches would know that YHWH sees every person.
Jesus makes a statement in this message that relates to all the churches:
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.
“all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds”
No matter how a person appears on the outside, God alone knows what is going on in that person’s heart. No one can hide from Christ; he knows what is in every person’s heart and mind. Those who work against Christ will be found out and will receive whatever they deserve.
“and I will give to each of you according to your works”
John seems to be alluding to Jeremiah 17:10: “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Actually, the theme of judgment according to works or deeds appears throughout the New Testament. Jesus clearly teaches such in Matthew, as does Paul in Romans; 1 Cor & 2 Cor. Even Peter in his first epistle, and now John.
The term “judgment” does not necessarily mean something negative, especially when referring to God’s people. To judge could also mean to repay or reward for a life of faithfulness. A person’s motives and beliefs (“hearts and minds”) will eventually show up in how they act. Salvation by grace through faith results in good works. As a result, a person’s deeds are evidences of the reality of a personal, living faith.
Illustration:
John Stott puts it this way: “Deeds or works are never the ground or means of salvation, but they are the necessary evidence of it, and therefore they constitute an excellent basis for judgment.”
This biblical truth brings both assurance and accountability to the believer. It is Judgment according to Deeds
Transition:
Now, for something more positive:
III. The Power of Restoration (vv.24-25)
III. The Power of Restoration (vv.24-25)
Not everyone was deceived though...
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.
Many in the church in Thyatira had not followed Jezebel and had seen through her deception. After the church would repent and get rid of Jezebel and her false teaching, Christ would not place any other responsibilities on them other than simply to hold tightly to what they had until His return. All they needed was their pure faith.
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.
“the deep things of Satan” There are several theories relating to this phrase. It could refer
1) to a catch-phrase of Jezebel and her followers;
2) to the gnostic [explain what gnostic is] false teachers’ emphasis on knowledge;
3) to the initiation rites of the mystery religions of the Roman Empire; or
4) in a linguistic, antithetical way, to “the deep things of God”.
This teaching of deeper truths probably involved so-called secret insights that were guaranteed to promote deeper spiritual life. Jezebel may have considered her insights to be deeper knowledge of God, but Christ explained that these “truths” were really the teachings of Satan.
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.
“I do not lay any other burden” This is an affirmation of the true believers in the city of Thyatira. They had an active, aggressive faith (cf. v. 19). This is proof that we believers can still live lives pleasing to God in spite of a demonic neighborhood
In other words, Jesus is saying “Stick to the routine--Remember the fundamentals”
Bible: The apostle Paul constantly reminded his disciples to stick with the fundamental message he had taught them. One good example comes in Acts 20:17–38, when Paul says good-bye to the Ephesian elders just before heading toward Jerusalem, where persecution awaits—He tells them to stick with what they know and to remember the words of Jesus—remember Jesus!
SO Jesus says:
25 Only hold fast what you have until I come.
Christ’s followers must persevere (cf. v. 20) amidst persecution, heresy and apathy. This is a command (AORIST ACTIVE IMPERATIVE). Jesus is on His way; He is coming soon. This is the hope and encouragement of every generation of Christians.
So What? (vv.26-29)
So What? (vv.26-29)
Christ says that those who are victorious over Jezebel and who obey to the very end will rule over Christ’s enemies and reign with him as he judges evil.
26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,
The promised authority over all the nations fulfills Psalm 2, a messianic psalm describing how God will hand the nations of the world over to Christ (Psalm 2:8–9). Jesus now applies this psalm to us by showing that the future reign of the Messiah will be shared with those who remain faithful.
“nations” The use of this term from the OT implies that it refers to those outside the covenant of YHWH. It becomes a way of referring to godless, wicked peoples.
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.
The iron rod and smashed clay pots symbolize total judgment.
This warning is to the cults. Us believers ought never take lightly heresy, because heresy will destroy people for eternity. Those who stay true, however, will rule with Christ.
This promise must have been a great encouragement to the believers in Thyatira who were facing difficulties because of their faith in Christ.
Jesus is the Messianic king. His kingdom is coming in power and consummation. It will be worth it all when His followers see Him!
Those who are victorious in Thyatira were promised the same authority that Christ had received from the Father; they would also receive the morning star.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
Great! What is the morning star?
There have been several possible interpretations of this phrase:
it referred to a metaphor for Christ
it referred to intimate knowledge and fellowship with Christ (cf. 2 Pet. 1:19);
19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,
it referred to resurrection (cf. Dan. 12:3;
3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
it referred to the powerful, militaristic Messiah mentioned in Num. 24:17;
17 I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.
it referred to the joy of God’s people (Job 38:7); or
7 when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
it referred to a phrase used of Satan in Isa. 14:12
12 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!
but now in Revelation 2 it is for Christ.
The first interpretation makes the most sense due to how John uses it in chapter 22 Rev. 22:16
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
It is Jesus!
29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
Conclusion:
The conclusion that marks each of these messages to the churches implores everyone to listen and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches. All these letters would be read to all the churches. The message included in each letter was for more than just the church to whom it had been written. The others churches should listen and hear, as should churches of the present day. We, too, are called to listen and understand what the Spirit is saying to us.
We should play to the only audience that really matters. The pressure on believers in Thyatira came primarily from the business environment. There are many parallels with our contemporary culture, where Christians are tempted to compromise in order to fit in with a materialistic culture. At the heart of this temptation often lies the desire to be socially accepted by pleasing the right people. This presents a choice about which audience matters most: powerful people who claim to guarantee our financial security or Jesus Christ? This is why this message stresses the uniqueness of Jesus as the Son of God and Judge. He is the only one who knows us completely and is able to give us lasting rewards.
Sometimes what God expects of us is to keep doing what we’ve been doing. Since we’ve been deeply influenced by the notion of progress, we sometimes assume that we need to be doing new and different things to please God. But often what God expects is for us to hang in there by doing what we’re already doing. The four character qualities mentioned in 2:19—love and faith, service and perseverance—are central to the Christian faith. There is no need to move away from what is central even when it doesn’t seem novel or cutting edge.
It is never too late for a church to repent and return to the Lord, but we must beware lest we miss our God-given opportunities.