The Letter to the Church at Thyatira
Lesson 7
Text:
Revelation 2:18-29
The Church at Thyatira
Introduction:
Thyatira was
city with a large military detachment about thirty miles southeast
of Pergamos. Thyatira was a trade center noted for the large number
of trade guilds (similar to unions). Cloth making, dyes, pottery,
and coppersmiths were some of the trades represented. Each guild
had its own idol which was worshipped and often had pagan feasts
associated with them. By their very nature, they were opposed to
Christianity.
Body:
I. The Son
of God Praises Them
(Verses
18-19)
-
The Son
described: His eyes are penetrating. (Zechariah
4:2, 10)
His eyes can see everywhere. Nothing escapes Him. Also, He is
strong and powerful and fully able to crush all those who oppose
Him. (Revelation
19:15)
-
The
Christians in Thyatira were busy doing the Lord’s work. Their
love had increased. (I
John 4:20)
The increased love had produced greater service. Their faith
had grown stronger; this had increased their steadfastness.
Note: (II
Thessalonians 1:3)
II.
Jezebel Condemned
(Verses
20-23)
-
This
Jezebel (probably a figure representing the evil Old Testament
Jezebel) taught and influenced some of these Christians to
commit fornication and eat things sacrificed to idols. She was
similar to those of
II Peter 2:18.
Anyone who teaches others to engage in immoral conduct is a
modern Jezebel – one under condemnation.
-
She was
given an opportunity to repent but had refused. God wants
everyone to repent. (II
Peter 3:9,
Romans 2:4-5)
-
Her bed of
pleasure would turn into a bed of pain – punishment. Repentance
was the only way out. (II
Corinthians 7:8-10)
-
God
possesses the ability to search the emotions, feelings,
attitudes, and thoughts of everyone. (Psalms
7:9)
-
All will be
judged according to their works. (Matthew
16:27)
III.
Christ Commends
(Verses
24-29)
-
To those
not seduced by Jezebel’s teaching (deep things of Satan), He
would not lay any other burden. They were to continue to hold
fast to their faith and keep doing what’s right. (Hebrews
10:35-39)
-
Promise is
given to the one who overcomes and conquers. The one who keeps
working to the end. (Hebrews
6:11-12)
-
Just as
Christ is reigning now, (I
Corinthians 15:25-26)
so Christians can share in that rule. (Romans
5:17,
Ephesians 2:6)
-
“Morning
star” – Christ is called this in
Revelation 22:16.
Some day those who overcome will have Him in the fullest way.
Conclusion:
The need to
remain faithful and keep on enduring cannot be overemphasized. God
knows who are His and promises them a great future. (Hebrews
6:10-12)
Bobby Stafford
