The church of Christ

At Granby, MO

What do we Believe?

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.

 Text:  Revelation 2:18-29

 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

More on Revelation