The Seven Churches of Asia Thyatira Revelation 2:18-29 NT Church 2017-18

Letters to the churches 7 letters to 7 congregations – symbolic of the church as a whole. Common conditions found in every church Thus we can ask, “How does this apply to us? Thyatira

Letters to the churches Ephesus – Left their first love Smyrna – Persecuted (poor-rich) Thyatira – Compromise (tolerating) Pergamos – Corrupt (immorality) Sardis – Dead (or dying) Philadelphia – An open door Laodicea – lukewarm (rich-poor) Thyatira

Located 40 miles east, southeast of Pergamos. The city of Thyatira Located 40 miles east, southeast of Pergamos. A small city and politically least important of the 7 cities. Main purpose was as an outpost for Pergamos in case of invasion Known for its purple dye – Acts 16:14 - Lydia Thyatira

The city of Thyatira A city with many trade guilds – dyes, wool, leather, bronze, pottery, etc. Idolatry – temples to Apollo, Artemis, Askeplios and a shrine to Sambethe – an oriental spiritual (Sybil) Trade guilds had their patron gods to which one would need to pay tribute to work. Christians might suffer for refusing to participate. Thyatira

Oft used description of Jesus Matthew 8:29, 14:33, John 20:31 The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Christ identified The Son of God 2:18 Oft used description of Jesus Matthew 8:29, 14:33, John 20:31 Thyatira Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

Eyes like flames of fire 2:18, 1:14 The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Christ identified Eyes like flames of fire 2:18, 1:14 He sees all and pierces through with his eyes Proverbs 5:21, 15:3 Hebrews 4:13 Thyatira Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

Firmly established and strength The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Christ identified Feet of fine brass 2:18, 1:15 Firmly established and strength Thyatira Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Their strengths “I know your works” Your love – Christian love for one another and for the Lord. They cared Your service – ministering. They were generous and helped each other and others Thyatira

The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Their strengths Faith – or faithfulness. They believed and trusted – Hebrews 11:6 Patience – longsuffering, steadfast endurance. The power to withstand hardships or stress As for works, the last are more than the first - growing Thyatira

The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Their Condemnations You allow that woman Jezebel – wife of Ahab, a Sidonian who helped turn Israel to the Baals Persecuted God’s prophets including Elijah. Had Naboth murdered, etc. 1 Kings 21:25 Thyatira

The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Their Condemnations Who calls herself a prophetess – She professed to be a prophet of God, yet she taught things clearly contradictory to His will 1 John 4:1, cf. Deuteronomy 18:22, 13:1-5 Thyatira

The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Their Condemnations To teach and seduce My servants to commit fornication and eat things offered to idols – possibly for the sake of maintaining their jobs or harmony within the community And the congregation ALLOWED her to teach and seduce Thyatira

The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Their Condemnations I gave her time to repent – the Lord gives us time 2 Peter 3:9 But she had not! There is a time for patience while we teach and try to correct someone in error. Give them adequate time! We are NOT God! BUT this cannot be forever – Romans 16:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Thyatira

The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Their Condemnations Judgment – I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who committed adultery with her…– UNLESS they repent of their deeds All the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts – you CANNOT deceive God, nor can you win an argument against Him! Thyatira

The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Call to action Repent! The call to change was clear – Luke 13:3 & 5 I will give to each one according to His works – we will all stand in judgment before Him – Romans 2:6, 14:10-12 Thyatira

The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Call to action To the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan…I will put on you no other burden His promise to protect those faithful to Him. 1 Corinthians 10:12 Thyatira

The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Call to action NOTE: The depts of Satan – somehow related to the teachings and practices of “Jezebel”. This was the influence of Satan. FOR those who advocate tolerance of error (to “just get along”, etc.) I ask, Is it EVER acceptable to tolerate “the works of Satan”? 1 Peter 5:8-9, Ephesians 4:27, 6:11 Thyatira

The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Call to action Hold fast what you have till I come – don’t give up and don’t give in! Revelation 2:10, 14:13, Romans 2:7 He who overcomes And keeps my word to the end... Hebrews 10:38-39, Luke 9:62 Thyatira

The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Promised reward To him I will give the power over the nations – in the sense that our righteousness will judge the ungodly cf. Romans 1:20 – without excuse He shall rule them with a rod of iron – from Psalm 2:8-9 where God ultimately judges the ungodly nations Thyatira

The Letter to Thyatira – 2:18-29 Promised reward He will be given the morning star – a new beginning, cf. 2 Peter 3:13 a reward greater than this life! Revelation 22:16, Jesus is the “bright and morning star” 1 Thessalonians 4:17 He who has an ear, let him hear… Thyatira

Does this apply to us? A congregation that teaches fundamental truths (e.g. plan of salvation, What is the church?, proper worship, etc.) A congregation filled with many good works BUT they allow error (doctrinal and moral) to be taught and practiced by some. Thyatira

Worldliness around them has influenced and weakened them Does this apply to us? Their faith is shallow! They compromise the truth in given areas – possibly for “the sake of unity” or “to get along”. Worldliness around them has influenced and weakened them Thyatira

Does this apply to us? Those who DO teach the “whole counsel of God” may remain silent and hope it goes away, OR they may be ignored That RARELY happens! The Bible is clear – we CANNOT tolerate such! Ephesians 5:11, 2 John 9-11, etc. Thyatira

NOTE: In this congregation are faithful brethren. Does this apply to us? NOTE: In this congregation are faithful brethren. This is a challenge to understand and takes wisdom to apply! On the day of judgment, we will stand as individuals. Does this mean it doesn’t matter what a church teaches and does? Absolutely NOT! Thyatira

Does this apply to us? Concerning the faithful in this situation: What are they doing to remedy and resist the unsound teaching? How much time do we take to try and keep the church pure? As long as there is hope? Realize that what we are IS important! At some point, an unpleasant decision needs to be made Thyatira

Are we like the church at Thyatira?