4. The 7 Churches of Revelation The Number “7” – The Biblical number of completion ( 7 days in a week, 7 th day is Holy, 7 colors in a rainbow, 7 notes in a musical scale, 7 major oceans, 7 major continents, 7 Trumpets, 7 Seals, 7 Bowls, 7- fold Spirit before the Throne, etc.) 1. Ephesus –The Loveless Church 2. Smyrna – The Lasting Church - a “positive” name 3. Pergamum – The Lenient Church 4. Thyatira – The Licentious Church 5. Sardis – The Lifeless Church 6. Philadelphia – The Loved Church - a “positive” name 7. Laodicea – The Lukewarm Church

5. THE THREE COMMON ELEMENTS OF THE LETTERS 1. Commendation - A recounting of the “good things.” 2. Condemnation – A listing of the “bad things.” 3. Challenge/Charge – A word of instruction or warning. Read Text: Revelation 2:18-28

6. THYATIRA – THE LICENTIOUS CHURCH I. THE COMMENDATIONS “ I KNOW YOUR DEEDS…” 1. Your LOVE 2. Your FAITH 3. Your SERVICE 4. Your PERSEVERANCE 5. Your MATURITY – “doing more than you did at first”

7. THYATIRA – THE LICENTIOUS CHURCH II. THE CONDEMNATION You TOLERATE that “Jezebel” Who was she? – I Kings 16-21 What was her sin? - Compromise with the world, leading others into that compromise, claiming to speak for God, and claiming that she had “deeper truths” (undermining the Pastoral and Ministry leadership of the church) Today’s “Jezebel” temptations? - 1. Sexual Immorality 2. Accommodating Pagan practices NOTE: God’s Patience vs. His Judgment and Discipline The Church’s biggest sin – They TOLERATED her!

8. THYATIRA – THE LICENTIOUS CHURCH III. THE CHALLENGE “DO MY WILL…TO THE END!” We are back to FAITHFULNESS, PERSEVERANCE, etc.!