Revelation 2:18-23  “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:  “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.  Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.  And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.  Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.  I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

Revelation 2:24-29  “Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.  But hold fast what you have till I come.   And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star.  “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” 

The City Of Thyatira It was located about 40 miles southeast of Pergamos Originally established as a military outpost, it came into Roman hands in 190 B.C. It was located in a valley surrounded by gently sloping hills The city was notable for its purple dye and dyed garments It is thought that this dye was of a Turkish‐red color, made from the madder‐root which abounded in the vicinity Was also known for its trade guilds: wool workers, linen workers, makers of outer garments, tanners, leather workers, dyers, bakers, slave dealers, and bronze smiths A wealthy city; membership in one of the guilds was very important for one’s livelihood Chief deity of the city was Tyrimnos, who was identified with the Greek sun god Apollo At one of the shrines, a prophetess who claimed to utter sayings of one of the deities; these were given to the worshipers as oracles

Nothing is really known of the origin of the church in Thyatira City is named in Acts 16:11‐15 ‐ Lydia who was “a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God.” Possible that Lydia was instrumental in the beginnings of the church there, but nothing to indicate this Also possible that Paul helped start the church there while at Ephesus Acts 19:10 “… And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Lessons for Today y The success of a church is not about programs and ministries. It’s about the fervor, fidelity, and fellowship that comes from pure and simple faith and love. y Let us be careful we do not compromise as some in Laodicea did. We must be careful in our jobs and in our support of organizations lest we render aid to those who teach false doctrine. Thus, we may find that we are sharing in it

Thyatira-Compromised With Evil High commendation for the church Christ says that this church was to be commended for they 1) were a loving church 2) they were a serving church 3) they were a faithful church 4) they were a growing church - their patience and works were more now than ever Doing some things well and growing in them But … a group that needs to be dealt with A woman who calls herself a prophetess; she is causing some to grossly compromise their faith The Lord speaks very harshly about these and how they will be dealt with Closes with an admonition to hold fast and overcome as well giving promise for those that do so

Thyatira V. 18 Son of God – divinity and power Eyes like flame – able to penetrate the heart of the church and the people there; sees the corruption that is occurring Feet like fine brass –ability to crush to ashes any who oppose Him V. 19 “knows” their works; everything is open to Him Commendation for: Works, Love, Service, Faith, and Patience Traits similar to Paul’s commendation to Thessalonica (2 Thes. 1:3 )

Thyatira V. 19 (cont.) Unlike Ephesus, growing and advancing in these things “as for your works, the last are more than the first” Increasing in spiritual stature; not simply holding course Had a continuously burning flame of faith and love which motivated ever‐increasing works and service and steadfastness Wouldn’t it be tremendous to have this said about us? A model for real growth It’s not about social gospel. It’s not about gimmicks and concerts. It’s about the zeal, faithfulness, and fellowship with God and one another that comes from pure and simple love and thankfulness for God’s plan for mankind to be saved.

Thyatira V. 20 “Nevertheless” or “But” This church is allowing a faction to exist within that is working contrary to the Lord Led or influenced by a woman referred to as Jezebel y Unlikely her real name A woman of some leadership ability and able to influence many y What are they allowing this woman to do? To teach and seduce some of the Christians there (“My servants”) Seduce – planao ‐ to roam, go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way Teaching something false; using it to draw these away He takes this very personally because these are His children

Thyatira V. 20 (cont.) What is she teaching? “to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols” Trade guilds in Thyatira closely tied to pagan worship; had feasts where fertility rituals were practiced Eating meat sacrificed to idols was a great social problem for Christians of that day Pressure was heavy to participate in these to be accepted into the guilds ‐ freedom to practice your trade Refusal to do so could cost one his job, his trade, and become an outcast Would seem she was teaching: you can practice these things and still be a Christian; in other words, the teaching of compromise

Thyatira V. 20 (cont.) Who was Jezebel of Old Testament times? Wife of Ahab, King of Israel; extremely wicked A Sidonian and a worshipper of Baal (1 Ki. 16:31‐32) A strong and evil influence on the king (1 Ki. 21:25) Cut off the prophets of Jehovah Prophets of Baal (450) and Asherah (400) ate at her table (1 Ki. 18:19) Her sins summed up: harlotries and witchcraft of Jezebel (2 Ki. 9:22) Why do you think this woman is called Jezebel? Had a strong and evil influence on the church Encouraged compromise allowing for idolatrous activities Drawing the servants of the Lord away from

Thyatira V. 21 Time and opportunity to repent, but she has not done so He is longsuffering (2 Pet. 3:9) A point at which this longsuffering ends; that time has come V. 22‐23 ‐ Punishment Appears to be figurative for the Lord’s judgment against them Adultery here probably a figure for spiritual infidelity Their bed of pleasure will become a bed of pain and suffering Going to suffer some great tribulation However, still opportunity to repent If not, He will kill her children – her disciples – with death Uncertain what exactly this means Will become an example for other churches y Everyone will receive the due reward for his works

Thyatira V. 24 Those who do not hold this doctrine ‐ will put no other burden on them What burden has He already placed on them? Must no longer allow this woman to teach and seduce She must be dealt with. What must they do with Jezebel? Withdraw themselves from her and her followers (2 Thes. 3:6) V. 25 Hold fast – like a ship at port tied off securely. All the things you are doing … keep doing them “till I come” ‐ until the Lord comes in judgment Likely not referring to the final judgment Coming in judgment against Jezebel and followers

Thyatira V. 26‐28 – the promises to those who overcome y Q. 10 – What three distinct promises did the Lord make to those who have not this doctrine or have overcome? Power over the nations – they reign in His kingdom and the nations will not control their destiny The nations shall be dashed to pieces – those opposed to Christ will be ruled with a rod of iron – implying harsh judgment and will be the ones who suffer the second death Will be given the morning star “The meaning seems to be that as the morning star, one of the brightest in the heavens, heralds the approach of dawn and a new day, so Christ here promises that He will give to the conqueror a new day; the night is almost over.” (Homer Hailey)

Thyatira Jezebel and Lydia Both women of some influence and ability Used their abilities to very different ends One very commendable; the other worthy of condemnation Many people are gifted in various ways; how we choose to use those gifts makes all the difference Let’s be conscious of how we are using our gifts and to what ends

Thyatira Compromise – can you think of similar ways in which it is possible to compromise today? Organizations or jobs that require things of you contrary to the will of God Pressured to participate or give to organizations at work that support false teaching Supporting what they teach not just the good works they do Do you know their doctrine? Do you know where your money goes? Do not be ignorant of these things; learn about the things you support A job is never worth your soul