Christ’s Letters to the Churches-4 Revelation 2:18-29

General Characteristics of Christ’s Seven Letters-1 They are addressed to the seven churches in Asia (Asia Minor) Located in what is now Turkey All were facing strong pressure and persecution from the Jews, the Romans and their idolatrous neighbors They struggled against the same sins that christians face today General outline of the letters: 1. Each letter begins with an address

General Characteristics of Christ’s Seven Letters-2 2. Each contains a description of Christ its author 3. These are followed by a commendation for their good works There are none mentioned for the churches in Sardis and Laodicea 4. Jesus then rebuked them for the sins common among them The churches at Philadelphia and Smyrna received no rebuke 5. Then those guilty of sin are urged to repent and warned of the consequences if they do not 6. Each letter ends with a promise for the faithful

Asia Minor in the First Century

The City of Thyatira-1 It was located forty-seven miles southeast of Pergamum on the border between the provinces of Lydia and Mysia The site of modern day Akhisar Turkey It was ruled by the kings of Pergamum to protect its southern approach Archaeologists have found evidence that there were many guilds there One of those was the making of purple dye from the madder plant

The City of Thyatira-2 This was the business in which Lydia was engaged Paul met and taught the gospel to her in Philippi She believed the gospel and she and her household were baptized- Acts 16:15 Afterward, she was Paul’s host while he preached there Thyatira was famous for its temple dedicated to Diana (Artemis) A source of persecution to Christians in Thyatira

Christ’s Description of Himself He identifies Himself first as the Son of God- V18 This identifies His Deity- Col. 2:9 Eyes life a flame and feet of brass Same as John saw in his vision of Christ- 1:14-15 Fiery eyes suggest that He searches the minds and the hearts of people- V23 Brass feet suggest His great power and glory

Christ’s Commendation of those in Thyatira “I Know your works”- V19 These words amply the Lord’s description of Himself Their faith in Christ was not just a claim It was demonstrated in their love for others and perseverance in serving Christ We must also love others and persevere- Jas. 2:8 & Jas. 5:8 Their service to Christ was increasing- V19 This is what the Lord expects from us- I Thess. 4:9-10

Christ’s Rebuke of those in Thyatira-1 They allowed a woman called Jezebel to teach among them- V20 Jezebel was the wife of Ahab who was king of Israel Her name is synonymous with wickedness She persecuted the true prophets of God- I Ki. 19:2 She introduced Baal worship into Israel- I Ki. 16:30-31 This Jezebel claimed to be a prophetess speaking for God But she was doing Satan’s work

Christ’s Rebuke of those in Thyatira-2 Teaching christians to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols- I Cor. 6:18 7 I Cor. 10:20 Similar to those who held the doctrine of Balaam in Pergamum- 2:14 Though given ample time, she refused to repent- V21 It was the duty of the church in Thyatira to censor this false prophetess and withdraw from her- I Cor. 5:5

Christ’s Call to Repentance “I will cast her into a sickbed”- V22 Those who commit adultery with her will suffer great tribulation unless they repent- V22 “I will kill her children with death”- V23 & Rev. 20:10 There were some christians in Thyatira who had not accepted Jezebel’ teaching or followed her evil ways (the depths of Satan)- V24 Christ promised to put no additional burden on them

Christ’s Promise to the Faithful The promise is to “he who overcomes and keeps My works to the end”- V27 1. Power over nations- V26-27 Not military or temporal power but moral and spiritual power- I Cor. 6:2 2. The morning star The blessings and honor of reigning with the “Sun of righteousness” in Heaven- Rev. 22:16

In Conclusion We need to hear and remember the words of the Spirit to the church in Thyatira Christ knows our condition and the struggles we face We must reject and oppose all false teachers and their teaching In His mercy God allows us time & opportunity to repent We are going to be rewadeded according to our own works- V23 We can remain faithful regardless of how many may apostatize We shall have eternal blessings if we remain faithful