Weakness in the Midst of Strength The Church in Thyatira Revelation 2:18-29

Review Christ is examining 7 churches –He points out strengths and weaknesses –He challenges each to improve –He offers each a reward for overcoming We begin our study of Thyatira with a look at the historical city

27 miles from Pergamum On a road from Pergamum to Laodicea

Thyatira, the city The least important of the seven cities, yet has the longest letter

Thyatira, the city An agricultural city, no natural defences

Thyatira, the city Known for trade guilds (copper, bronze, dyers, bakers, wools, slavers, etc) Members had to participate in religious rites No work if not a member of a guild

Thyatira, the church Rev 2:18-19, the strengths –Love (unlike Ephesus) –Faith –Service (active work) –Perseverance (steadfastness) –Deeds are greater than at first Again unlike Ephesus, the church is in no danger of fading away Might think it is a perfect church

Thyatira, the church Rev 2:20-25, the weakness –Jezebel – King Ahab’s wife (1 Kgs 17ff) She led Ahab and Israel into Baal worship –Someone, in like manner, was teaching and leading the church into idolatry How? v 24. “the deep things”, “depths”, “mysteries” of Satan – the trade guilds called their secret rites “mysteries” (like Freemasons today) –Included eating food offered to idols and acts of immorality

Thyatira, the church Challenges –For Jezebel and her children (followers) Repent (Jezebel has already refused) Or face great tribulation and death –In such a manner that other churches would notice »And know Christ searches hearts and minds »And that you get what you deserve –May include the destruction of the trade guilds themselves

Thyatira, the church Challenges –For the faithful Hold on, and don’t give in or give up Christ is coming

Thyatira, the church Rev 2:26-29, the reward for overcoming –Overcoming includes keeping His words until the end –Will be given power, a rod of iron Might feel helpless now, but not then As Christ received power (Ps 2:8-9) –Received after His death and overcoming –Will be given the morning star The last and brightest star of the night seen just before dawn If you have the morning star, you know the night has reached its end

Conclusion God does not tolerate false teaching nor false teachers A church can be strong even when opressed A strong church can still have serious weakness A new day is coming, all we must do is overcome in order to enjoy the blessings thereof Are you ready for that day?