What if….? Well…

Thyatira – Rev. 2:18-29 Known for crops, wool, and manufacturing of purple dye. Had several trade guilds. About 35 miles S.E. of Pergamus.

Thyatira – Rev. 2:18 – The vision of Christ Similar vision to 1:13-15 except here He is called the Son of God. Pictured as One sees, with penetrating vision, and judges.

Power – Rev. 2:19 - Commendation Good works Loving Servants’ hearts Persevered in the Faith Growth

Power – Rev. 2:20 - Condemnation Did not properly protect the church from a false prophet. Her false teaching led them into immorality and to disregard their consciences.

Power – Rev. 2:20 - Condemnation Jezebel 1 Kings 16:29-34; 2 Kings 9:30-37

Power – Rev. 2:20 - Condemnation The successful trade guilds in the city were often involved in idol worship which often involved sexual sins and profane worship.

Power – Rev. 2:20 - Condemnation If a person refused to participate, they were excluded from the guild. If a person wasn’t a part of the guild, it was nearly impossible to be successful. It may well be this that Jezebel encouraged.

Power – Rev. 2:21 - Condemnation God often gives us time to repent. We often confuse His patience with His indifference.

Power – Rev. 2: Condemnation We can avoid temporal judgment by repentance. “sickbed…great tribulation” 1 Cor. 11:30; 1 Pet. 4:18

Power – Rev. 2:23 - Condemnation Bad teaching affects lives. This is clearly addressed to believers.

Power – Rev. 2:23 - Condemnation “according to your works” The focus in this context seems to be here and now, However…

Power – Rev. 2:23 - Condemnation This is also true in eternity! Rev. 22:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; Mt. 16:27

Power – Rev. 2:23 - Condemnation “searches the heart” v. 18 An attribute of God Jer. 17:9-10; Lk. 16:15; Acts. 1:24; Rom. 8:27

Power – Rev. 2:24 – Encouragement and reward God notices who is faithful and who is not. “Deep”, Satanic teaching. v. 13; Eph. 6:12; 1 Tim. 4

Power – Rev. 2:24 – Encouragement and reward More could be said or required, but God is gracious! 1 Cor. 10:15

Power – Rev. 2:25-26 – Encouragement and reward “Hold fast…till I come” “He who overcomes and keeps my works until the end” “As I also received”

Power – Rev. 2:27 – Encouragement and reward Co-heirship with Christ is a special reward for those who are faithful until the end. Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12

Power – Rev. 2:26 – Encouragement and reward “Power over the nations” Rule!

Power – Rev. 2:27 – Encouragement and reward Psalm 2 Enthronement Psalm Note Ps. 2:8-9 – Context!

Power – Rev. 2:27 – Encouragement and reward Christ applies Psalm 2 to faithful believers! We become His partners (metachos)! This is not automatic for all believers but it is available to all believers!

Power – Rev. 2:28 – Encouragement and reward “Morning Star” Rev. 22:16; 2 Pet. 1:19 Intimacy! And, in this case, the intimacy involves sharing His rule!

Power – Rev. 2:24-29 – Encouragement and reward Do you want to live a meaningful life? Do you want to make an impact that will last for eternity?

Power – Rev. 2:24-29 – Encouragement and reward Imagine helping to shape the destiny of the world forever! Imagine sharing in the actual, functional, rule of Jesus Christ!

Power – Rev. 2:24-29 – Encouragement and reward That’s doing something about the world! That’s making a difference!