Theme: Letters to the Churches: What is the Lord saying to us?
Topic: The Church in Thyatira: Be faithful to the end.
Main Texts: Rev 2: 18-29.
Key verse: Rev 2: 25 “But hold fast to what you have till I come” (NKJV).
Introduction:
Thyatira was the smallest and least important of the seven cities Jesus addresses in Revelation 2-3. The city was a center of business and trade with many active trade guilds; each connected with idolatry. Lydia, Paul’s first convert in Philippi, was a merchant from Thyatira (16:14). Jesus begins the letter by describing himself to the church at Thyatira in a way that emphasizes his deity (Son of God), his penetrating judgment (eyes like a flame of fire), and his purity (feet like fine brass) (Rev 2:18). This was pertinent to a church that appeared to be a model of love, faith, service, perseverance in doing good (v 19) yet allowed false teaching and immorality to lead some members astray. Thyatira presents both encouragement and a stark warning for believers to remain vigilant, steadfast, and on guard against complacency. Christians sometimes face intense pressure to compromise, sometimes for sound reasons, such as providing for their family. It is essential that believers continue to practice spiritual disciplines daily, walking closely with the Lord to gain the strength, wisdom, and discernment needed to remain spiritually vibrant and live an overcoming life in a hostile world.
Q1. Read Prov 15:3, Lk 8:17, (1a)What does Jesus’ description of himself in v18 mean to you? How does it strengthen your faith? (1b) What were the believers in Thyatira commended for? What would Jesus commend the church in our city/nation for if He were writing to us today? (1c) Read Phil 1:9, 1Ti 4:15, 2 Pt 1:5. Are you growing in your Christian walk? Is your service for God more than before or less?
Paragraph 2:
Despite all the good Jesus saw in the church at Thyatira, there were significant problems. Jezebel was one of the most wicked people in the entire Bible. She seduced Israel into gross idolatry, which then led to other sins such as immorality. “Jezebel” may not have been the actual name of the woman in the Thyatira church, but it clearly describes her character. What grieved the Lord most was that the church allowed (tolerated) her to influence others to commit sexual immorality and idolatry. Tolerance can be a good thing. For example, we should be tolerant of people’s different personalities, and we should be tolerant with our children when they struggle with issues as they grow. However, as believers, we should not be tolerant of the practice of immorality or spread of false teaching (e.g., 1 Corinthians 5:6, Galatians 5:9). We are to “speak the truth in love”, calling out sin as sin but imploring the sinner to repent (v21). We should not tolerate what the Lord hates, in ourselves, our families, or the church. We are to be holy as He is holy. Our Lord Jesus also sternly rebukes the whole church for tolerating this woman’s poison and allowing it to spread rather than exercising church discipline against her. Leaders in a church have a specific duty to uphold biblical truth and safeguard the spiritual health of the Body of Christ. Individual believers must do the same in their own lives and families.
Q2. Read 1Kings 16:31, 18:4, 19:1-3. (2a) Who was the historical Jezebel? Why was having someone like her with influence in a church such a serious matter? (2b) Are you tolerating things in your life that the Lord hates? Are you being too intolerant/judgmental about some things? (2c) Read Rev 2:20, 1 Jn 4:1, and 1Pt 5:5. Why is it important for a believer to be vigilant, not passive, about prophecy?
Paragraph 3:
Each of the seven letters has an instruction or exhortation from the Lord relating to their situation. The letter to Thyatira is one of five that have warnings of grave consequences if the instructions are not followed. Every letter also has a promise of great reward, but only to “he who overcomes”. Each letter is addressed to a church, but the call to overcome is to each individual member. We are accountable for what we do with what God has given us. We cannot blame the influence of others. We are justified by faith and accountable to God for our works, which are the evidence of our faith. The promised reward is immense, and we have the assurance of Christ’s eternal presence abiding with us. We have all we need to remain faithful, endure, and overcome.
Q3. Read Rev 2:21-23, 2Pt 3:9 (3a) What is Jesus going to do if there is no repentance? What do the readings tell us about God’s character? (3b) Discuss what is meant by ” who have not known the depths of Satan”? 3c) Read 1 Corinthians 16:13, James 4:7. What can you do practically to “hold fast”?
Prayer: Dear God, Thank You for teaching us on the blessedness of remaining faithful to you and the dangers of habitual sins and doctrinal errors. Help us to walk humbly before You, honoring You with our thoughts, words, and actions; so, we can live and reign with You in the hereafter. In Jesus name, Amen.