When The Church Needs Intolerance Series

Intolerance has a negative connotation. Many times churches become stagnant because of intolerance. They will not accept those different from themselves. That is why it seems surprising that Jesus himself delivers a message on intolerance.

But when a church tolerates someone who teaches or practices immorality within the fellowship it can ruin a church. Take the example of The Flea and the Man found in Aesop’s fables:

A Man, very much annoyed with a Flea, caught him at last, and said, “Who are you who dare to feed on my limbs, and to cost me so much trouble in catching you?’ The Flea replied, “O my dear sir, pray spare my life, and destroy me not, for I cannot possibly do you much harm.” The Man, laughing, replied, “Now you shall certainly die by mine own hands, for no evil, whether it be small or large, ought to be tolerated.”

Unfortunately this message on intolerance is one the church at Thyatira did not learn.

This passage records Jesus’ words to the church at Thyatira. The city of Thyatira was not a politically great city like Ephesus, Pergamum or Smyrna. But it was the center of trade. They had commerce and such trades as bronze smiths.

Jesus Words

Revelation 2:18

“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

The sovereignty of God, the authority and power of Jesus are the aspect of Jesus that we find portrayed in the message to Thyatira. The title Son of God is used. When Jesus refers to himself here as the Son of God this is only time that this title is used of Jesus in Revelation.

I was examining some life-size statues of Jesus. It is very interesting to observe the eyes. The artists give Jesus sad puppy dog eyes. Here it is not the eyes of helpless despair, but we find Jesus with eyes of blazing fire.

Jesus’ penetrating eyes can discern the hearts of people. He knows the sinful motives of people when we might not be aware of them. The feet of Jesus are like burning bronze. You and I have feet of clay. Jesus has feet of bronze. It speaks of the majesty and strength of Jesus.

Jesus commends the church vs 19

These letters are to the pastors of the seven churches. Today sometimes pastors receive letters of people expressing gratitude about the positive qualities of their church. It is a joy and let me tell you the pastor loves to have people say positive things about the church. But if it were Jesus saying the good things it would be a joy beyond description. Imagine the excitement of the pastor when Jesus said:

Revelation 2:19

I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

I don’t know if there would be anything he would rather hear Jesus say. (or read that Jesus said this)

Love is the key ingredient to a God honoring church. This is what Ephesus lacked, but not Thyatira. They loved both God and their fellow man and the scripture teaches that these two go together.

The church of Thyatira had faith. By faith you are saved. Faith pleases God. We are to walk by faith and live by faith. If it were not enough that Jesus commends this church for its love he also commends them for their faith. But there are still more good things that Jesus has to say about this church.

Thyatira had wonderful service. It is the church’s service to God that show their love and faith. Their love and faith was manifested in their service toward God. This church really had a ministry doing the good works God called His church to do.

The church at Thyatira had perseverance. They stayed at it. They were not easily discouraged. Trials came and their testimony persevered. They honored God as they persevered.

They were showing progress. I know this thrilled the heart of the pastor when he heard this. Doing more than you did at first. Spiritual progress where people are growing in their faith is what a church is hoping for. This church is not in a rut, but it is moving ahead.

What a beautiful combination of attributes they had. They were loving people of faith who serve the Lord and were growing Christians. It would have been the ultimate compliment if not for the next word that absolutely spoils the beauty of the moment.

In verse 20 is the word “nevertheless.” This is the lead in to the negative. Now comes the painful truth. There was a glaring flaw at the Church at Thyatira.