Prelude
The message this morning looks at a church that was lured away from their first love by one within the church. Something that happened over 1900 years ago yet it is not limited by time, where it could not happen today.
Please join me by honoring the Word of God and stand as we look at our text this morning found in Revelation 2: 18-29.
Scripture
18And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
Works had become more important than their love for Christ.
20Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28And I will give him the morning star.
29He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 2: 18-29
Prayer
Introduction
First of all, I would like to bring your attention to the Lord’s address to the church at Thyatira; he uses, for the first and only time in the book of Revelation, the title the "Son of God."
There are people who claim that Jesus never said that he was the "Son of God," but here is one of several places in the New Testament where he makes that claim very clearly.
In doing so, he is stressing his deity. As the "Son of God" he has eyes like unto a flame of fire" eyes that can pierce the facades, the disguises, the postures and pretensions of his people and get right to the heart of what they are doing.
He has feet "like burnished bronze" which can trample sin under foot and severely punish that which is wrong, if need be.
Both are needed in the church at Thyatira.
It is the most corrupt of the seven churches rotten within and this rottenness was spreading throughout the church.
Thyatira was the least important of all the seven cities yet it received the longest letter.
It was built in a broad valley, originally as a garrison of soldiers to protect the city of Pergamos.
There were many goods and other products that were made in Thyatira or came through Thyatira.
A problem had begun to develop in the church.
The problem of toleration–allowing heresy to coexist with the truth in the church–had become a major problem. It was very evident at Thyatira.
What we can learn about Thyatira is that works had become more important than love of Christ.
The Woman Jezebel
In the church, there was a woman whom John called Jezebel.
Jesus, in writing this letter, was writing to a church that had within its fellowship, either as a member or at least as a great influence, a woman of tremendous significance.
He addresses her as Jezebel.
She apparently claimed absolute authority.
She claimed to have special insights into the deep things of God.
She was perverting the truth as it was being taught.
The name Jezebel is first found in the Old Testament and there is a connection.
In 1 Kings 16:30-33 it was Jezebel, which influenced Ahab to kill the prophets of God and installed the prophets of Baal.
We find Jezebel mentioned several times throughout Revelation and there seems to be a parallel in these events.
The mentioning of Jezebel I believe also refers to the one world Church movement.
Which I believe we are beginning to see take place today.
There is a movement-taking place in America to unite different believe churches, for a one common cause and the one common cause is not Jesus Christ and him crucified.
This is nothing more than evidence of end times.
We find in Revelation 2:20 Jezebel cause people to commit fornication and eat things sacrificed to idols, which means taking the things of this world and mingles it with the things of God and calls it good.
The Problem in the Church and the Solution
1. “… calls herself a prophetess.” There was a personal claim to a position of status, influence and authority.
There is an arrogance and pride that demanded recognition not the quiet humble spirit that waits for godliness and gifting to be recognized and affirmed by the body.
There needs to be accountability in the church. We must not forsake the doctrine.
2. “By her teaching she mislead my servants…” Note the impact of Jezebel’s teaching.
Did it glorify Christ by promoting righteousness, holiness and unity? No!
Rather it lays the foundations for immorality, idolatry, relationship breaks down and party spirit.
This person’s operation was clearly very slight causing many of the Lord’s people to be deceived.
We see this in churches today people being deceived, that God is there to serve them.
Beware of the doctrinal beliefs of others, don’t be slack in responding to them.
3. “…into sexual immoriality and the eating of food sacrified to idols.” There was a patently fleshly element to this influence in the life of the church.
These words speak of spiritual and moral compromise. Jesus requires the highest standards of spiritual and moral integrity among His people.
The enemy seeks to undermine this in any way possible.
Make sure that the flock has not compromised the morals and that they hold strong to the integrity of God’s written word.
4. “I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.” Do you see the pride and arrogance demonstrated here?
Those deceived by this spiritual entity are blind to their own error and deception.
Therefore, they see no need to express repentance or apology.
Repentance is a necessity within the church.
Conclusion/Invitation
Things are going to continue to be worst, before the Lord returns.
There are going to be tribulations, there is going to be pain and persecution.
But be of good cheer Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is in control and I know how the story ends.
