Series: Revelation
Thesis: We need to receive a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ daily because it makes the difference whether you will decide to die for Christ daily or literally for Him in the end.
Key verse of Revelation: Text: Revelation 12:11: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
Scriptures:
Text Rev. 1:3: "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
Text: Rev. 14:13 "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."
"There are Heavenly blessing spoken of in Revelation and the New Testament for those who die in the Lord for Jesus Christ – in the above verse they are: first there is eternal rest and second their deeds will follow them to Heaven."
We have been exploring Revelation 2 looking at the 7 churches and the message of Jesus to these 7 churches in Asia. Let’s be reminded of what we have learned so far:
Summary of Ephesus: The Loveless Church
What was the message to this church and also to us? We need to stay awake and guard ourselves from anything (including ministry) that allows us to forsake our love for Christ personally. It screams at us that we need to keep our focus on Jesus Christ and His love, so that we will not leave love behind. Hear this message Christian Hills Church - Is your love for Jesus exclusive? Do you regularly take quality time to be with him? Or have other things crept into your heart, taking up your thoughts and affection? Jesus is asking you to repent and start over again if you have answered “yes” to any of the preceding questions. He wants you to stop and realize, ‘Wait a minute - I see how this lack of love has crept into your life. It's robbing me of time with you says Jesus!' Today is the day to go back to you first love. Ask him to renew your passion for Him and to keep Him in the number one spot of your heart so you can eat of the Tree of Life in Heaven.
Summary of Symrna: The Persecuted Church
Jesus is God who came in the flesh and experienced what it was like in this abusive world. He can relate to what injustice, persecution feels like. He experienced it so He knows what it feels like. Jesus knows their pain and suffering. He can also help you go through it and help you to overcome it with His touch and presence. What will the world and Heaven record of your life and death in the annuals of History? Will you be famous in Heaven – before the throne of God? Or famous in annuals of Hell? Will you stand faithful at the evil hands of persecution for Jesus and receive the Crown of Life and see how the second death will not hurt you?
Summary of the message to Pergamos (The Compromising Church):
What do we need to know about the message to Pergamum?
o Answer: Christians will suffer in this world for Jesus, you will have to be bold enough and courageous enough to stand for Him when pressured to turn on Him. You must stand against false teachings!
Why do we need to know this message?
o Answer: So, we stay awake or even wake up from our apathy and understand that Jesus defeated the second death and so will we if we stand faithful to the end.
What do we need to do about this message?
o Answer: Stay Awake - Don’t compromise the truth of God’s Word. Stand firm with Jesus even if it means persecution. The key to being able to overcome is to get a new fresh vision or a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ.
Why do we need to do this?
o Answer: If we do we will receive an invitation to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb and a New Name reflecting our legacy which we left behind here on this earth. And the truth that more people will come to Jesus because of our story. What do you think your name will be?
Question: How could someone give up their life? Could you or would you? How is the life changing question right? I ask the Lord what was inside these men and women of faith’s heart, soul and mind to give them the courage to do this?
Answer: The how is that they had a revelation of who Jesus Christ was, is, and will be personally - intimately. We all need this today in our world!
T.S: We need to adhere to the blessings of Revelation and especially to the one which tells us to STAY AWAKE FOR CHRIST! (REV. 16:15): Rev. 16:15 "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."
Let’s now look at the nest church the Corrupt Church:
Sermon: Rev’d Up pt. 5
Thesis: We need to receive a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ daily because it makes the difference in your faith journey. To many lose sight of Jesus and allow the false teachings of others to corrupt their hearts with Jesus.
I. The church of Thyatira - The church that sleeps with the enemy (Rev. 2:18-29):
a. "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. (Rev 2:18 NIV) I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. (Rev 2:19 NIV) Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. (Rev 2:20 NIV) I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. (Rev 2:21 NIV) So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. (Rev 2:22 NIV) I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. (Rev 2:23 NIV) Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): (Rev 2:24 NIV) Only hold on to what you have until I come. (Rev 2:25 NIV) To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations-- (Rev 2:26 NIV) 'He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery' -- just as I have received authority from my Father. (Rev 2:27 NIV) I will also give him the morning star. (Rev 2:28 NIV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Rev 2:29 NIV).
b. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND of Thyatira
i. The city was a wealthy city serving as the main business route between Pergamos and Sardis.
ii. Thyatira was located in the northern part of Lydia on the river Lycus.
iii. It was located in a valley of Lycus and became known as a commercial center.
iv. It had been a Roman city since the year 190 B.C.
v. The city was known for its purple dye's and dyed garments.
1. Lydia whom Paul converted at Philippi was from Thyatira and was a seller of purple. She is believed to be the founder of the church.
vi. The city was also known for its other trades of wool, leather, linen, bronze, garments, dyers, potters, bankers and slaves.
The craftsman all belonged to unions (guilds) and these unions carried a lot of influence and power. Mostly all the unions where connected with various forms of pagan worship.
1. It's been noted that unions demand participation or individuals would face ostracism and loss of jobs. Same applied here in Thyatira.
a. It's a town very similar to my home town Pittsburgh. When I grew up it was a steel city with strong union influence. The steel union ruled and you better have been for it or look out.
b. Illustration of Bill receiving a letter from union who to vote for.
2. The trade guilds each had common meals which meet on a monthly basis. These meals would be dedicated to their deities so as to receive prosperity for their business and trades. There would be sacrifices, rituals, immoral acts done to the god or gods to receive blessings.
3. Christians who refused to participate in these meetings would be shunned, socially isolated, economically oppressed (customers driven away or inability to find work in their trade, verbally abused and even physically abused.
vii. The city had as its local deity Apollos (Son of Zeus)- the sun god as the one who was supposed to protect the city. However, if you study its history the town was destroyed more than any other town. Because of lack of defense and its location of being on everyone's hit list. It was also the capital city of the area. This doesn't say much about Apollo's ability to protect.
1. Apollos- was also the deity associated with prophecy - words of revelation from the god's.
2. The emperor (Caesar) was linked with Apollo.
3. It was a military city where Caesar's elite guard was stationed (Apollos was who they worshipped along with the emperor.)
4. It was also an occult city with an occult temple presided over by a female sorceress.
viii. Thyatira was a city focused on prosperity and it makes sense to assume that its citizens probably valued wealth as their ultimate goal in life.
c. The message to the church of Thyatira.
i. Some titles by other pastors for this message:
1. Thyatira: You've Got Woman Trouble! (Trivett)
2. The Doctrine of Jezebel (Wilkerson)
3. The Church with The Rotten Center (Carr)
4. The Church That Slept with The Enemy (McCartney)
ii. Jesus reveals himself again verse 18
1. These are the words of the Son of God - could be an address to Apollo the one who was called the Son of Zeus – Jesus was letting all know who was really a protector of cities and churches.
a. This title is equivalent to "Messiah"
i. Thomas notes, " It refers to the superhuman personality of Jesus as divinely commissioned to implement God's purpose for His people...In the vision of chapter 1 Christ is identified as the ‘Son of Man, 'but in keeping with the character of judgment pronounced on this church, He is ‘the Son of God.' A reiteration of His deity is necessitated by the seriousness of this church's diversion from the true worship of Jesus Christ...(209).
b. “Whose eyes are like blazing fire" - Jesus makes it clear he sees all they do and all they are within. His fire will judge their hearts. Heb. 4:13
i. "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
c. "Whose feet are like burnished bronze" - here it signifies the strongest metal known to mankind in this day and it was made in Thyatira. It signified that Jesus Christ would not fade away he was planted and the strongest foundation of all. His church would prevail and not even a Jezebel will get in its way or his way.
2. Jesus commends the church on what He sees and knows.
a. He knows their deeds- they are active in doing ministry for the Lord.
b. He knows their love- this of course is the only valid motive to do ministry.
i. They did show this important virtue.
ii. And notice it takes first place on the list.
iii. Love is to be the number one fruit in the church.
c. He knows their faith - they had their trust in Christ and their deeds were done with conviction.
i. They had faith toward God not faith in themselves or idols.
d. He knows their service- they served him and others.
e. He knows their perseverance- their patience and ability to endure difficult circumstances in their city. Remember union town.
f. "And they are now doing more than at first." - there are a lot of churches that do the opposite. They do more in the beginning and less in the end. This church is improving and moving in the right direction.
i. The churches need to be doing more works because this means their growing. II Peter 3:18 states, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
iii. Jesus now gives the "Nevertheless" “The But” vs 20
1. My friend watch out for these transition words in Jesus messages to us "BUT", "However", "Yet" and "Nevertheless"
a. You tolerate that woman Jezebel.
i. Tolerate - is defined - 1. To allow a thing to be done or to exist without making any move to stop it, as, to tolerate bad behavior.
ii. To put up with; to endure; to refuse to condemn.
b. The Biblical Jezebel: JEZEBEL (Jehz' eh behl) Personal name meaning, "Where is the prince?" perhaps derived from Phoenician name meaning, "Baal is the prince." Wife of King Ahab of Israel (874-853 B.C.), who brought the worship of Baal from Sidon, where her father Ethbaal was king (1 Kings 16:31). Jezebel tried to destroy all God's prophets in Israel (1 Kings 18:4), while installing prophets of Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 18:19, modern translations) as part of the royal household. Elijah proved these prophets to be false on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18), bringing Jezebel's threat to kill Elijah (1 Kings 19:2). Elijah ran for his life to Beersheba. When Ahab wanted Naboth's vineyard, Jezebel connived with the leaders of the city who falsely accused and convicted Naboth, stoning him to death. Elijah then prophesied Jezebel's death, she being the one who had "stirred up" Ahab to wickedness (1 Kings 21). She continued her evil influence as her son Joram ruled (2 Kings 9:22). Elisha anointed Jehu to replace Joram. Jehu assassinated Joram and then went to Jezreel after Jezebel. She tried to adorn herself and entice him, but her servants obeyed Jehu's call to throw her from the window to the street, where horses trod her in the ground (2 Kings 9:30-37). Jezebel's name became so associated with wickedness that the false prophetess in the church at Thyatira was labeled, "Jezebel" (Rev. 2:20). (Holman Dictionary)
i. David Wilkerson tells us about the doctrine of Jezebel --- He says there are three distinguishing marks;
1. She teaches that something evil can be good, that the profane can be pure.
2. Her name is associated with false doctrine.
3. False doctrine or teachings are lessons promoted by groups or individuals who teach a " Different Gospel.”
a. The book of Galatians is written to refute a false doctrine. Note the Apostle Paul's words: I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- (Gal 1:6 NIV) which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. (Gal 1:7 NIV)But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! (Gal 1:8 NIV) As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! (Gal 1:9 NIV) Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Gal 1:10 NIV)
b. See copy of "False Doctrine" written by McConnell.
c. The doctrine of Jezebel promotes covetousness.
i. Wilkerson states, "Listen to the doctrine of Jezebel, "You are king, number one. You have rights. Let nothing stop you from getting what you want'. She said to Ahab, "Be merry, Be happy. Rejoice. I'll get it for you". That is the prosperity gospel in a nutshell. "Don’t sweat it. Don't feel sad or condemned by those desires that eat you up. `I'll get it for you"...The greatest deception in the modern church is the matter of using God's Word to put a badge of approval on covetousness."
d. Jezebel hates God's prophets and Godly prophecies.
i. They do not fear God. God sends fire from heaven and they ignore it. God sends a clear message to repent and they do not. God tells them to stop sinning and they refuse to. They even get mad if you confront them on it. They refuse prophetic warnings and say, "God is love" and he won't judge us.
1. I add she lusted for absolute power and control over others.
ii. In verse 20 Jesus is describing the individual’s nature not real name Jezebel of the Old Testament was as described above the meanest Old Testament woman in the Bible. She killed God's prophet's instituted through her husband BAAL worship and idolatry to the nation of Israel. Cheated and murdered Naboth. She corrupted Israel and became known as the epitome of wickedness and evil.
d. Verse 21-I have given her time to repent but she is unwilling. The sign of a false teacher is their inability to receive correction and repent when shown the truth.
i. She had been warned and the past and has chosen not to repent or change her teaching. This statement in Greek means she is blunt and its final she will continue her present course.
1. Important - Her fornication (Immorality) here is both literal and figurative. It refers to corrupt doctrines she taught and infidelity she promoted in the church (Thomas, 218).
2. NOTE: It was common practice in this city after the guild meeting to participate in orgies to please the gods. No participation meant you disrespected the union and their god.
e. Verse 22,23 - The consequence of refusing to repent. Sin has consequences.
f. Verse 24-29 - The warning to put your distance between Jezebel and them. If they do this the blessings are coming.
i. Keys - Let go of false doctrine and call it so.
1. Satan's deep secrets - remember prophecies common in this town from cultic sources.
2. This refers to any prophecy or so-called revelation that does not line up with God's Word.
3. There are no spiritual magical formulas out there. It's all in the Bible NOW.
a. Personal illustrations of people who missed it.
4. Over-comers receive authority from God.
5. Over-comers will receive the "Morning Star."
a. This is Christ Himself because He is the "Bright Morning Star" which is revealed later in Revelation.
b. Summary - This promise of blessings ties in with the ruling Messiah after He puts down His enemies at His Second Coming.
Conclusion:
1. Let Love, Faith, Service and perseverance rein in the church.
2. Let us continue to do more tomorrow than we did yesterday to show we are growing.
3. We are not to tolerate a Jezebel teaching in the church.
a. No tolerance of false doctrines - every teaching is to line with the Word of God. All prophecy is to be judged by God's Word. Revelation does not supersede the teaching of Scripture. False doctrine is to be confronted in love and dealt with.
b. No tolerance of a doctrine that allows covetousness - greed. – Like name it and claim it.
c. God's Word will be up held and God's children protected.
d. No tolerance of letting others control others and allowing the use of power plays on others. - No Pride or manipulation allowed in the church.
4. We are to hold on to Jesus Christ and His word until He returns.
a. When we persevere and are faithful to the end we will receive rewards from the Lord. When He comes we will be given authority from the Father for our faithfulness. We will receive the "Morning Star" - Jesus Christ.
7. We are to listen to what the Spirit says not the world.
