The Letter to the Church in Thyatira

Text: Revelation 2:18-29

Introduction:
 I. The city of Thyatira.
    A. It was a commercial center.
    B. It was famous for dyed goods (example of Lydia – 
       Acts 16:13-15).
    C. It was also well-known for its trade guilds.
       1. One had to belong to the guilds of whatever trade 
          he wanted to make a living.
       2. Each guild had their own god and when one joined 
          a guild that he would acknowledge that god.
       3. All members were expected to take part in its 
          feasts in honor of its god.
          a. The meat that was eaten during the feast had 
             been sacrificed to its god.
          b. After the feast, the “fun” would begin (i.e., 
             fornication).

II. The church.
    A. All we know about this church is what we can read 
       here in our text.
    B. This is the longest letter of the seven.

Body:
  I. The author. 2:18-19a
     A. “Son of God”
        1. He is God’s spokesman (Hebrews 1:1-2) as such 
           the Christians in Thyatira were to listen to 
           Him.
        2. He is the way to the Father (John 14:6).
        3. He is infallible.
     B. “Eyes like a flame of fire.”
        1. This shows His omniscience that His eyes are 
           penetrating and burning deeply into the heart 
           and soul of every congregation and member 
           thereof.
        2. Example of the song: “There is an All-Seeing 
           Eye…”
        3. Illustration of man stealing corn and looked 
           North, East, South, and West and his son said, 
           “Dad, did you look up?”  We need to be like his 
           son.
     C. “Feet like fine brass.”
        1. This shows His strength.
        2. He is able to trample under His feet all the 
           evil that His eyes sees.
     D. “I know” – He has fill and complete knowledge.

 II. The Positive Characteristics of the church. 2:19
     A. “Works”
        1. They were active, working.
        2. Are we?
     B. “Love”
        1. John 13:34-35
        2. John 14:15, 23-24
        3. 1 John 2:9-10
        4. 1 John 3:14-18
        5. Galatians 5:6
        6. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
     C. Service (Ministry)
        1. Should be more concern about serving than being 
           served.
        2. Example of some church members who when sick 
           complaining that the “preacher didn’t come and 
           see me.”  Don’t worry about being pampered, but 
           more about…
        3. John 13:4-16 (read 4-5, 12-16)
        4. Matthew  25:31-46
     D. Faith
        1. Hebrews 11:6
     E. Patience
        1. Definition – steadfastness, constancy, 
           endurance.
        2. 2 Peter 1:5-7
        3. 1 Corinthians 15:58
     F. They were growing.
        1. 1 Peter 2:2
     G. Jesus Christ knows our works, love, service, faith, 
        endurance, and if we are growing or not.  If Jesus 
        were to write a letter to us, what would He say in 
        these area.
III. The Negative Characteristics of the church. 2:20-23
     A. If the letter had stop at verse 19, one would think 
        that the church was great.
     B. They, unlike the Ephesus church, tolerated a false 
        teacher.
        1. Jezebel of the Old Testament.
           a. The idolatrous wife of Ahab, who led Ahab to 
              worship Baal and had God’s prophets killed 
              and the tearing down of the alters of God.
           b. She was a depraved character who was a highly 
              persuasive person who utilized whatever means 
              she had available, however, unscrupulous to 
              accomplish her purpose and to reach her goal.
        2. The Jezebel of the New Testament.
           a. She was of the same type of character as the 
              one of the Old Testament.
           b. She claimed to be a prophetess (however, her 
              teaching are described as “the deep things of 
              Satan.”)
           c. She was not content in her own sins – she 
              wanted others to be involved.
           d. She taught her followers to commit 
              fornication and to eat things sacrificed to 
              idols.
     C. We need to exercise proper discipline.
        1. Romans 16:17-18
        2. 1 Corinthians 5:2-13
     D. Judgment against Jezebel.
        1. Jesus had shown her mercy.
           a. 2 Peter 3:9
           b. Yet she didn’t repent, just like today, the 
              wicked seldom respond to the Lord’s goodness.
        2. She will be cast down into a bed of tribulation, 
           along with those who committed adultery with 
           her.
        3. Her children will be killed with death.
        4. This will be open and where every one can see.
     E. Will reward each one based on their works.
        1. 1 Peter 1:17
        2. 2 Corinthians 5:10

 IV. Promise and Admonition.
     A. To those who have not followed after Jezebel.
        1. No new spiritual obligations than they already 
           have.
        2. They are encouraged to hold fast what they 
           already have.
     B. To the ones who overcome:
        1. They will have authority over nations.
        2. They will be given the morning star.