LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES

TO THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA (Revelation 2:18-29)

ADDRESS
This letter was addressed to the church in Thyatira.
This church existed between Ad 590-1517. The name Thyatira means “continual sacrifice”. It also reveals how evil progresses in the church, where idolatry is practiced. Idolatry means worship of idols, unnecessary attachment to things.

Identity
The church was known as the church of the evil prophetess, it is also known as the corrupt church. Once you start compromising, you become corrupt. The church in Thyatira was known for good works but harbouring a false prophetess. You harbour a false prophetess by accommodating the false teachings and practices.

Historical background
The city is located 35 miles south-east of Pergamos. It was headquarters of commercialization, and an industrious city, a city of commerce. It may have been founded by Alexander The Great.  Lydia, a convert of Paul in Acts 16:14, was a native of this city.

INTRODUCTION (Revelation 2:18)
Jesus introduced himself as the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like fine brass.

Fire and brass. Fire indicates purification, revival. They needed to be purified and revived. Brass-to break, to destroy
There were things that needed to be destroyed.

COMMENDATION/APPROVAL (Revelation 2:19)
"I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first”.

God keeps records. Your works can either deem or illuminate your light. Matt.5:16. Your works speak and God is keeping records.  God is not only just watching your past works but your recent works are of great importance to Him. God expects progress. We must not live in past glory. God commended them for doing their works in greater dimension and better than the first. Do not get lost in the pool of survival.

ACCUSATION/CONDEMNATION (Revelation 2:20-23)
Do not take whatever God has against you for granted, even if there are "few". What Jesus had against them, was the teaching they accommodated.

- You allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. (What are you allowing by your lifestyle?)

- And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.

- I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

When God was sending this letter to them, they had been doing this for a while. He was patient with them, expecting them to repent. He gave them a window to change their mind.

God condemned them for allowing the ministry of a false prophetess named Jezebel who represented a false doctrine to continue to perpetuate in that church, with factions which promoted sexual immorality, evil vices etc.

Their real evil was that they were completely unrepentant.

Punishment
- God promised to put her/them on sickbeds
- He would put them through tribulation. Revelation 17
- The second death. Revelation 20:12-15
God does not want anyone to perish. He is looking for repentance and change. The ultimate goal why He would punish anyone   is so that others will take dressing and repent. 

When a wrong practice is going on, it should be addressed publicly to deter others. (1 Timothy 5:20)

How does this relate?
Historical era- It shows how evil progressed in the church, such as, the introduction of images and statues in the church.
Modern era- It shows the development of modern cults, rivalry, and various denominations with emphasis on works rather than prayer, faith, fellowship with God, etc.

ADVICE/COUNSEL (Rev. 2:24-25)
1 Tim. 4:1, Jude 1:3. Note: Depth of satan-he also has his doctrinal systematic textbooks. Jesus said; hold fast what you have till I come.

Questions we need to answer.
- What do you have that you know you should hold fast?
- What are you hearing, seeing and thinking?
- Who are you reading, hearing and watching?

LESSONS
- Stick to the truth, stick to the word of God, stick to the Bible, it is enough. 
 - Stick to faith in God. Without faith it is impossible to please God. The root of most of our problems is unbelief. Stick to His instructions. The answer to our prayers usually comes as instructions.
-  Learn spiritual contentment. Be content with what God has done.  Do not try to help God, don't become desperate for anything.
- Don’t live on past glory-Yesterday, today, tomorrow, your recent works.

The only way to maintain anything is to increase it.

ASSURANCE (Rev. 2:26-28)
These assurances are more of rewards awarded for what has been done. They are not things that will be gotten here but are part of what should come to us. These letters are revealing all the dimensions of Christ as we take note of them and apply them, our reward is sure.

Reward Promised
- Spiritual dominion
“...I will give power over the nations...” Rev 2:26, Ps. 2:8-9
- Spiritual illumination if they will overcome.
“...I will give him the morning star”. Rev. 2:28, Rev. 22:16

APPEAL
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”. Rev 2:29

PRAYER
-I have ears and I hear.
-By faith I overcome, by the revelation of Jesus, I overcome.
1 John 5:4-5
- By the word of God, I overcome. 1 John 2:14.
- I take heed to God's word.