Lessons 6 & 7 Revelation 2:18 3:6 Letters to Thyatira and Sardis

The City of Thyatira It was located about 40 miles southeast of Pergamos Originally established as a military outpost, it came into Roman hands in 190 B.C. It was located in a valley surrounded by gently sloping hills The city was notable for its purple dye and dyed garments It is thought that this dye was of a Turkish red color, made from the madder root which abounded in the vicinity

The City of Thyatira Was also known for its trade guilds: wool workers, linen workers, makers of outer garments, tanners, leather workers, dyers, bakers, slave dealers, and bronzesmiths A wealthy city; membership in one of the guilds was very important for one s livelihood Chief deity of the city was Tyrimnos, who was identified with the Greek sun god Apollo At one of the shrines, a prophetess who claimed to utter sayings of one of the deities; these were given to the worshipers as oracles

The Church at Thyatira Nothing is really known of the origin of the church in Thyatira City is named in Acts 16:11 15 Lydia who was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. Possible that Lydia was instrumental in the beginnings of the church there, but nothing to indicate this Also possible that Paul helped start the church there while at Ephesus Acts 19:10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Lessons for Today The success of a church is not about programs and ministries. It s about the fervor, fidelity, and fellowship that comes from pure and simple faith and love. Let us be careful we do not compromise as some in Laodicea did. We must be careful in our jobs and in our support of organizations lest we render aid to those who teach false doctrine. Thus, we may find that we are sharing in it.

Thyatira Compromised With Evil Overview High commendation for the church Doing some things well and growing in them But a group that needs to be dealt with A woman who calls herself a prophetess; she is causing some to grossly compromise their faith The Lord speaks very harshly about these and how they will be dealt with Closes with an admonition to hold fast and overcome as well giving promise for those that do so

Thyatira Compromised With Evil V. 18 Son of God divinity and power Eyes like flame able to penetrate the heart of the church and the people there; sees the corruption that is occurring Feet like fine brass ability to crush to ashes any who oppose Him V. 19 knows their works; everything is open to Him Commendation for: Works, Love, Service, Faith, and Patience Traits similar to Paul s commendation to Thessalonica (2 Thes. 1:3 )

Thyatira Compromised With Evil V. 19 (cont.) Unlike Ephesus, growing and advancing in these things as for your works, the last are more than the first Increasing in spiritual stature; not simply holding course Had a continuously burning flame of faith and love which motivated ever increasing works and service and steadfastness Wouldn t it be tremendous to have this said about us? A model for real growth It s not about programs and ministries. It s not about fundraisers and concerts. It s about the fervor, fidelity, and fellowship that comes from pure and simple faith and love

Thyatira Compromised With Evil V. 20 Nevertheless or But This church is allowing a faction to exist within that is working contrary to the Lord Led or influenced by a woman referred to as Jezebel Unlikely her real name A woman of some leadership ability and able to influence many What are they allowing this woman to do? To teach and seduce some of the Christians there ( My servants ) Seduce planao to roam, go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way Teaching something false; using it to draw these away He takes this very personally because these are His children

Thyatira Compromised With Evil V. 20 (cont.) What is she teaching? to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols Trade guilds in Thyatira closely tied to pagan worship; had feasts where fertility rituals were practiced Eating meat sacrificed to idols was a great social problem for Christians of that day Pressure was heavy to participate in these to be accepted into the guilds freedom to practice your trade Refusal to do so could cost one his job, his trade, and become an outcast Would seem she was teaching: you can practice these things and still be a Christian; in other words, the teaching of compromise

Thyatira Compromised With Evil V. 20 (cont.) Q8. Who was Jezebel of Old Testament times? Wife of Ahab, King of Israel; extremely wicked A Sidonian and a worshipper of Baal (1 Ki. 16:31 32) A strong and evil influence on the king (1 Ki. 21:25) Cut off the prophets of Jehovah Prophets of Baal (450) and Asherah (400) ate at her table (1 Ki. 18:19) Her sins summed up: harlotries and witchcraft of Jezebel (2 Ki. 9:22) Why do you think this woman is called Jezebel? Had a strong and evil influence on the church Encouraged compromise allowing for idolatrous activities Drawing the servants of the Lord away from

Thyatira Compromised With Evil V. 21 Time and opportunity to repent, but she has not done so He is longsuffering (2 Pet. 3:9) A point at which this longsuffering ends; that time has come V. 22 23 Punishment Appears to be figurative for the Lord s judgment against them Adultery here probably a figure for spiritual infidelity Their bed of pleasure will become a bed of pain and suffering Going to suffer some great tribulation However, still opportunity to repent If not, He will kill her children her disciples with death Uncertain what exactly this means Will become an example for other churches Everyone will receive the due reward for his works

Thyatira Compromised With Evil V. 24 Those who do not hold this doctrine will put no other burden on them What burden has He already placed on them? Must no longer allow this woman to teach and seduce She must be dealt with. What must they do with Jezebel? Withdraw themselves from her and her followers (2 Thes. 3:6) V. 25 Hold fast like a ship to its moorings All the things you are doing keep doing them till I come until the Lord comes in judgment Likely not referring to the final judgment Coming in judgment against Jezebel and followers

Thyatira Compromised With Evil V. 26 28 the promises to those who overcome Q. 10 What three distinct promises did the Lord make to those who have not this doctrine or have overcome? Power over the nations they reign in His kingdom and the nations will not control their destiny The nations shall be dashed to pieces those opposed to Christ will be ruled with a rod of iron implying harsh judgment and will be the ones who suffer the second death Will be given the morning star The meaning seems to be that as the morning star, one of the brightest in the heavens, heralds the approach of dawn and a new day, so Christ here promises that He will give to the conqueror a new day; the night is almost over. (Homer Hailey)

Thyatira Compromised With Evil Jezebel and Lydia Both women of some influence and ability Used their abilities to very different ends One very commendable; the other worthy of condemnation Many people are gifted in various ways; how we choose to use those gifts makes all the difference Let s be conscious of how we are using our gifts and to what ends

Thyatira Compromised With Evil Compromise can you think of similar ways in which it is possible to compromise today? Organizations or jobs that require things of you contrary to the will of God Pressured to participate or give to organizations at work that support false teaching What is wrong with this? Supporting what they teach not just the good works they do Do you know their doctrine? Do you know where your money goes? Do not be ignorant of these things; learn about the organizations you support A job is never worth your soul

The City of Sardis About 30 miles south southeast of Thyatira Located at the foot of Mount Timolus and near the Hermus river Was among the oldest and most renowned cities of Asia Minor At the intersection of five important roads; one the most important trading centers The first coins were minted here; considered the birthplace of modern money Notorious for its pleasures and luxury loving spirit

The City of Sardis Built on a smooth, almost perpendicular rock hill that provided a natural citadel 1500 feet above the surrounding plain Wealth and security caused the kings and people to grow soft and weak Cyrus, king of the Persians, took the city in 549 B.C. Soldier found a crevice; able to lead a small band to the summit and surprise the unprepared city Again in 218 B.C., Antiochus, the Great took the city in similar fashion Destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 17; rebuilt with help from the Emperor Tiberius A city with a past but no future

Lessons for Today Reputation is what others say about you. Character is what you truly are. Let us build a character that is worthy of a reputation, and not focus merely on appearances. I am a part of the whole. If we all have the attitude of doing my part and being what I should be, we will naturally be a strong and vibrant church of God s people. Even though saints work together as a local church, they will ultimately be judged individually.

Sardis Alive or Dead? Overview Really nothing commendable to say about this church as a whole Have a reputation of being something but are in fact dead in His view Time for them to strengthen things once again or He will come upon them as a thief Only saving grace is that there a few faithful yet remaining in the church If they can overcome, they will not have their name blotted from the Book of Life

Sardis Alive or Dead? V. 1 The One with the Seven Spirits and seven stars in His hand Has the Spirit ready to act as He directs Seven stars the spirit or inner life of the church; He is able to revive the spirit of this dead church if it be willing Q. 3 For what does He condemn Sardis? Have a name of being alive A reputation among other churches that they are a true church of the Lord s; that they are a sound church But in fact, the Lord sees them as they really are dead The life has gone out of this church

Sardis Alive or Dead? Their name disguised their true spiritual condition. If one becomes lethargic about teaching the gospel, his neighbors will not be offended. And if he blends with the secular world so that his life is not distinguished as different from others, he will not suffer the wrath of persecution. However, this kind of peace is not what the gospel brings (Matt. 10:34 36). Reputation is what others say about you, but character is what one really is. (Robert Harkrider)

Sardis Alive or Dead? V. 2 His admonition to the church: Be watchful Likely had the city s history in mind when He said this City had become complacent; was surprised because they were not watchful when they should have been Church seems to be falling prey to complacency as well A glimmer of hope for the church, however There are some things which remain that can be strengthened, but even those are ready to die

Sardis Alive or Dead? V. 3 Must remember what they once were and how they received the gospel in the beginning Five admonitions are provided: be watchful, strengthen the things that remain, remember, hold fast, and repent Q5. In what manner would He come if they failed to watch? The Lord will come upon them as a thief An allusion to the city s defeat more than once; they should recognize and pay attention Unexpectedly. When they are least prepared. Their candlestick is in danger of being removed

Sardis Alive or Dead? V. 4 Q. 4 For what does He commend Sardis? A few Christians who remain faithful and righteous Even though the church as a whole is dead, these are still alive spiritually Have remained true and not given in to the evils and decadence Will have their reward with the Lord in Heaven Note: even though saints work together as a local church, they will ultimately be judged individually These Christians were striving to do what is right even in a church that was no longer what it should be spiritually Doing what they could where they were An important lesson for us today: We should strive to work through our troubles when they come and do so in love

Sardis Alive or Dead? V. 5 The promise of overcoming Will not be removed from the Book of Life The idea of a divine register, as Harkrider calls it, is found throughout the Bible As far back as Moses Ex. 32:32 33 Other places: Ps. 69:28; Dan. 12:1; Lk. 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Heb. 12:22 23; Rev. 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27 The Lord will confess his name before the Father and His angels A picture of the final judgment scene Reassuring to any who are remaining righteous and those that can still be revived Even though they are in the midst of many who are not what they should be, they can be found faithful and see God in Heaven in peace one day

Lessons for Today I am a part of the whole. If we all have the attitude of doing my part and being what I should be, we will naturally be a strong and vibrant church of God s people. Reputation is what others say about you. Character is what you truly are. Let us build a character that is worthy of a reputation, and not focus merely on appearances. Even though saints work together as a local church, they will ultimately be judged individually.

Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10