The corrupt church

• 1^st – The introduction… vs. 18
  • FOUR sections
    • Each of the LETTERS to the churches contains FOUR sections…
    • Introduction – Positive – Negative – and Encouragement!
  • 1^st – The Angel…
    • To the angel!
    • As you will recall – there are TWO thoughts on WHO this ANGEL was…
    • FIRST – a guardian ANGEL – who watched over THYATIRA – Hebrews 1:14
    • SECOND – it could be the PASTOR of the church…
    • ANGEL [ἄγγελος] – means messenger – one who gives Gods WORD…
    • Therefore Jesus could be talking about the PASTOR – who gave the church His Word!
  • 2^nd – The City…
    • The church in Thyatira write!
      • THYATIRA is the modern day city of Akhisar – a smaller city of around 125k people…
      • It is about 80 kilometers southeast of the city of PERGAMOS…
      • The RUINS that remain there – are located in a small area in the middle of the modern city…
      • An agricultural area – the city is surrounded by FARMLAND – grapes – olives!
    • Purple dye…
      • THYATIRA was also well known for their TEXTILES – especially PURPLE…
      • Lydia – who Paul met in Philippi – was a seller or PURPLE from THYATIRA – Acts 16:14
      • PURPLE was a very HARD and EXPENSIVE color to create in ancient times…
      • Up until the 1856 – the ONLY way to make PURPLE was from marine SNAILS…
      • It took THOUSANDS of snails – boiled for DAYS – causing a TERRIBLE smell…
      • THYATIRA [Θυάτειρα] – the name means a BAD smell…
      • The high COST – meant it became associated with ROYALTY [only ones who could afford it]
    • Workers Unions…
      • The various professions in THYATIRA – farmers – textile…
      • All had TRADE guilds – we would call them workers UNIONS today…
      • Each UNION would have their own god – with an IDOL – that they worshiped…
      • Every time you have an OFFICE party – food would be offered to your IDOL…
      • And often be followed up with PAGAN practices [sexual immorality]
      • Perhaps a SOURCE of the CORRUPTION that marked the church of THYATIRA!
  • 3^rd – The Tone…
    • Describing Jesus…
      • In His INTRODUCTION to each of the Churches – Jesus looks back…
      • Highlighting specific CHARACTERISTICS of the Vision from – Revelation 1:11-18
      • The choice of CHARACTERISTICS – will set the TONE for the LETTER to that church…
      • The TONE to Thyatira – was one of JUDGEMENT because of they were morally CORRUPT!
    • These things says the Son of God!
      • Son of God [45x in NT] – a title often misunderstood – NOT a reference to the virgin birth…
      • BEFORE Genesis 1:1 – Jesus had this title – because Jesus is God – John 10:30
      • The title describes His relationship to the Father – the SECOND person in the Trinity…
      • What Jesus is telling the CHURCH – He will be the God who JUDGES them!
      • John 5:22 – “The Father judges no one – but has committed all judgment to the Son.”
    • Who has eyes like a flame of fire – and His feet like fine brass!
      • The EYES of Jesus are like FIRE – they can BURN right through the exterior…
      • The gaze of Jesus can penetrate and see what is INSIDE – see the HEART…
      • And His FEET are like of BRASS [bronze] – ready to JUDGE what He sees!
      • Jesus FEET are ready to JUDGE the SINNERS of this world…
      • Whether that be rebellious men who REFUSE to come to CHURCH…
      • Or CORRUPT men who are in CHURCH – but are not living a HOLY life…
      • Because it is NOT about just about our attendance – it is about LIVING for the LORD!
      • I Peter 4:17 – “The time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God.”

• 2^nd – The Positive… vs. 19
  • 1^st – Jesus KNOWS…
    • I know your works!
    • KNOWS [εἴδω] – to SEE and UNDERSTAND…
    • Jesus will make this statement to all SEVEN churches – He sees [perfect] EVERYTHING!
    • GOOD and BAD – nothing [perfect] is hidden from our Lord!
    • Hebrews 4:13 – “There is no creature hidden from His sight – but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
  • 2^nd – Good works…
    • [Your] love – service – faith – and your patience!
      • The GOOD in the church in THYATIRA was defined by FOUR words [nouns]
      • LOVE [ἀγάπη] – they were not like Ephesus – they had genuine LOVE for others…
      • SERVICE [διακονία] – they were quick to HELP those who were in NEED…
      • FAITH [πίστις] – they understood the IMPORTANCE of trusting in Jesus…
      • PATIENCE [ὑπομονή] – they were ABIDING [μένω] in – dependent on Jesus!
    • A GOOD list…
      • If Jesus were to DESCRIBE us – as a church KNOWN for our LOVE…
      • Quick to SERVE others – with a strong FAITH – who were ABIDING in Him…
      • We would definitely consider than an A+ on our report card!
      • A GOOD church – is defined both by their FAITH – and their ACTIONS…
      • Because the PROOF that we have FAITH and are ABIDING in Jesus…
      • Can be SEEN – in the LOVE and SERVICE that comes from our lives!
      • James 2:18 – “I will show you my faith by my works.”
  • 3^rd – LOTS of works…
    • As for your works – the last are more than the first!
    • THYATIRA did not just have GOOD works – they had LOTS of good works…
    • Comparted to YESTERDAY [first] – they had more GOOD works TODAY [last]
    • They were INCREASING in their LOVE – SERVICE – FAITH – and PATIENCE…
    • This church was not just an A+ student – they were the VALEDICTORIAN!
    • We are not Christians because of what God did in our lives TEN years ago…
    • The question we NEED to ask is what is God doing in our lives TODAY…
    • There is a DANGER in looking to the PAST – it keeps us from being honest about the PRESENT…
    • Our relationship with God is not about what God did YESTERDAY…
    • We need to make sure the Lord is working in our lives even more TODAY!

• 3^rd – The Negative… vs. 20-25
  • 1^st – Who was Jezebel… vs. 20
    • [But] – I have a few things against you!
      • For ALL their GOOD works – there was a LITTLE [ὀλίγος] problem…
      • Ironic Jesus calls it a LITTLE problem – because He dedicates SIX verses to it…
      • The only other church to have as much NEGATIVE – was Laodicea [also SIX verses]
      • The PROBLEM – was the CORRUPTION in the church – and she had a NAME!
    • You allow that woman Jezebel – who calls herself a prophetess!
      • ALLOW – they continually [present] allowed a CORRUPTING influence into the church…
      • THE [ὁ] woman – not women in general – one PARTICULAR woman…
      • JEZEBEL [only here NT] – there are TWO views on who this was!
    • FIRST – the INFLUENCE of JEZEBEL from the Old Testament…
      • JEZEBEL was the wife of King Ahab – she was from the city of Sidon – I Kings 16:31
      • She did NOT worship the God of Israel – instead she taught Ahab to worship other gods…
      • She is most famous for KILLING all the prophets of God in Israel – I Kings 18:13
      • And even vowing to kill ELIJAH – when he defeated her prophets of Baal – I Kings 19:2
      • Because of her wickedness – ELIJAH prophesied she would be eaten by dogs – I Kings 21:23
      • And her name has since been associated with CORRUPTION!
      • I Kings 21:25 – “There was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do [evil] in the sight of the LORD – because Jezebel his wife [corrupted] him.”
    • SECOND – One of the PROMINENT women in the church of THYATIRA…
      • This seems to be backed up by the fact she called herself a PROPHETESS [2x in NT]
      • A woman who was well named – because she acted like JEZEBEL from the OT…
      • Some versions of the text read YOUR wife – perhaps speaking of the WIFE of the PASTOR!
  • 2^nd – What Jezebel taught… vs. 20
    • [You allow her to] teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality!
      • There were TWO results of the INFLUENCE of JEZEBEL…
      • FIRST – the SERVANTS [δοῦλος] of the LORD were SEDUCED…
      • SEDUCED [πλανάω] – where we get the word PLANET – meaning to WANDER away….
      • People did NOT [passive] choose to WANDER – the teachings of JEZEBEL corrupted them…
      • So that they committed SEXUAL immorality [πορνεύω]!
      • We live in a world that think nothing of SEXUAL immorality…
      • Every time we turn on the TV – every time we look at social media…
      • Sex sells – JEZEBEL is doing her best to SEDUCE us and CONVINCE us it is normal…
      • Everyone looks at those IMAGES [πορνεύω] – its ok to have a relationship before marriage… 
      • And SADLY – the church has allowed this to come in and infect believers…
      • But we are called to be HOLY – we do not to WANDER like the world!
      • I Thessalonians 4:3 – “This is the will of God – [our holiness]. That [we] should [avoid] sexual immorality [πορνεύω].”
    • And eat things sacrificed to idols!
      • SECOND – the believers were SEDUCED to eat things offered to IDOLS…
      • A common PAGAN practice – offer food to gods – then eat it in worship…
      • Not that we need to be CONCERNED about food – we can eat anything – Matthew 15:11
      • The concern is more for our CONSCIENCE and our WITNESS!
      • If someone saw a believer eating bacon that had just been offered to Zeus…
      • The natural assumption would have been that he was a believer in that false deity!
      • We have a LOT of freedom as Christians – but we need to consider our EXAMPLE…
      • People are WATCHING us – and making ASSUMPTION based on our ACTIONS…
      • If we as Christians look and act just like those who do NOT know Jesus…
      • Why would anyone want to hear about Jesus – come to church…
      • God calls us to be DIFFERENT – we are called to be LIGHT in a DARK world!
      • I Corinthians 10:28 – “If anyone says to you – This was offered to idols. Do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you – and for conscience sake.”
  • 3^rd – Great Tribulation… vs. 21-22
    • I gave [Jezebel] time to repent of her sexual immorality – and she did not repent!
      • Jesus gave JEZEBEL time – so she MIGHT [subjunctive] repent…
      • But she would NOT turn from her SEXUAL immorality [πορνεύω]!
      • God is PATIENT – giving TIME to repent and turn back to Him…
      • God WAITS to punish sin – because He loves the sinner – II Peter 3:9
      • But for those who harden their hearts – do NOT repent – there are CONSEQUENCES!
      • Galatians 6:7 – “God is not mocked – for whatever a man sows – that he will also reap…”
    • Indeed I will cast her into a bed!
      • BEHOLD [imperative] – LOOK and SEE what God will do…
      • Cast her into a BED [the word sick is not there] – a POWERFUL play on words…
      • JEZEBEL – refused to give up her SEXUAL immorality – get out of BED…
      • Therefore God would give her what she wanted – turn her OVER to her sin!
      • There can come a place when we have said NO to God so many times…
      • That God finally agrees – and SETS IN PLACE our CHOICE!
      • Genesis 6:3 – “The LORD said – My Spirit shall not strive with man forever…”
    • Those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation – unless they repent of their deeds!
      • ANYONE who commits ADULTERY with JEZEBEL…
      • This could either speak of a literal extra marital relationship…
      • Or those who SPIRITUALLY commit ADULTERY – by being CORRUPTED by the WORLD…
      • If they ALSO refuse to REPENT – they will be cast into the GREAT [μέγας] Tribulation!
      • There are going to be some VERY shocked church goers when the RAPTURE happens…
      • Because coming to CHURCH is no guarantee that we will ESCAPE the GREAT Tribulation…
      • They are going to be LEFT behind – because they were SEDUCED by the world…
      • And they REFUSED to REPENT – until it was too LATE!
      • Luke 21:36 – “Watch therefore – and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass…”
  • 4^th – ALL will know… vs. 23
    • I will kill her children with death!
      • The CONSEQUENCES of the SIN of JEZEBEL would not be limited to just her…
      • Her CHILDREN would also die as a RESULT of her unwillingness to REPENT…
      • CHILDREN [τέκνον] – the same word John would use to describe disciples – I John 3:1
      • Those who were disciples of JEZEBEL – her spiritual CHILDREN…
      • Would suffer the same fate as her – the LORD will KILL them…
      • The inference is that God will kill both their body and SOUL!
      • Matthew 10:28 – “Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
    • 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!
      • The REASON Jesus brought such STRICT judgement on JEZEBEL and her DISCIPLES…
      • All [πᾶς] the others churches would KNOW [γινώσκω] God looks at our MOTIVES [heart]
      • When God KILLED Ananias and Saphira because they LIED to the Holy Spirit…
      • Making it VERY clear God would NOT allow CORRUPTION within His body…
      • The RESULT was great FEAR came upon the WHOLE church – ACTS 5:11
      • God is NOT afraid to make EXAMPLES of those who refuse to REPENT…
      • He knows that CORRUPTION in a church can quickly spread and INFECT others…
      • And Jesus will move QUICKLY to remove – PUBLICLY – the source of the problem…
      • Meaning – if we are a JEZEBEL – or one of her CHILDREN…
      • RIGHT now is the time to REPENT – before God judges us as a WARNING to others!
  • 5^th – Hold Fast… vs. 24-25
    • Now to you I say – and to the rest in Thyatira – as many as do not have this doctrine!
      • To everyone else in THYATIRA – those who were NOT disciples of JEZEBEL…
      • There were still MANY in the church who were NOT corrupted…
      • They did not follow the TEACHINGS [doctrine] of immorality [πορνεύω] or compromise…
      • The question is – what were they to do about JEZEBEL and her CHILDREN!
    • [You] who have not known the depths of Satan – as they say…
      • I will put on you no other burden – but hold fast what you have till I come!
      • Those who REJECTED the TEACHINGS of JEZEBEL…
      • Who refused to have a RELATIONSHIP [γινώσκω] with the DEPTHS of satan [Σατανᾶς]
      • Jesus did not want to add to their BURDEN [weight]
      • All they NEEDED to do – was HOLD onto Jesus until He returned!
      • I found this VERY interesting – here you have a church that has been CORRUPTED…
      • Yet Jesus did NOT want them to do anything about it – JEZEBEL was NOT their problem…
      • GOD would take care of JEZEBEL and her CHILDREN…
      • The ONLY thing He wanted the CHURCH to do – was HOLD onto Him…
      • Meaning we are NOT called to hunt down problems within the church – SIN seekers…
      • Instead we are called to be an EXAMPLE to others – by ABIDING in Jesus!

The DAY is about the BREAK forth – Jesus is coming soon!

4^th – The encouragement… vs. 26-29

1^st – LISTEN… vs. 29

He who has an ear – let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches!

This was NOT written just for the church in THYATIRA…

It is for ANYONE who has an EAR – they MUST [imperative] LISTEN…

Because the SPIRIT of God is SPEAKING [present] to ALL churches [plural]

This LETTER is for us – Jesus is writing to us TODAY…

If we are willing to LISTEN to what His SPIRIT has to SAY!

2^nd – The PROMISE… vs. 26-28

He who overcomes – and keeps My works until the end!

This same CONCLUSION – is given to all SEVEN churches…

There are a variety of REWARDS described – but all with the same CONDITION…

OVERCOME [νικάω] – to those who have VICTORY [present]

For THYATIRA – VICTORY – meant avoiding the CORRUPTION in the church…

Instead ABIDING in Jesus – KEEPING His works until the END…

And the REWARD for doing that – was TWO things!

To him I will give power over the nations!

He shall rule them with a rod of iron. They shall be dashed to pieces like the potters vessels…

As I also have received from My Father!

FIRST – Jesus would give us POWER [ἐξουσία] over NATIONS [ἔθνος]

As Jesus will be given AUTHORITY over the WORLD from the Father – quoting Psalm 2:9

Ruling them with an IRON grip – crushing like CLAY those who resist…

Psalm 2:6-8 – “I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion…  I will give You the nations for Your inheritance – and the ends of the earth for Your possession.”

When Jesus returns He will establish His MILLENNIAL Kingdom – Revelation 20:4

And He will share His AUTHORITY with us – we will RULE with Him…

We are in a WAR – a DAILY battle against the INFLUENCE of the world around us…

There is a CONSTANT temptation to believe the world has something better to offer…

Yet embracing the CORRUPTION of the world – means we go through the TRIBULATION…

But HOLDING fast to Jesus – means we will skip the TRIBULATION [rapture]

And RETURN with Him – to RULE beside Him – I Corinthians 6:2

I will give him the morning star!

SECOND – Jesus will give us the MORNING star

MORNING [πρωϊνός] – only here NT – to belong to the morning…

A similar word is used of Jesus – He is the EARLY [ὀρθρινός] star – Revelation 22:16

MORNING star – is actually the PLANET Venus – that is brightest just before the DAWN…

When you see it in the NIGHT sky – you know the DAY is about to come!

To the CORRUPTED church in THYATIRA – battling the DARKNESS of JEZEBEL…

Wondering how LONG would they have to fight – when was the SON coming…

Jesus tells them the MORNING star has appeared – the NIGHT is almost over…