Seven Churches(4): Message to Thyatira Revelation 2:18-28 I. Introduction. A. The city of Thyatira. 1. A great trading city. 2. Evidently more trade guilds "than any Asian city" (Wycliffe). 3. On the Greek trade routes. 4. Not as prominent as other cities. 5. Remains can still be found. 6. Chief modern industry: rug-making(I.S.B.E.). B. A lady from this city: Acts 16:13-15. 1. Paul went to a riverside to pray. 2. Taught the women who were there. 3. A businesswoman responded: a. Heard Paul, heart opened, obeyed the truth. b. Hospitable to Paul and his company. c. Likelihood that she was wealthy. 4. The "dye" guilds were strong and influential. a. Pagan feasts often associated with them. b. Purple: now known as "Turkish red." II. Body. A. The one who speaks to them: v. 18. 1. The Son of God(note description). 2. When Christ speaks, all men should listen. 3. Note: Revelation 1:14-15. a. Glorious appearance. b. Shows majesty and glory. 4. Penetrating power of eyes(reveal true and false). 5. Comment on feet and voice. 6. Infallible, omniscient, and strong. 7. Perfect understanding of their conditions. B. The knowledge of God: v. 19. 1. Creditable characteristics: works, love, faith, ministry and patience. 2. Did more works than at first(growth?). a. Increase in good deeds. b. Jesus had said: John 9:4. 3. Hence: II Peter 3:18. 4. Growth does not necessarily mean in numbers. C. A problem in Thyatira: v. 20. 1. Even a busy(active) church can have failures. 2. A so-called prophetess. a. Induces people to immoral practices. b. Advocated sacrificing to idols. 3. Perhaps a way to keep a "job." 4. Allowing her to continue in fellowship. a. "Sufferest"--did not expose and withdraw. b. Claim of prophetess--but false. 5. Elders at Ephesus warned; Acts 20:29-30. D. The patience of the Lord: v. 21. 1. The Lord desires all to repent: II Peter 3:9. a. Alien and erring. b. Even those who are faithful(when wrong). 2. Refusal to change dooms a person. 3. Compromising with the world claims many(also false doctrine). 4. The Lord does not make(force) people to serve him: John 7:17. E. The punishment from God: v. 22-23. 1. Analyze: punishment. a. That which proceeds from justice. b. Many in our society do not like such. c. Carries idea of "avenge." 2. Would carry out if no repentance comes forth. a. Those who follow her will be punished. b. The Lord makes no mistakes(searches hearts). c. Those who approve(say nothing) are also guilty. 3. The Lord is fair: v. 23b. F. A promise to the faithful: v. 24. 1. Those who do not follow false doctrine(teaching). 2. Those who do not practice immorality. 3. From apostles and elders: Acts 15:28-29. 4. No other burden for the faithful. 5. Some remained true in spite of Jezebel: v. 25. G. Reward for overcoming: v. 26-27. 1. They refused the false teaching and overcame the temptation. 2. The victory belongs to the dedicated faithful. 3. One can be faithful even under extreme circumstances. 4. Note: I Corinthians 10:13. 5. The Lord grants the power to overcome. 6. Hence: Romans 5:17. 7. What Jezebel and followers were doing: Romans 6:12. 8. Note: II Timothy 2:11-13. 9. The morning star: v. 28. a. Christ: Revelation 22:16. b. Guidance in times of trouble. c. "A symbol of royalty." III. Conclusion. 1. Same admonition for all churches: v. 13. 3. Are you listening to the Lord and His word?-jy