“Jesus’ Assessment of the Church at Thyatira”  3/09/08

Revelation 2:18-29

 

Name- “Continual sacrifice”

Economic – City of great wealth and gateway to Pergamum. Many trade guilds.

Political – Pliny the Elder says, “A city of no 1st rate dignity.” (ie. In a corn field)

Religious – Temples to Artemis and Apollo, but not famous or intrusive.

 

Trade guilds of Carpenters, Masons, tanners, dyers, tent makers etc.  Without membership in the guild, no work.  Just like MODERN TRADE UNIONS.  Patron gods and behaviors.

 

A.   The letter to the church contains the CORRESPONDENT’S TITLE

(Rev 1:14-15; Son of God; Eyes like fire, feet like Fine Bronze; Dan 10:6)

 

“For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity hidden from My eyes.”  Jeremiah 16:17  (Also Hebrews 4:13)

 

B.   The letter to the church contains Jesus’ COMMENDATION

He knows their works:

 

1)                                                      LOVE & SERVICE 

 

2)                                                      FAITH & PATIENCE

 

3)                                                      GROWING IN SERVICE

 

C.   The letter to the church contains Jesus’ CRITICISM 

1) They tolerated the false Prophetess named Jezebel.  One person!

(1 Kings 17-21, 23-24) Both sought to replace God’s Word with a substitute which brought judgment) Connected with Trade Guilds?

1) Sexual standards- ok if loving; 2) material possessions; 3) Church methods

 

2) They allowed teachings of sexual immorality and idol worship.

 

ILL- NOME ALASKA           READ ROMANS 1:18-32

 

A.   The letter to the church contains Jesus’ COUNSEL

1) Repent, Hold fast to what we have as we wait for His coming!

 

“I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.”  Jeremiah 17:10

 

B.   The letter to the church contains Jesus’ CLOSURE

(Faith and Patience- Hebrews 6:12; Power to rule and the Morning Star)

 

“Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”  1 John 5:5

 

Going           God wants you to never tolerate Evil or Compromise and to stay

Deeper                 focused on love and service, faith and patience!