Weakness in the Midst of Strength

The Church in Thyatira

Revelation 2:18-29

Review

• Christ is examining 7 churches– He points out strengths and weaknesses– He challenges each to improve– He offers each a reward for overcoming

• We begin our study of Thyatira with a look at the historical city

27 miles from Pergamum

On a road from Pergamum to Laodicea

Thyatira, the city

The least important of the seven cities, yet has the longest letter

Thyatira, the city

An agricultural city, no natural defences

Thyatira, the city

Known for trade guilds (copper, bronze, dyers, bakers, wools, slavers, etc)

Members had to participate in religious rites

No work if not a member of a guild

Thyatira, the church

• Rev 2:18-19, the strengths– Love (unlike Ephesus)– Faith– Service (active work)– Perseverance (steadfastness)– Deeds are greater than at first

• Again unlike Ephesus, the church is in no danger of fading away

• Might think it is a perfect church

Thyatira, the church

• Rev 2:20-25, the weakness– Jezebel – King Ahab’s wife (1 Kgs 17ff)

• She led Ahab and Israel into Baal worship

– Someone, in like manner, was teaching and leading the church into idolatry• How?

• v 24. “the deep things”, “depths”, “mysteries” of Satan – the trade guilds called their secret rites “mysteries” (like Freemasons today)

– Included eating food offered to idols and acts of immorality

Thyatira, the church

• Challenges– For Jezebel and her children (followers)

• Repent (Jezebel has already refused)

• Or face great tribulation and death– In such a manner that other churches would

notice » And know Christ searches hearts and minds» And that you get what you deserve

– May include the destruction of the trade guilds themselves

Thyatira, the church

• Challenges– For the faithful

• Hold on, and don’t give in or give up

• Christ is coming

Thyatira, the church• Rev 2:26-29, the reward for overcoming

– Overcoming includes keeping His words until the end

– Will be given power, a rod of iron• Might feel helpless now, but not then

• As Christ received power (Ps 2:8-9)– Received after His death and overcoming

– Will be given the morning star• The last and brightest star of the night seen just

before dawn

• If you have the morning star, you know the night has reached its end

Conclusion

• God does not tolerate false teaching nor false teachers

• A church can be strong even when opressed

• A strong church can still have serious weakness

• A new day is coming, all we must do is overcome in order to enjoy the blessings thereof

• Are you ready for that day?