DIGGING DEEP NO. 865 – JANUARY 12, 2021 CHRIST AND THE CHURCHES (PART 4) THE CORRUPTED CHURCH Rev.2: 18- 29.

The longest message was sent to the church in the smallest city. Thyatira
was a military town as well as a commercial center known for idolatry and
immorality, the two great enemies of the early church. The city boasted a
special temple to Apollo, the “Sun god” which explained why the Lord
introduced Himself as the “Son of God” the only time in Revelation this
title is used. The message to this congregation is a severe warning of judgment; no wonder the description of the Lord’s eyes and feet.
Approval – Rev.2: 19 the believers in Thyatira were a busy lot. They were involved in sacrificial ministry for the sake of others. Their works were increasing and characterized by faith, love and patience; great church.
Accusation – Rev.2: 20- 23 the Lord found much to expose and condemn in the assembly at Thyatira. No amount of loving and sacrificial works can compensate for tolerance of evil. The church was permitting a false prophetess to influence the people and lead them into
compromise. The name is symbolic: Jezebel was the idolatrous queen who enticed Israel to add Baal worship to their religious ceremonies. The seductive teaching of Jezebel was similar to the “doctrine of Balaam” that the Lord condemned in the church of Pergamos Rev.2: 14.
It is interesting to contrast the churches at Ephesus and Thyatira. The Ephesian church was weakening in its love, yet faithful to judge false teachers; while the people in the assembly at Thyatira were growing in their love, but too tolerant of false doctrine. Both extremes must
be avoided in the church. Speaking the truth in love is the biblical balance Ephe.4: 15. Not only was the church at Thyatira tolerant of evil, but it was proud and unwilling to repent Rev.2: 21. The Lord threatened to use this assembly as a solemn example to all the churches not to tolerate evil. Jezebel and her followers would be sentenced to tribulation and death. Idolatry and compromise are in the Bible pictured as fornication and
unfaithfulness to the marriage vows Jer.3: 6; Hos.9: 1. Jezebel’s bed of sin would become a bed of sickness; God would judge the false prophetess and her followers once and for all.
Admonition – Rev.2: 24- 29 not everyone in the assembly was unfaithful to the Lord, and He had a special word for them. They had separated themselves from the false doctrine and compromising practices of Jezebel and her followers, which Jesus denounces as “the depths of Satan. Rev.2: 25 “But hold fast what you have till I come”. This refers to Christ’s return for His people, at which time He will reward them for their faithfulness Rev.3:
3; 16: 15; 22: 7, 17, 20. The believers in Thyatira are promised authority over the nations, which probably refer to the fact that God’s people will live and reign with Christ Rev.20: 4. Rev.2: 28 Jesus Christ is the Bright and Morning Star Rev.22: 16. This suggests that God’s people shall be closely identified with Christ. The compromising people in Thyatira were following “the depths of Satan” which would lead to darkness and death. God’s overcomer on the other hand would share the Morning Star.
As we review these first four messages to the churches, we can see the dangers that still exist for the people of God.
Like Ephesus we can be zealous, but at the same time lose our devotion to Christ. Or, like Thyatira, our love can be increasing, and yet lacking where necessary to keep the church pure Phil.1: 9- 11.
Like Pergamos and Thyatira, we may be so tolerant of evil that we grieve the Lord and invite His judgment.
In Conclusion – God’s exhortation to these churches (Except Smyrna) is repent. It is not only lost sinners who need to repent, but also disobedient Christians. If we do not repent and deal with sin our lives and in our assemblies, the Lord may judge us and remove our lampstand Rev.2: 5. How tragic it is when a local church gradually abandons the faith and
loses its witness for Christ.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”.