Church of Thyatira Stayed True

Churches of Revelation
#4 Church of Thyatira:

“I know your deeds,

 and your love and faith and service and perseverance,
and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. 

But I have this against you,

that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess,
and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols… 
Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation,
unless they repent of her deeds... 

But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them –

I place no other burden on you. 
Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.

He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end,

 to him I will give authority over the nations;
and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces,
 as I also have received authority from My Father;
and I will give him the morning star.”
Revelation 2:19-28

 There seems to be two separate groups here in Thyatira – the true Christians and those who are posing as Christians but teaching a strange doctrine.  The true Christians were those who lived spotless lives and by their good deeds showed their true hearts.  They were a church of love and faith resulting in service and perseverance.  Lastly, their works were increasing rather than diminishing. 

 The false church was condemned.   Jezebel was the evil wife of Ahab of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.  She brought in the prophets of Baal and led many astray.  Here, the church is following after the pagan practices and idolatry that is mingled in with Christian works and worship.  The introduction of rituals and church doctrine supplanted personal faith in Jesus Christ.  These people were about being religious, but not about knowing Jesus or being born again or sanctified through his blood.  Often the churches of Revelation are held up as different times in church history.  This church corresponds to the dark ages when the Catholic church introduced heretical teachings and rituals such as the worship of Mary and Mass being said for the dead.  But we can fall into this sin today when church rituals and doctrine become more important to our salvation than Jesus. 

Jesus then commends the true believers to hold fast to what they have.  We know the truth.  It will be challenged and we will be persecuted for it.  But we need to determine to hang on until the end.  The rewards are great!

To the overcomers is promised authority over nations.  We will not be playing a harp and sitting on clouds in heaven.  God says that we will have responsibilities and jobs such as ruling the nations.  Will you be ready?  Will you have matured and persevered and grown as a Christian so that Jesus can put you in charge?  Have you learned responsibility here on earth that Jesus will be able to trust you with great responsibility in heaven?  Are you persevering through the trials and tribulations here that you will be able to rule and reign in heaven?

We are also promised the morning star.  Jesus is the Bright and Morning Star (Rev. 22:16).  We will get Jesus as our husband, our Lord, our Friend, our King – face to face.  What joy that will be! 

Stay strong and hang on!