For some people today tolerance is the only real virtue and intolerance the only vice. We live in a world where it seems people are tolerant of anything and everything except a person who does not tolerate something. It’s like you can believe whatever you want and do whatever you want and it’s okay. But if you believe something is wrong and people shouldn’t do it, that’s not okay.
Christ has called His church to be holy and maintain purity by dealing with sin quickly, lovingly, and effectively. In fact, the very first instruction He gave to the church was about confronting sin (Matt. 18:15-17). The practice of church discipline has a twofold purpose; to call sinning believers back to righteous behavior, and to remove from the church those who stubbornly cling to their sin. In either case, the purity of the church is upheld and spiritualhealth of the individual is maintained. False teaching and sin are not to be allowed, even under the banner of toleration and unity.
The church in Thyatira would fit right in to today’s culture. Please read Jesus’ letter to this church in Revelation 2:18-29.
City: Thyatira
Thyatira was the smallest city of the 7 churches, but received the longest letter. It was a wealthy city known for dyes (purple) and trade unions. To hold a job or run a job required membership in a trade guild. Membership involved immoral acts and idolatry. It was tough being a Christian and trying to earn a living in this city.
Christ: Eyes like Fire & Feet like Bronze
Jesus identified Himself with eyes like fire & feet like bronze. Both of these characteristics suggest judgment. His piercing vision sees all. His feet will tread on wickedness and sin with the irresistible strength of brass. This is the only time in Revelation Jesus is called ‘Son of God’ (usually ‘Son of Man’). This emphasizes His deity and He will execute God’s judgment on unrepentant sin.
Commendation: Love & Ministry
Six good things about this church: works, love, service, faith, patience, works (works mentioned twice). Note that love is the first work commended, though none the three preceding churches were commended for love. They were a loving church.
Condemnation: Jezebel
Whereas the Ephesian church had been good at dealing with false teachers but had lacked love, the church in Thyatira had lots of love but had become tolerant of false teachers.
There was a ’prophetess’, Jesus called Jezebel, who apparently taught that idolatry and sexual immorality were permissible. This appealed to the congregation because they could keep their job (with its immorality & idolatry) and still be part of the church. (Note: The Old Testament character, Jezebel, introduced Baal worship to Israel and combined it with the worship of Jehovah. She also introduced the worship of Ashtoroth, ‘Queen of Heaven’ (Jer. 44:17, 18, 25)).
Two things the church did wrong: (1) They allowed a woman to teach authoritatively, which the Bible forbids (1 Cor. 14:34; 1 Tim. 2:12-14). (2) They allowed her to teach false doctrine. Many Christians in the church were led astray.
Because the church did not do anything to stop this false teacher and false doctrine, Jesus said He would intervene. He says…
…“I gave her space.” This reveals His patience. There is still time for repentance.
…“I will cast her into a bed.” He gave her over to her desires.
…“I will kill her children” Sin always brings death. These may be actual illegitimate children, but probably symbolizes her converts. God would allow the consequences of sin to fall heavily on her and her followers.
Correction: Hold Fast
Apparently, things were too far gone to salvage the church. Only a small group were left. Jesus told them to ‘hang on’ until He returned. This is the first reference to Jesus’ return in the 7 letters.
Challenge: Leadership & Morning Star
Those who overcomer are promised leadership in Christ’s Millennial reign. Others will be broken, but they will continue. The Morning Star is Jesus. When you possess Jesus, you possess all.
Doctrine and Morality are vital to a good spiritual life in a church and in an individual Christian. The ‘world’ is trying to influence the church to relax on our morals, ethics, and doctrinal stand. Though we may be in the minority, if you are right with Jesus, you are in the majority. Hang on!
What doctrines or morals do you feel are being attacked today?