Friday, February 17, 2023

Thyatira: The Corrupt Church

19 “I KNOW your works, love, [i]service, faith, and your [j]patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have [k]a few things against you, because you allow [l]that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, [m]to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to [n]repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of [o]their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches[p] the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.24 “Now to you I say, [q]and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I [r]will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 26 And he who overc

omes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—27 ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

Revelation3:19-29

Thyatira was founded under Alexander the Great. It was noted for its trade, particularly purple dye. Lydia, one of Paul’s converts, came from this region.

“Thyatira” means “perpetual sacrifice” or “continual offering.” In this letter, the church is commended for its good works, love, service, and patient endurance. Thyatira’s works were actually increasing in number. In this city, social events centered around the worship of gods and goddesses. There was a lot of pressure for Christians to participate in a lifestyle of worshipping idols. They fell short. One biblical scholar notes that “impure doctrine had been tolerated in the assembly.” As a result, both immorality and idolatry were being practiced. The church had compromised what it knew was right. God had given Thyatira time to repent, but it had failed to do so. God promised to reward those who overcame and kept his commandments.

Questions: God: Do I know what pleases you? Am I compromising your standards or my beliefs to blend in or be accepted by the crowd?

PRAYER: Father, you have reminded me that my works, love, service, and faith do matter. Thanks for also reminding me that you do not tolerate immorality or idolatry. Strengthen me. I never want to make compromises in my walk with you. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen