Tolerating the Intolerable: Lessons from Thyatira's Compromise
The church at Thyatira, a church that represents a period of church history marked by internal corruption and a dangerous tolerance of sin. This church, as described in Revelation 2:18-29, reflects a time when the institutional church began to compromise with worldly practices, leading the faithful astray. Yet, even in this dark period, Christ identified a faithful remnant. Let us examine this message, and learn how to avoid the pitfalls of compromise.
1. Christ, the Righteous Judge (Revelation 2:18)
"These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire and his feet are like fine brass." Jesus presents Himself as the all-seeing, righteous judge. His fiery eyes pierce through pretense, revealing the true state of our hearts. We must remember that Christ sees everything and will hold us accountable for our actions and intentions.
2. Commendation for Works and Growth (Revelation 2:19)
"I know your works, and your love, and your service, and your faith, and your patience, and that your last works are more than the first." Unlike some of the other churches, Thyatira was commended for its active love, faith, and service. Their spiritual growth was also acknowledged. However, we must remember that spiritual activity without holiness can be a dangerous deception.
3. The Sin of Tolerance (Revelation 2:20)
"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you tolerate Jezebel..." The crucial problem was their tolerance of sin, symbolized by "Jezebel," who, like the Old Testament queen (1 Kings 16:31), led them into idolatry and immorality. We must be vigilant against allowing false teachings and sinful practices to infiltrate the church.
4. The Influence of False Teachers (Revelation 2:20)
"To teach and to seduce my servants, that they may commit fornication, and eat things sacrificed unto idols." False teachers continued to lead the church astray with deceptive doctrines, much like the spiritual prostitution of compromising faithfulness to Christ for worldly gain. We must exercise discernment to avoid being led away from the truth.
5. God's Patience and the Call to Repentance (Revelation 2:21)
"I gave her time to repent of her fornication, and she did not repent." God is merciful and grants time for repentance. However, His patience is not infinite. We cannot indefinitely postpone repentance, as divine judgment is inevitable when sin becomes ingrained.
6. The Consequences of Rebellion (Revelation 2:22)
"Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds." God's judgment on "Jezebel" and her followers symbolizes the consequences of persisting in sin. Tribulations are often God's way of awakening us to repentance. We must remember that sin will always have its consequences.
7. Christ's Heart-Searching Judgment (Revelation 2:23)
"And I will kill her children with death, and all the churches will know that I am he who searches the reins and hearts." God looks beyond outward appearances, examining the depths of our hearts. Purity must be internal, not just external. We will all be judged according to our works and intentions.
8. The Faithful Remnant (Revelation 2:24)
"But unto you, and the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will lay upon you no other burden." Even in the midst of widespread corruption, there is always a faithful remnant. God does not burden the faithful beyond their capacity. Our calling is to persevere in fidelity, without fear of external pressures.
9. The Promise of Authority (Revelation 2:26)
"To him who overcomes, and keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations." Those who persevere in holiness will receive authority with Christ. True power and authority come from God, not from worldly structures. We will reign with Christ in His kingdom.
10. Christ, the Morning Star (Revelation 2:28-29)
"And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." The "morning star" represents Christ, the light of life and our ultimate reward. Our greatest joy is to live eternally in His presence. We must be attentive to the Spirit's voice and obedient to His commands.
- Preaching on The Letter to the Church of Pergamon Revelation 2:13
- Preaching on The Letter to the Church at Ephesus Revelation 2:1-7
- Preaching on Letter to the Church in Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11
Conclusion
Let us learn from the church at Thyatira, avoiding the pitfalls of compromise and tolerating sin. Let us strive to be a church that maintains purity, holiness, and unwavering devotion to Christ. Amen.
