What if….?

Well…

Thyatira – Rev. 2:18-29

Known for crops, wool, and manufacturing of purple dye.

Had several trade guilds.

About 35 miles S.E. of Pergamus.

Thyatira – Rev. 2:18 – The vision of Christ

Similar vision to 1:13-15 except here He is called the Son of God.

Pictured as One sees, with penetrating vision, and judges.

Power – Rev. 2:19 - Commendation

• Good works• Loving• Servants’ hearts• Persevered in the Faith• Growth

Power – Rev. 2:20 - Condemnation

Did not properly protect the church from a false prophet.

Her false teaching led them into immorality and to disregard their consciences.

Power – Rev. 2:20 - Condemnation

Jezebel1 Kings 16:29-34; 2 Kings 9:30-37

Power – Rev. 2:20 - Condemnation

The successful trade guilds in the city were often involved in idol worship which often involved sexual sins

and profane worship.

Power – Rev. 2:20 - Condemnation

If a person refused to participate, they were excluded from the guild.

If a person wasn’t a part of the guild, it was nearly impossible to be successful.

It may well be this that Jezebel encouraged.

Power – Rev. 2:21 - Condemnation

God often gives us time to repent.

We often confuse His patience with His indifference.

Power – Rev. 2:21-22 - Condemnation

We can avoid temporal judgment by repentance.

“sickbed…great tribulation”1 Cor. 11:30; 1 Pet. 4:18

Power – Rev. 2:23 - Condemnation

Bad teaching affects lives.

This is clearly addressed to believers.

Power – Rev. 2:23 - Condemnation

“according to your works”

The focus in this context seems to be here and now, However…

Power – Rev. 2:23 - Condemnation

This is also true in eternity!Rev. 22:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; Mt. 16:27

Power – Rev. 2:23 - Condemnation

“searches the heart” v. 18An attribute of God

Jer. 17:9-10; Lk. 16:15; Acts. 1:24; Rom. 8:27

Power – Rev. 2:24 – Encouragement and reward

God notices who is faithful and who is not.

“Deep”, Satanic teaching.v. 13; Eph. 6:12; 1 Tim. 4

Power – Rev. 2:24 – Encouragement and reward

More could be said or required, but God is gracious!1 Cor. 10:15

Power – Rev. 2:25-26 – Encouragement and reward

“Hold fast…till I come”“He who overcomes and keeps my works until the end”

“As I also received”

Power – Rev. 2:27 – Encouragement and reward

Co-heirship with Christ is a special reward for those who are faithful until the end.

Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12

Power – Rev. 2:26 – Encouragement and reward

“Power over the nations”

Rule!

Power – Rev. 2:27 – Encouragement and reward

Psalm 2Enthronement Psalm

Note Ps. 2:8-9 – Context!

Power – Rev. 2:27 – Encouragement and reward

Christ applies Psalm 2 to faithful believers!

We become His partners (metachos)!

This is not automatic for all believers but it is available to all believers!

Power – Rev. 2:28 – Encouragement and reward

“Morning Star”Rev. 22:16; 2 Pet. 1:19

Intimacy!

And, in this case, the intimacy involves sharing His rule!

Power – Rev. 2:24-29 – Encouragement and reward

Do you want to live a meaningful life?

Do you want to make an impact that will last for eternity?

Power – Rev. 2:24-29 – Encouragement and reward

Imagine helping to shape the destiny of the world forever!

Imagine sharing in the actual, functional, rule of Jesus Christ!

Power – Rev. 2:24-29 – Encouragement and reward

That’s doing something about the world!

That’s making a difference!