Jesus informed the church of Thyatira that they needed to repent. He would hold them accountable for their failure to take a stand against sin and for allowing it to creep into the church. Nevertheless, He gave them time to repent and turn from their wicked ways. Even so, not everyone in Thyatira was guilty of sinning against the Lord, but for those who were, Jesus gave a stern warning. Furthermore, Jesus warned Thyatira that they would be thrown onto a bed of suffering if they failed to repent. In other words, they would suffer Divine judgment. The Bible says: “If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there” (Psalm 139:8). When one thinks of a bed, it is often associated with peace, rest, and sleep. Unfortunately, this was not going to be the plight of those who rejected the Lord’s warnings. Jesus would allow trouble to come their way just as He did with Israel throughout their history to teach them a lesson.
Jesus also warned the rebellious within Thyatira that He was going to deal with the children and strike them down. This is metaphoric for His displeasure with those who would teach and mentor others to partake in a rebellious lifestyle. One can see what Jesus had to say to the Pharisees who turned converts into devils. The Bible says: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are” (Matthew 23:15). Likewise, the rebellious in Thyatira encouraged others to follow and indulge in the same sins they were guilty of committing themselves.
Jesus was going to make an example out of them if they did not turn from their wicked ways. Therefore, this was a stern rebuke to the other churches so they would see how serious this matter was to the Lord. Thyatira would be judged for even the things they thought no one else knew that they had done in secret. The Bible says: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins with us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17).
Although Jesus rebuked some within the church of Thyatira, He commended those who were doing the right thing. This threat of judgment did not apply to them as long as they remained steadfast in Him. There will always be a remnant of people who will do the will of God. Those who do will see God and enjoy the place that God has prepared for His children. God will ultimately destroy the rebellious but reward those who remain faithful, as they will rule over the nations. The Bible says: “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more the things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:2-3).
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT....
Label the following verse with the appropriate parts of speech. Answer to the best of your ability the who, what, and why and support your answers with Scripture, the dictionary, and/or what has previously been discussed in Bible notes and class.
"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead" (Revelation 3:1).
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