Revelation 1-3: The First Facet

Week 3, Thursday: The Church in Thyatira
Like the church in Pergamos, the church in Thyatira was doing some good things, but they were guilty of tolerating immoral practices among those claiming to be followers of Christ. Jesus is deadly serious about His churches not living this way. The world is wicked and sinful; the Church is called to be holy – no matter what it costs.

Read Revelation 2

Meditate on Revelation 2.18-29
1.      In verse 15, fire and brass are symbols of purity. Why does Jesus introduce Himself to the church in Thyatira in this way? What does this introduction suggest about what Jesus expects of the “vision” and “walk” of His followers?

2.      We note again that this church has many good things to commend it (v. 19). How can a church be characterized both by abundant good works and blatant wickedness? Should we accept this as normal?

3.      Notice verses 22, 23. Does King Jesus intervene in the circumstances of His churches? Meditate on Hebrews 12.3-11. Why does the Lord come with discipline against His people?

4.      Jesus declares Himself to be the One “who searches the minds and hearts”. What are the implications of this for your daily life as a follower of the Lord?

5.      “hold fast”, “overcome”, “keep My works”: Briefly explain each of these ideas. What does Jesus promise those who manage this (vv. 26, 28)?

My Reflection
Are you trying to follow Jesus while harboring sin in your heart (Ps. 66.18)? How does Jesus, who searches the mind and the heart, feel about this? How can we keep from becoming like the people of Thyatira?

The Glory of God
Jesus cites Psalm 2 in reference to His power to exercise judgment against sinners – not just “then and there,” but “here and now” as well. Read Psalm 2. What does Jesus require of sinners? What does He require of those who acknowledge Him as the Son of God and King?

Glory to Glory
Meditate on Habakkuk 2.14. Here is the Lord’s intention, to which He calls us as His people (1 Cor. 10.31). Why does this make it so important that we be as serious about sin as Jesus is?

Memorize
Our memory verse – Revelation 2.29 – tells us that the Spirit speaks to the churches. How can we know when the Spirit is speaking to us (cf. Jn. 16.8-11)?

Closing Prayer
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139.23, 24

T. M. Moore

The book of Revelation is the culminating episode in the story of God’s covenant. To learn more about that covenant, and to discover the way it integrates all of Scripture into the Gospel of Jesus Christ, order a copy of T. M.’s book, I Will Be Your God, by clicking here.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.