Day 4: The Church in Thyatira

Thyatira was the smallest and least important city, yet it was the longest of the seven letters. It was a military town with training guilds and was known for their worship of Greek and Roman gods. This idolatry and immorality began to creep into the church. There’s a reason they’re known as the corrupt church.

GOOD WORK: Works

In Revelation 2:19, Jesus says, “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; as for your works, the last are more than the first.” The Church in Thyatira was growing in their works. They did the things Christians should do. There were actual feet to their faith. It’s important that we see that Jesus sees when we do work for Him. He sees our efforts; He sees our works; He sees our heart in the works.

Question for Reflection: What are some good works you’ve done for others? How did that make you feel?

GET RIGHT: Idolatry and immorality

No amount of good works can cover for the tolerance of evil. This “Jezebel” that Jesus speaks of basically taught the Christians in Thyatira how to compromise with the Roman religion. So, the church began to put their jobs above their relationship with Jesus out of fear of making a living.  They would actually help build the temples or carve statues of idols. 

Why is this such a big deal? Because idolatry is adultery against God. Think about that, when you put anything above Him, you are cheating on Him. Jesus is so serious about this that He tells them, “I will give each one of you according to your works” (2:23b). I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want Jesus to judge me by every work I’ve done. It’d be scary to get what I deserve based on my works.

Question for Reflection: What would your life look like if you got everything you deserved?

GET READY: Hold fast

Jesus will return. He makes no demands of this church, He simply asks them to hold fast and to resist evil; if we do, we get Jesus! And He wrote this letter for all of us. For “Jezebels” who lead others into sin, for “Jezebel’s children” who follow others into sin, for “innocent bystanders” who allow evil works in the church, and for “faithful Christians” who need to hold fast.

Question for Reflection: Which are you?