LETTER TO OUR CHURCHES (IV)

                               

LETTER TO OUR CHURCHES (IV)
Revelations 2:18-29

Our center of study in the part of the series is the Church in Thyatira. Jesus affirms the positive actions of this church; He was impressed by their works, their love, their faith, service and patience. Jesus commended them on one more thing: He saw that day after day, they kept increasing and abounding in good works. They grew deeper by the day in the love and knowledge of Christ.

The Church in Thyatira like some believers of modern time; who have refused to be carried away by side attractions in our world just like it happened to Demas, 2Timothy 4:10 "for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world..." Christ is so proud of believers that are patiently running the race set before them. His eyes are all over those believers whose salvation is precious in their sight and they are defending it with their lives.

But Christ has something against this church; He described it as a false female prophetess who have started to teach the doctrine that favours fornication, thereby leading believers to compromise. Christ saw that some members of the church in Thyatira began to engage in sexual immorality.

Let's bring the church in Thyatira to our present world; there are parts of the world where a particular sin is now the order of the day - sexual immorality. Even amongst so called men of God. In many parts of the world today, the doctrine of Jezebel - the false prophetess has taken over. Even forces from the pit of hell have seen sexual immorality as the sure way to bring down believers.

Sexual immorality is so powerful because it goes beyond the physical actions; it starts from the heart. Little wonder King Solomon told us to "guard our heart with all diligence, for out of it comes issues of life", Proverbs 4:23. So many believers have fallen prey just by lustful immoral thoughts.

One amazing thing is that there are still faithful believers that have not allowed this doctrine of Jezebel to overtake them. They have stood strong and are already lost in the love and service of Christ rather than lust of the flesh. Jesus have words of encouragement for these ones;
Revelations 2:24-25; "Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come."

Jesus is calling fallen men to run to repentance and strengthen their faith in Him and also to guard their salvation more jealously.