THE CITY OF THYATIRA Textiles, Dyers, Tanners, Leather workers, Guilds. THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA Works, Love, Faith, Ministry, Patience Tolerance, Idolatry, Immorality THE DECREE TO THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA To the Unrepentant To the Faithful
THOSE WHO WOULD NOT COME (v1-7) All is ready. Rejection of the invitation is rejection of the King Will you reject this invitation? THOSE WHO CAME (v8-10) The invitation goes out to ALL The gospel is an invitation to something incredible, knowing God. “The greatest treasure of grace is God Himself” (Max Lucado) Will you…
A WORD OF RECOGNITION (v13) I know where you dwell A WORD OF COMPLAINT (v14-15) I have a few things against you A WORD OF WARNING (v16) Repent A WORD OF PROMISE (v17) Hidden manna A white stone A new name
THE BACK GROUND OF THE LETTER The poor and persecuted Smyrnean Christians THE MESSAGE OF THE LETTER I know your suffering and poverty – Yet you are rich! I know about the slander you suffer – Do not be afraid You will suffer persecution for a time – Be faithful, even unto death, and…
SEEKING! The world seeks a meaning The church seeks the Master FINDING! Christ alone – ‘The Pearl of Great Price’ In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2:3) SELLING! The merchant sold all he had If Jesus is worth anything He is worth everything BUYING! We can buy life’s greatest…
THE CONTEXT a) Impressive Heritage b) Amazing History c) Imposing Society THE COMMENDATION a) Hard Work (v2) b) Patient Endurance (v2) c) High Standards of Holiness (v2) d) Spiritually Discerning (v2, 6) e) Faithful in the Fight (v3) THE CONCERN Abandoning Your First Love (v4) THE COMMAND Remember! – Repent! – Repeat! (v5) THE CONSEQUENCES…
1. TWO OPPOSITES! A Pharisee and a tax collector 2. TWO OFFERINGS! One of pride, one of brokenness 3. TWO OUTCOMES! One satisfied, one justified
Soak your minds in the truths of God’s Word Be constantly thankful Pray for wisdom, revelation and knowledge Pray for the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit Pray in the light of our glorious and certain future Pray regularly Recognise our unity and union Pray for strength and stability Pray in the light of…
Starts with a COMMAND: LISTEN! Ends with a PLEA: He who has ears to hear, let him hear Listening must be ACTIVE Faith must SERIOUS, PERSISTENT & PERCEPTIVE The Context – The Kingdom of God The Components The Seed – The Word of God The Sower – God making His Word known The Soil –…
PROMPT (v1-3) a) Situation 538BC – Regime change (v1) b) Scriptures “understood from the scriptures” (v2) c) Seriousness Intensity of a bereavement, fasting (v3) PATTERN (v4-14) a) Confession (v4) Agreeing with God about sin b) Contrast God’s character vs Judah’s conduct c) Consequences “You have fulfilled” (v12) PLEA (v15-19) a) Consistency With His great Name…