Dear Church - Pt. 5 - The Church in Thyatira... a true and simple faith

Dr. David Uth
September 8, 2008

Revelation 2:18-29

The church of Thyatira was a church that was compromising but from within... from a member of leadership.

We have never been so spiritual or so lost.

2 things that happened to the church:

1. Presence of a Jezebel spirit
Probably not an actual women named Jezebel. Jezebel in Kings was known as a very tough women. She was known by her people for worshiping Balaam. The Jezebel being referred to here is an unknown person who had incredible influence in the church.

Characteristics of this type of person:

Charismatic (very persuasive)
Today there is more attention payed to charisma than to character, more attention to fantasy than reality. We need to look beyond images and speeches and look at character.

Misuse of Scripture
Anyone who takes you deeper than the bible to learn about God is not of God. Revelations says we don't need to add anything to the bible.

Beyond Fault
They are never wrong. The demonize you for disagreeing or confronting the teacher.

2. People who will Follow
2 Timothy 4:3
Characteristics of a follower: Feeling matter more than truth
We want to follow people that make us feel good and says what we want to hear. If you follow your feelings you will miss the truth of God's word for us.

Antidote for becoming a church like Thyatira: Jesus

3 Things to help you sort through:

1. Test the Spirits 1 John 4:1-3
Does the teaching exalt Jesus?

2. Listen to your teacher 1 John 2:26-27
Your inner teacher, the Holy Spirit is your guide. He confirms or affirms the truth.

3. Follow Jesus Revelation 2:24
Hang on to the simple truth that you know. Jesus used a child as the example of the Kingdom of God.

Fall in Love with Jesus and do whatever you want = The Christian Life