1. The Commendation and Condemnation (Revelation 2:18-20)
18 “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: Thus says the Son of God, the one whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze: 19 “I know your works — your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. I know that your last works are greater than the first. 20 “But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols.
James 4:17
17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.
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2. The Danger of Compromise and the Call to Repentance (Revelation 2: 21-24)
21 “I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 “Look, I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great affliction. Unless they repent of her works, 23 “I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am the one who examines minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 “I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven’t known “the so-called secrets of Satan” — as they say — I am not putting any other burden on you.
2 Corinthians 11:3
3 But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
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3. The Exhortation and The Promises to the Faithful (Revelation 2:25-29)
25 Only hold on to what you have until I come. 26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations — 27 and he will rule them with an iron scepter; he will shatter them like pottery — 28 just as I have received this from my Father. I will also give him the morning star. 29 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
Hebrews 10:23
23 Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful.
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Community Life Group Discussion Questions
- The letter describes the church as tolerating “the woman Jezebel.” What are some modern-day equivalents of “Jezebel” in a church or in our personal lives? (Revelation 2:18-20)
- Jesus gives “Jezebel” time to repent, but she refuses. Why do you think people sometimes refuse to repent, even when they know their actions are wrong and harmful? (Revelation 2:21-24)
- Jesus tells the faithful to “hold on to what you have until I come.” In your own life, what are the most important things in your faith that you need to “hold on to”? What makes this a challenge? (Revelation 2:25-29)
- The promise to “the one who conquers” is to receive “authority over the nations” and “the morning star.” How do these two promises—one of future rule and one of a deeper personal relationship with Jesus—complement each other? (Revelation 2:25-29)
How can we pray for you?