Thyatira wasn’t luxurious like Smyrna or a religious or political center like Pergamum. It was a working man’s city.
Revelation 2:18-29
1. Jesus, the refining, purified son of God
Your city may THINK they have the son of God, BUT REMEMBER THAT YOU ACTUALLY DO!
We’re teaching UNcommon sense here. Kids need UNcommon sense to make good choices, and not just GOOD choices, but JESUS choices, which are even harder than just good choices.
“Fire” is an important symbol in Scripture and frequently represents purification and judgment.
He also says that his feet are like polished bronze! He’s already been refined, he is the REFINER. He’s purified, sanctified, polished and ready to ROLL. He stands READY to judge, READY to purify. He’s already been through it, and He’s not hesitating.
If you think that your WORKS will earn you a spot into heaven. Or into His Kingdom, or into relationship with Jesus Christ, alone…you’ve got another thing coming. Your skill, your works, may earn you a place here…but it’s your CHARACTER that will KEEP you there.
Matthew 7:15: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
Matthew 18:15-20
15 “If another believer[d] sins against you,[e] go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.
18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid[f] on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit[g] on earth will be permitted in heaven.
19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers,[h] I am there among them.”
2. Take leadership. (of yourself!)
The problem w/ this church wasn’t external persecution like Smyrna, but internal compromise; similar to Pergamum.
If you’re going to follow Jesus, HE says to DIE to yourSELF. Jesus followers don’t get to tell GOD what to do or what is right and wrong. Jesus followers, SUBMIT to the Father
3. Hold Tightly. (to your identity in Christ!)
