TEXT:
Revelation 2:21-23 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill he children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
I. Cast her (and her followers) into a sickbed
Points to not only the judgment on the Church at Thyatira but the Great Tribulation
The woman (Jezebel) and her followers (those in evil association with her) will be judged in bed.
Jezebel of the OT was cast out of the window and died a horrible death; her spiritual followers will face same thing spiritually!
This is speaking of spiritual death.
The "bed" refers to the group or "bed" of false teachers who taught Salvation by works, which was spiritual adultery.
This was yet another warning to repent - not just for Jezebel but her followers
Anything that is not of the Cross is spiritual adultery
II. Those Who Commit Adultery
This is a physical and spiritual adultery Christ is referring to here
James 4:4; Heb. 13:4; Rev. 17:1-5)
The believer is betrothed to Jesus.
Any other love except Him and the Cross is spiritual adultery
Idolatry is spiritual adultery and coes under judgment
III. Cast Into Tribulation
This is pointing to a local fulfillment and warning for this church AND to those who if they don't repent will enter into THE Great Tribulation period and the Antichrist
Tribulation here as it relates to the church is pressure Christ puts on this people for them to "REPENT"
It didn't work when Elijah did same with Ahab and Jezebel of old in the OT
IV. Kill Her Children
Jezebel then had children, one of them named Jehoram (joram), and he was killed as she was, by king Jehu
(2 Kings 3:1-3; 2 Kings 9:24-26)
The term "kill" in the Amplified says He will "EXTERMINATE THEM"
V. All The Churches Will Know
though this is addressed to Thyatira, it's audience is ALL THE CHURCHES
All of Church History has been affected by this adulterous "spirit" and "woman" named Jezebel!
Truth is eternal and does not change with the wind, age, or generation!
The Seven Churches received letters that contain warnings for ALL CHURCHES!
VI. Searches The Hearts and Mind
The "reins" of the heart -Jer. 17:9-10; 1 Sam. 16:7; Jer. 11:20; John 2:24; Romans 8:27
He who addresses this church with eyes of fire searches the intentions of our hearts, not our personas outwardly!
he knows our thoughts "afar off" and our true MOTIVES and purposes behind what we say and do!
God desires TRUTH in the INNER PARTS! Not just the outward appearance and bravado of self-righteous Pharisees and church goers!
The MIND is the battleground for us tonight! (Psalms 139:23-24; Psalms 51:6)
Jeremiah 17:9-10 9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
1 Samuel 16:7 7 but the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Jeremiah 11:20 20 But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
John 2:24 24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
Romans 8:27 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Ephesus - Apostolic church - Ended 100 AD
Smyrna - Martyr church - 100-300 AD - Rome hurled 10 bloody persecutions against the church
Pergamos - State church - 300 AD to 500 AD. Constantine great legalized Christianity making it state religion of Roman Empire - Invasion of paganism into church
Thyatira - Papal church AD 500 - Present. Rome assumed power over church - Pope
Sardis - AD 1500 - Luther - Justification of faith
Philadelphia - Missionary church - AD 1800 to AD 1900s
Laodicea - Present day apostate to rapture
The seven churches were chosen by the Holy Spirit! And portray the entirety of the church age.
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamos
Thyatira
Sardis
Philadelphia
Laodicea
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