TEXT:
Revelation 2:20-23 (KJV) Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her 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.
The Lord here is speaking of spiritual fornication and adultery, which means Thyatira had forsaken the Cross for a gospel of works only!
Romans 7:1-4 - Ties adultery into having another spouse when another is "living"
If the Believer is married to Christ, then other things must be DEAD to that believer! No cohabitation with law and grace, works only, the world and God, etc.
The Church did not heed the Message, and in fact, continues in this "Salvation by works" mode to this hour!
That is a false gospel and one that is preached and promoted by the Jezebels who "teach"
A. The Woman Jezebel
Some translations actually say "your wife Jezebel" - analogy of the Church having another "wife"
The Jezebel of the Old Covenant was controlling and manipulating wife of the wicked king Ahab.
The Church TOLERATED this woman and her wicked ways and teachings.
If the messenger (ANEL) of the Church would not deal with her, Christ would!
She was NOT a daughter of Abraham or a NT inspired prophet - she only CALLED HERSELF SUCH!
B. Who Calls Herself A Prophetess
She claimed to be inspired like the NT prophets and Apostles are today
The church is not built on the foundation of one gift in these last days - Prophets were mainly male and from the Old Covenant.
The foundation of the New Jerusalem will have the 12 APOSTLES of the Lamb, not the 12 prophets of the Lamb!
She taught CONTRARY to the Apostles DOCTRINE (Acts 2:42) which was laid down at the Jerusalem council (Acts 15)
She usurped authority over the Apostles and MEN and Paul referred to this spirit in 1 Tim. 2:8-15)
Acts 2:24 (KJV) Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be Holden of it.
1 Timothy 2:8-15 (KJV) I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Not withstanding she shall be saved in child bearing, if the continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
C. And To Seduce
Jezebel not only TAUGHT the doctrine, but also seduced some of the believers into practicing the evil doctrine
Idol temples were erected in Thyatira! (Idols today are human beings usurping God's authority in the earth!)
People believe, and people LIVE what they believe.
Doctrine leads to lifestyle!
Jezebel caused them to wander and ERR from the faith! She taught doctrines of demons!
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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