Revelation 2:18-29 And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things said the Son of God, who has his eyes like to a flame of fire… I. THE COMMENDABLE IN CHARACTER. "I know thy works," etc. Its progressive excellence is here commended. "And the last to be more than the first." Several excellent things are here mentioned — "Charity," which is love. The one genuine principle has various manifestations. "Service," that is ministry. "Faith." By this I understand not belief in propositions, but universal and living confidence in God, Christ, and eternal principles. "Patience" — that is calm endurance of those evils over which we have no control. "Works" — all the practical developments of holy principles. II. THE REPREHENSIBLE IN DOCTRINE. Whatever was the particular doctrine that this prophetess taught, it was a great evil; it led to two things. 1. It led to great wickedness in conduct. (1) Licentiousness — "commit fornication."(2) Idolatry — "eat things sacrificed to idols." A corrupt doctrine will lead to a corrupt life. Creed and conduct have a vital connection with each other. 2. It incurred the displeasure of Christ. "Behold I will cast her into a bed," etc., etc. (1) A terrible retribution. The couch of indulgence would be changed into a bed of torture. (2) An enlightened retribution. "I am He which searcheth the reins and the hearts." There will be no ignorance in the dispensation of the punishment; the Judge knows all. (3) A righteous retribution. "I will give unto every one of you according to your works." III. THE INDISPENSABLE IN DUTY. What is to be done to correct these evils, and to avoid this threatened doom? 1. Repent of the wrong. Kind Heaven gives all sinners time for repentance, and unless repentance takes place punishment must come. 2. Hold fast to the right. (1) You have something good. You have some right views, right feelings, right principles; hold them fast. (2) This something you are in danger of losing. There are seductive influences around you in society. Error is a prophetess ever at work, seeking to rifle the soul of all good. (3) This something will be safe after Christ's advent. "Till I come." He will perfect all, put all beyond the reach of the tempter. Meanwhile hold fast. IV. THE BLESSED IN DESTINY. There are several glorious things here promised to the faithful and true. 1. Freedom from all future inconvenience. No other burden will be put on them. Freedom from evil, what a blessing! 2. Exaltation to authority. "To him I will give power over the nations." The Christian victor shall share in the dominion of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:2). 3. The possession of Christ. "I will give him the morning star," that is, I will give Myself to him, the light of life, the light that breaks upon the world after a night of darkness and tempest. (Caleb Morris.) Parallel Verses KJV: And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; |
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