13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. – James 1:13-15
“I will kill her children with death, that all the churches shall know that I am He that searches the reigns and hearts, and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.”
That is something Jesus said in His letter to the church of Thyatira. This statement was aimed at the followers of Jezebel, which we considered in a few ways in the Thyatira Overview.
The key takeaway seems to revolve around a love of this world and of sin instead of a love of God in Jesus Christ. The result is not a judgment of grace, but one that is based on all the “good works” that this church feels justified by as they corrupt the judgments of God and lead people into spiritual fornication with Satan.
James 1 seems to speak to this idea in excellent detail. He even mentions the “Father of lights, with whom is no variableness or shadow of turning.” In His letter to this church, Jesus makes mention of His feet which are as “fine brass” and His promise to give the “morning star to those who overcome.” His judgements are sure, but there is a way to overcome the wrath of God that we all face because of our sin.
Jesus is the only way. We cannot overcome through good works, especially when we think it is love and goodness to embrace the world and sin. We cannot overcome through false spirituality, false prophets, pseudo saviors, or anything that stands in the place that only Jesus Himself inhabits. He is the savior. Period. We are sinners in need of a savior. Period.
We must know what sin is and how to identify sin in our lives and within the church so that we can repent, find mercy, and seek Jesus who makes us strong in the things that please God as the Holy Spirit, also called the “day star that rises in your heart,” works in us.
To that end, here are some scriptures that might strengthen us in the troubles we read about within the church of Thyatira. This scripture list is a work in progress that might be updated as “These Things Saith He” is completed. Feel free to share suggested scriptures in the comments section.
- James (all chapters)
- 1 John 2
- Matthew 24
- 2 Timothy 3
- 2 Peter 2
- 2 Corinthians 11
- 1 Kings
- Ezekiel 13
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All Current “These Things Saith He” Drafts
The above is the draft version of a chapter to a book I plan to write and publish in a manner that is free of charge to the public.
I wrote in These Things Saith He: Contents that I will publish the drafts here first and offer opportunity for others to share their thoughts before the final work is completed.
I’m open to and greatly value the insight, experiences, and thoughts of my Christian brethren because we are a body knit together in Christ that is meant to work together without over reliance on our leaders. I am not your leader, but I do try to be faithful to what I have received to the best of my ability, and I look to Jesus for gracious judgment of my service and the service of all who truly love Him.
Jesus Alone 