Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29
Summary: Use the words of Jesus to the church in Thyatira to help you assess 2022 and gain a vision for 2023

PREPARING FOR 2023
– Not about comparing ourselves with Thyatira. But about using Jesus’ approach to help us.
– v18 Note the letter begins with an inspiring picture of Jesus. He is the one able to give us a compelling vision, and carry out out.
– Some questions to ask ourselves personally and in our local groups:

1. What will help you persevere? v25-26
 – Hold on, v25
– v26. Does my will to the end: i.e. continue with love, faith, service and repent of immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols
– Where will you get the strength from?

2. Where do you see God’s power at work in 2023? v26-27
 – May be a shepherd’s staff with an iron tip. Referring to: “Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”” (Psalm 2:8–9 NIV11)
– A judgment scene. Shepherd’s club for fighting those who threaten the flock.
– Potters guild in the city. Weima, 154 – name of enemy inscribed on pot and broken.
– Where might God’s power be at work – in you and through you – in the months ahead?

3. What will convince you to go forth into the year with spiritual confidence? v28
 – Jesus ‘replaces’ Venus as the morning star, Rev 22:16, 2 Pet 1:19. The morning star is Venus, a symbol of sovereignty and victory. Arises just before the dawn. Victorious Roman Generals erected temples to Venus. Jesus is promising victory to those who hold on and remain obedient to what they already know. They will share his victory, his messianic rule.
– Jesus is confident in the church. He is confident in you. “God don’t make junk”.
– What would living a victorious Christian life look like for you in 2023?

Conclusion
– “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV11)

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm