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

Introduction
– v18 – Note the letter begins with an inspiring picture of Jesus. His opinion about us is what matters, not the opinions of others, nor our own feelings. We speakers are all about Jesus – not ourselves, but our conduct, thinking and attitude matter.
– Some questions to ask ourselves personally:

1. What has gone well? v19
 – They prioritise love and are growing
– “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)
– What has gone well in your speaking this year? How have you grown? What do other people say?

2. What needs improvement? What is being tolerated? What sins are apparent? v20-21
 – Jezebel: 1 Kings 16:31, 2 Kings 9:22. The adultery is likely metaphoric as in the OT, Jer 3, Ezek 16, Hos 2, but the immorality is also real. The worship of idols is replacing the worship of God.
– Who was she?
– The baddest of all the bad girls in the Bible!
– Eating food
– The trade guild issue. Necessary for networking and acceptance. If you belonged you had to attend. Esp. prominent and numerous in Thyatira. Not only for trade, but some like a club.
Toleration is the bigger problem.
What have you ‘tolerated’ in your speaking?
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:11–12 NIV11)
Have you blended encouragement, comfort and urging?

3. What will be the consequences if you do not pay attention to the things God has brought to your attention? vv22-24
 – “I will kill her children with death”.
– Cannot hide behind Jezebel and blame her.
Are your listeners bored? Are you getting a reaction to your speaking?
What will happen if you do not grow?

Conclusion
Next time – vision for 2023
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Keep calm and carry on teaching.

God bless, Malcolm