Dear Church / The Tolerance of Thyatira

July 23, 2023

Revelation 2:18-29

Study Questions

1. Read Revelation 2:18-29. In verse 18, Jesus calls himself the Son of God. What is this significance of this title? (See also Matthew 3:17; Luke 1:35, 3:38, 8:28, Hebrews 1:8.) What security and joy do you find in Jesus being identified as the Son of God? Why did He address himself this way to the church in Thyatira?

2. Read vs.19 and identify the different ways Jesus commends the church in Thyatira. What does that say to you about what a healthy church looks like today? What does that look like in your church?

3. Read 1 Kings 21 and share what you see in Jezebel that makes her ways wicked. Are there any Jezebels in the name of ‘the church’ alive today? What are some teachings today that are misleading the church from biblical truth?

4. Define tolerance. Why is today’s culture calling Christians intolerant? How can Christians hold biblical convictions and still love their neighbors as commanded by the Lord Jesus? According to this warning from the Lord Jesus, when should the Church be tolerant and when should the Church be intolerant?

5. The Lord Jesus was clear on the devastating consequences of the false teacher(s) in the church of Thyatira and those who follow her. Why is it such a big deal to God? (See also Leviticus 19:2; Isaiah 57:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Hebrews 12:14.)

6. Read verses 26-28. Jesus tells us about rewards for those who obey and continue to pursue Him. Identify and discuss the rewards to those Christians who persevere. How does this encourage you?

7. What is your greatest takeaway from this study?

Additional questions for this week:

1. Discuss the following passages and how we as believers need to guard ourselves: 1 Timothy 4:1-4; 1 Corinthians 5:10-13.

2. According to Revelation 2:25-26, what are the charges Jesus Christ gives His church? What does that look like in your life as a Christ-follower?