Chapter Ten/Abhorring the"Deep Things of Satan"

Maintain Integrity

This message must have encouraged the Christians in Thyatira greatly.  Just imagine -the glorified Son of God in heaven had personally spoken to the Christians in Thyatira about some of their problems!  Surely, at least some in the congregation responded to such loving shepherding.  This longest of the seven messages also helps us to identify the true Christian congregation today. In 1918 when Jesus came to Jehovah's temple for judgment, the vast majority of organizations claiming to be Christians were sullied by idolatry and spiritual  immorality.   (James 4:4)   Some based their beliefs on the teachings of strong-minded women of the 19th century, such as Ellen White and Mary Baker Eddy of the Christian Scientists, and more recently  many women have been preaching from the pulpit.  (Contrast 1 Timothy 2:11, 12) Among the different forms of Catholicism, Mary is  often honored ahead of God and Christ.  Jesus did not  so honor her.  (John 2:4; 19:26)  Could organizations  that admit such unlawful female influence really be accepted as Christian?  

Individual Christians, whether of the John class or of the other sheep, do well to consider this message.   (John 10:16)  Some may find it tempting to follow an easy course;  as those disciples of the Thyatiran Jezebel did. There is also the temptation to compromise. Today, issues such as eating blood products or accepting blood transfusions   have to be faced.  Some may feel that zeal in field service or giving talks entitles them to be less strict in other areas, such as in watching violent and immoral movies and video tapes, or overindulging in alcohol.  Jesus' warning to the Christians in Thyatira tells us we must not take liberties. Jehovah wants us to be clean, whole-souled, not divided, as many Christian were in Thyatira.   

Finally, Jesus declares:  "Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations."  (Revelation 2:29)  For the fourth time, Jesus here repeats  this rousing refrain, and it will conclude all three messages yet to come. Do you have that responsive ear?  Then keep listening  intently as God, by spirit, continues to provide counsel through is channel.

Note: Even if you know the true knowledge/good news, in other words; but you do not go to the meetings, all God's commandments, statutes and laws, still refer to those who do not or cannot go to the meetings.  It is harder for some to do this, because the temptations are out there.   But if you have strong faith and love God with your whole heart, soul, mind, and everything within you. He will make it easier for you, believe me.  Believe and have faith in God, that he will be there for you through thick and thin.  

Next time: Chapter Eleven/Is Your Name in the Book of Life? 

From the book of Revelations