Worshipers of Christ - Followers of Jezebel

Revelation 2:18-29

Terrifying Words

"I know what you did." 

Those words can cause a beating heart to halt and pink flesh to turn deathly pale. Most of us have heard these words at some point, and they terrified us. Maybe we were caught having eaten two cookies when we promised to only take one. Perhaps it was cheating on a test that triggered those words.Or maybe our spouse whimpered those words the night after we finally decided she would never discover our affair. Put together, those five words have the potential to completely crush friendships, marriages and even lives.

But sometimes, rare as it may be, those words are a welcome comfort. "Hey James, I know you weren't telling anyone, but I know what you did and...I'm proud of you." Recognition of this sort can save friendships, marriages and lives. 

A Startling Realization

Do you want to know something terribly frightening, yet equally wonderful? 

God knows what you did.And whether your first reaction was numbing terror or not may be an indication as to how you are living your life. 

In Revelation 2:19, Christ says to the chuch in Thyatira, "I know your works."At first, the people's fears are put to rest. You see, Jesus is commending their works of service, love, faith and patience. But before they can pat each other on the backs, God steers the conversation in a 180. 

"Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commiit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols."

Subtle Corruption

In other words, the people loved and worshipped God, but in order to remain part of Roman culture, they lived like the Romans. This included rampant worship of sex, primarily through practice of it. Can you imagine a church of believers, claiming to love and follow Christ, yet being completely tolerant of sexual immorality for the sake of fitting in?

I can. I live in such a nation of churches. 

And while Christ gives an encouraging word to those who do not tolerate such evil, I fear that His words are not applicable to many in this nation. But his warning is quite applicable. 

Death Threat

"I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works."

Don't skim over this. Jesus Christ, our precious redeemer, literally threatens to kill christians who worship sex. This command isn't simply to those who enter temples built for sexual worship. Jesus made that clear in Matthew 5:28 when He said that "whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." 

This is certainly a call to individuals, though I would add that it is just as loud a warning to the church as a whole. Sexual immorality must not be found in the body of Christ. Not in individuals, not in gatherings. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, "Abstain from every form of evil." Don't just stay away from performing immoral sex or viewing it. Stay away from questionable sites, movies, and TV shows. We must preach this.

Conclusion

But it's so hard. I know. I know it is. And that is why our wonderful savior encourages us so richly. 

"Hold fast," says The Lord. "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations...and I will give him the morning star."

There is a great reward awaiting the conqueror. After all, we will be united with the King of the Universe, heirs to His kingdom. We will live and rule in a perfect world. Words cannot describe. 

Wake up, oh church! The Lord is searching your heart. What is He finding? A great battle wages for your souls - for your testimony. And should you not keep your guard, this world will take from you, everything. 

Hold fast.