In the book of Revelation, Jesus encourages the members of the church at Thyatira who have NOT yet been corrupted by following the teachings of Jezebel, a promoter of idolatry and sexual immorality, to hold on:
24 But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you. 25 Nevertheless what you have, hold firmly until I come.
Jesus promises the faithful of His church great benefit in staying true to the faith and pursuing the good direction of His righteousness. Using the power of God, all believers seek to separate ourselves from evil, even from the so-called deep things of Satan. When believers fail, we confess our sins to God, then repent, endeavoring to turn away from our sin and back to following Christ. But those who resist repentance are in great danger of further destruction.
What are some these “deep things of Satan” and how do we avoid them today?
A journey into evil often starts by taking a small step away from God. We might follow a curiosity to experiment in the unknown, ignoring any warning in our spirit, to try out some new and exciting thing which appeals to the flesh.
– The lure of the demonic may even initially seem to be quite helpful, such as successful guidance on a decision or so-called communication from a deceased loved one using a medium or spiritist. These counterfeit consultations can quickly lead to Satanic misdirection and a road of sorrow and regret.
– We may experience a temporary inner peace from a false religion or occultic practice. Without the hand of God protecting us, there is no long-term peace or defense against the wiles of the evil one. We could easily be leading ourselves into the darkest type of spiritual bondage, with ever-increasing blindness towards the truth of God.
– The early pleasures and temporary release of worries and cares by alcohol or mind-altering substances have often led to alcoholism, drug addiction, incarceration, overdoses, and death. These can only be overcome by a return to God and His power, though many will not choose to follow that path.
– What began as a “harmless” flirtation and companionship between other-married adults has frequently led to infidelity, dishonesty, and the destruction of a priceless family unit. This is just another tool in the demonic tool kit for removing the peaceful serenity and joy of believers. A life of fornication before marriage may also be used by the evil one to prevent the blessings of a peaceful family unit from materializing in the first place.
– In some cases, the ex-believer who follows to the extreme the teachings of Jezebel and completely falls away from God may find themselves participating in some form of satanic worship. This is the ultimate goal of the devil, to transfer the worship of Christ onto himself.
We are promised many blessings if we stand firm against corrupt teaching and hold out for the good things of God. In fact, we are promised that we will reign with Christ in power when He returns at the end of the Great Tribulation.
26 The one who overcomes, and the one who keeps My deeds until the end, I will give him authority over the nations; 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are shattered, as I also have received authority from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 2:24-29 (NASB)
The unimaginable treasures of God are far, far greater than anything we might gain by following an idol or demonic counterfeit. Let us all hold fast to what the Lord has granted us believers. And may those who are trapped in darkness call out to Jesus – He will free us and guide us towards a life of forgiveness, repentance, and healing. May He be worshiped and glorified forever!
Reflection
A thousand years before the birth of Christ, Psalm 2 proclaimed the power of the coming Messiah. Jesus came the first time as the sacrificial Lamb of God to die on a cross and bear the sins of believers. But when He returns at the end of the age, it will not be as a humble carpenter’s son, but as a mighty and powerful King, in glory. He will judge evil with a rod of iron, and His believers will be co-heirs with Christ.
From Psalm 2:
6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”
7 “I will announce the decree of the Lord:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,
Today I have fathered You.
8 Ask it of Me, and I will certainly give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’” Psalm 2:6-9 (NASB)
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to earth to die on a cross as a loving sacrifice, redeeming our sins, and then rising to glory to grant all believers an eternal salvation. Help us overcome temptation and to resist evil teaching. We thank You for cleansing and forgiving us daily as we confess our sins and seek to follow You. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Times and Seasons - The Book of Revelation FOR TODAY 