Text: Revelation 2:24
Secrets are always intriguing. Some are harmless, but others can destroy us when we pursue them. Some in Thyatira were in danger of being destroyed by pursuing “Satan’s so-called deep secrets” (NIV). We need to understand the situation and why it was dangerous in order to protect ourselves today.
The Secrets of Satan
- There is a temptation to value knowledge that is “secret” or “exclusive” – this is rooted in arrogance (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:1), to know something that others do not or cannot know
- This is what caused the King of Tyre to become arrogant (Ezekiel 28:1-3) – God would punish him for his sin which was rooted in arrogance (Ezekiel 28:6-8)
- Satan used this tactic in tempting Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3:1-5) – ability to know and be “like God”; Satan convinced her that once she understood God’s REASON for giving the command, they could find a reason to ignore the command
The Deception of Satan
- Paul warned the Corinthians that Satan can deceive us just as he deceived Eve (2 Corinthians 11:3) – by his “craftiness” or “trickery” (Luke 20:23); this is a tactic used when trying to trap someone; Satan is trying to trap us in sin (cf. John 8:34)
- This happened with the church in Thyatira with “Jezebel” (Revelation 2:20) – they were Christians who were commended for their love, faith, service, perseverance, and growth (Revelation 2:21); yet “Jezebel” convinced them to practice fornication and idolatry (Revelation 2:20); there was a “teaching” which was used to justify this sinful behavior (Revelation 2:24), so they had a “good reason”; not all of them were deceived (Revelation 2:24), yet some of them were
The Schemes of Satan
- Related to this, there are other passages that talk about the “schemes” of Satan (2 Corinthians 2:11) – deception, craftiness, trickery; we do not want to be “ignorant of his schemes”; so what do these “schemes” look like?
- He tries to isolate us from one another (2 Corinthians 2:11) – Paul told them to welcome back a penitent brother (2 Corinthians 2:6-8); isolation makes us vulnerable
- He tries to make us blind to the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4) – same Greek word for minds which are blinded; the gospel is veiled to those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 4:3); neglecting God’s word is dangerous
- He makes war against us (Ephesians 6:11) – powerful forces are on his side (Ephesians 6:12); to defend, we need to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11, 13-17); must not be unprotected
The Fate of Satan
- God has prepared a place of punishment for him (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10)
- This will also be our fate if we follow His ways (Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 20:11-15)
Conclusion
- Satan wants us to think we can violate God’s law – appeals to secret or exclusive knowledge
- Eve – eat of the fordidden tree
- Thyatira – commit fornication and idolatry
- Us – so many sins are justified that were previously recognized as wrong
- We need to guard against being deceived – through knowledge of truth and encouragement of our brethren
- We can overcome the devil (James 4:7), but we must submit to God to do this
