Revelation 2:21 21I have given her time in order that she might repent, but she is unwilling to repent of her sexual immorality.
The church in Thyatira was in danger of being influenced negatively by its culture and listening to the wrong voice. They were listening to the voice of Jezebel and had become enticed by the immorality and idolatry of their culture. Jesus’ letter to them was an opportunity to change their direction before it is too late. They would have grace for a time, but judgment would come. Whoever this lady was, if the reference is to a literal woman, or if she represents a teaching, trend, or a group in the church, Jesus calls those involved in sin to repent, turn away. Sin was creeping into the churches in Asia-Minor, and those dabbling in it needed to repent, forsake their sinful practices, and begin to live like Jesus is true holiness and righteousness (2:5, 16; 3:3, 19). The problem was that Jezebel and those following her had become deceived and entrenched in their sin and were unwilling. They liked what they were doing. The flesh can be exceedingly difficult to overcome unless a person crucifies the old self and trusts in God’s grace.
Second Peter 3:9 reminds us that God gives people the opportunity to repent: “The Lord is not slow with his promise, as some consider slowness, but is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish, but for everyone to reach repentance.” God speaks to us in different ways, unique to each person’s situation, through what we hear, read, see, feel, and experience. How do we know it is God speaking? We need to consider the purpose or goal of what we are hearing: Is it convicting us of our sins and leading us to repentance?
The problem is not so much about not hearing God speak to us and bring conviction. The problem is not repenting and turning from our sins. We become comfortable with culture and its enticements. The cost is self, putting off sin and putting on holiness. It requires us to reject the old person and take on a new one. The deceiver tricks us into thinking that the old is better because it is comfortable and satisfies selfish desires. This lie must be rejected. The new life in Christ brings the greatest satisfaction.