They got drunk. Is there anything in your life that is causing you to be fearful? Lets pray. I thought, okay we can pray about this. I have felt his warfare. Each of the letters to the churches is directly from Jesus and includes a piece of the description about Jesus from Revelation 1. Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) Perhaps the most well-known of the seven letters addresses the church in Laodicea. I had no choice. 2 Corinthians 4:4, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=43133&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=43139&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=43138&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=43137&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0. This was true of this church, all the seven churches, the church throughout the ages, and churches today. He has witnessed their continual affliction and the slander theyve suffered from those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. The fact that these hardships have not escaped their Saviors attention surely would have strengthened the Body and served as a loving reminder of Jesuss abiding presence. It was probably only 15 minutes, but it seemed like hours. He is not referring to eternal life here because you do not work for eternal life. Do not be afraid. The local church still thrives there too. If you have ever gone to a funeral or to a visitation and you have looked in a coffin to view the body, you see that physical body, but you know something is missing. (Ephesians 1 is a good reminder of our riches in Christ.). Because I was on staff here and was one of the instructors, I had to go to all the parties, all the festivities, and all the graduation dinners. Even Jesuss greeting to the church reveals His loving, personal care. Jesus has no censure for the church This second death means that those who fail to accept Christ will also be resurrected, only to die again in the "lake of fire." You are so in love with the Lord. It is a synagogue of Satan. You cant associated with us in these festivities to our gods. Satan, meaning the devil, will cause citizens of the Kingdom (believers) to be thrown into prison and even killed. When Polycarp, the pastor of the church in Smyrna, was commanded to worship Caesar and renounce Christ in 155 A.D., he refused and said, Eighty and six years have I served Him, and in nothing hath He wronged me; and how, then, can I blaspheme my King, who saved me? As the fire was kindled around his feet to burn him at the stake, Polycarp was heard singing and praising the Son of God. 2007 - 2023 ChurchLeadership.Org - All Rights Reserved. What it tells us about Smyrna and its Christians has big implications for us today. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. But, you know, they heard every word. Second, in a lesson especially relevant for todays Western Christians, Jesus praised the church at Smyrna for choosing poverty over compromise. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. He is talking about that kind of pressure that comes from when you take a heavy rock and you put it on someones chest and you press down on their chest with all your force so that it suffocates the person. They said you make light of that then we will burn you at the stake! The Jews who hated him gathered the wood for the fire. The crown of life is a special reward for endurance in your persecution. She never came to the Lord, but I thank God for that roommate who kept me from making a huge mistake in my flesh and my anger. At one end of its most famous street, the 'Street of Gold,' was the temple of Cybele, and at the other the temple of Zeus. The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. But, we are going to experience suffering on this earth without doubt. The second instruction He gives them is to be faithful until death. What do these verses imply about persecution and the believer? Smyrna is still a large seaport with the present population of about 275,000 people. It was probably six weeks. These Jews were being used by him to carry out the works of Satan. The second thing He promises is eternal life. 11. Have I done something to offend you? It is a gift. Slander damages our reputation. Description. According to Revelation 20:14-15 and 21:8, what is the second death and who would experience it? Finally, Jesus warns His people to expect more suffering, persecution, and testing. Others roasted alive. You see, Smyrna had a lot of religions. So, I went into her office, which was at the back of the lab. He knows exactly what you are going through. He is the overcomer and it says here in Revelation 2:11. List reasons why those Jews were not considered real Jews in Jesus eyes. In 1 Peter 4:12-19, what are some lessons for life concerning suffering? 5. 2. They already were in the midst of tribulation (v. 9) and Jesus had no rebuke or condemnation for them. We would go and sit in their homes. What was Jesus message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? Its system of coinage was old, and now about the city coins of every period are found. They did not look at my life and go, wow, I love her life! They were looking at my life going, what a loser, you know, she cannot even get drunk. It was hard, but that still is not the kind of pressure that these Smyrna Christians went through. In Revelation 2:9 He says, , I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. I was going in the next morning and I was going to tell this lady that she was going to hell and I was going to celebrate that she was going. The substance was used to make fragrant perfumes and anointing oils (Exodus 30:23) and was used in ancient burial preparations (John 19:39). As we look at this letter to Smyrna, this letter gives us insight into suffering. The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in Their Local Setting by Colin Hemer. As with all Jesuss letters to the seven churches, His letter to Smyrna ends on a note that invites every Believer, in every age, to hear and receive these important messages. It is like going to a birthday party without a present to give to the host. The use of the strong term, blasphemy, here indicates how evil, how wicked, how intense this slander was. So, I opened the door and walked through the lab. Some can endure physical sufferings under tribulation and poverty, yet few can . 6. 7. 9. God is very much aware of all that is going on in your life and is not surprised by anything. When we seek to do His church on our own, we turn it into a church of evil, as diametrically opposed to Christ, as Satan is opposed to Him. God asks us to be conquerors and faithful witnesses to whom and what He is! Why are they treading on dangerous ground? He never promises us that life is just going to be great. When Jesus refers to the crown of life, is He referring to eternal life or to a reward for those who are faithful through tribulation on this earth? He knows the thoughts and inclinations of our hearts (Psalm 94:11). Do not be afraid. I was just going through my mind of what I was going to say. But, if we are really serious about going deeper, suffering is part of that process. The problem was that it bugged them that I did not drink. Verses 9 and 10 also go on to tell us a third thing we need to remember in order to suffer well. He just reminded them that what you have in Christ is far greater than anything on this earth materially that you will have. Let me tell you one other thing. As a matter of fact, He promises us that if you are a believer, you will face suffering and you will have some persecution in your life (2 Tim. How is Jesus described in verse 8 and which attribute(s) of God does His description emphasize? Right now, I hate this woman. So, I got up the next morning before dawn and I took a walk. The fourth thing we need to remember is that the ultimate solution is trust. Kingdom 103: Your Faith is Essential in the Kingdom, Kingdom 103: They Praise Him, But Fail to Obey Him, Kingdom 103: The King's Will and the King's Word, Kingdom 103: Know Your Purpose While on This Earth. The Essential Inductive Questions (for more Inductive questions see Inductive Bible Study): What does this passage say? Oh, youre too good for us. He died for one reason: his unyielding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The first thing we have to remember if we are going to suffer well is that the ultimate victor is Jesus Christ. Jesus wanted to encourage them to stand strong, even if it meant physical death. The first way they are suffering is through pressure. (8) Revelation 2:8 - "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. Have you experienced suffering in your life where it was difficult for a time to stand firm? Judaism How wonderful it would be if our church received an encouraging letter from Jesus, especially if it contained no criticism. The Essential Inductive Questions (for more Inductive questions see Inductive Bible Study): 1. Called: Jude 1-4. How do these verses affirm Christs equality with God? From the message to Smyrna, Christians today can glean several important truths. She would not spend one minute helping me, somebody who had thrown their life away believing in this fantasy of Jesus Christ. They cannot coexist. It was already being persecuted. Father, I pray that we would be people who suffer well, who would please you in a way that we handle anything that comes up. Very few of us today know that kind of pressure, but they refused to worship Caesar. She went on and on and on about my faith in Jesus Christ. Well, they were under pressure from several forces. 1. Presumably, this church was founded during Pauls ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10).1, The Greek word translated Smyrna was used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) to translate the Hebrew word for myrrh, a resinous substance used as a perfume for the living (Matthew 2:11) and the dead (John 19:39). 2. 4. I believe it exists. We may not be worshipping Satan, but when we run the church by our ways and agendas, we are, in fact, worshipping Satan, because Christ is not only ignored, He is being opposed! What can you do to grow in this area and to glorify Him more fully? Just trust the One who holds your life in His hands. First, the letter is the shortest of the seven, at only 90 words. If someone slanders you, what do you do? She came in and I said, Good morning, how are you doing? They are cannibals. They accused them of immorality because they greeted one another with a holy kiss. 1 John MacArthur, Jr., The MacArthur New Testament Commentary on Revelation 1-11 (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 69. The people loved the Roman government because it was strong. After college (the first time), Crickett was on staff with C More. He fled briefly and then they caught him and he did not run that time. Much of Smyrnas social life revolved around pagan worship. That should leave us to want to bring everyone we know to be with us in Heaven. Things are smooth. (How does Romans 2:28-29 relate to this? He knows what you are feeling. What was Jesus message to the church in Philadelphia in Revelation? What can be done to invite Him further into your church? Even after I left to go on staff of Campus Crusade, she wrote me while I was in ministry. What does He mean when he refers to their being rich in the midst of poverty? Ironically, our sufferings are far less of a venture and sentence than our poor choices. Why do we do it? . martyr, one who voluntarily suffers death rather than deny their religion by words or deeds; such action is afforded special, institutionalized recognition in most major religions of the world. People did not want to buy from them because they were Christians. Smyrna was a large, important city on the western coast of Asia Minor, famed for its schools of medicine and science. How would you encourage someone who is being persecuted for his faith or going through a tough time? They had no way to make a living. What is in the way of these precepts affecting me? Even if these believers face death at the hand of the persecutors, it is not the end for them. Allow it to deepen your relationship with Christ, not push you away from Him. Maybe you have a financial issue. After introducing the first vision, John is commanded to write a letter to seven churches. One of the instructors of one particular lab was a well-known atheist there at the hospital. In this same verse, Jesus offers great comfort to His church by assuring them that He is the God who sees, knows, and cares about their troubles. Jesus is passionately concerned with how and what we do in our churches, and wants to be intimately involved. If so, how is that evident in your life? The devil may harm their physical body, but he can not do them any spiritual harm. Why would there be a need to be tested further? That is how bad I felt. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. The Church of Smyrna: The Church that Remains Faithful Amidst Persecution (Revelation 2:8-11) Summary and Explanation: Smyrna was home to a large Jewish community hostile to Christians. 3. Faith and fear are opposites. I know what it is like to face death at their hands. They had absolutely nothing. He begins this like He did the last letter and every letter afterward with the words, I know. He knows everything. The letter to the church at Smyrna in Revelation 2 is notable for many reasons, one being that it's one of the only letters that doesn't have a rebuke. ), Note: Jesus use of the strong term blasphemy, which was usually reserved for hostile words against God, indicates the slanders wickedness, intensity, and severity.4, 4. We need to look beyond the pain and look for that purpose that He wants to accomplish in our life. I am so thankful. But, in the process, when I am in the middle of it, it is hard to find joy in why He has me there. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. How does this apply to me? I know your afflictions and your povertyyet you are rich! Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. When we suffer, we may think that Christ is absent, but He is not. from A.D. c. 100-316; Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17), 'where Satan dwells' is suggestive of the church mixing with the world . Life was hard for these Christians. Many were placed on the rack where they were stretched so far that their legs and their arms were pulled out of their sockets. 4. We will throw you into prison until you do. Whether you interpret these ten days as referring to a literal 10 days (I take that view), or whether you interpret it as referring to just a brief period of time, or whether you interpret those 10 days as referring to 10 periods of persecution under 10 Roman emperors, the point being made is the same. Others were taken to the Coliseum and fed to angry, hungry lions. How can you better realize the fact that our trials will be limited and temporary? He is aware of the enemys plans and the afflictions we face (Hebrews 2:17-18). The first thing He promises is that they will receive the crown of life for being faithful until death. If I am afraid that means I am not trusting God. 6. Look at Revelation 2:8 with me, And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: (NASB). Christ will use us in the plights of others as hands to grab on to and pull others up when they are sinking. In Jesus name, amen. They cannot coexist. He always will exist. Ask God to strengthen your faith so that you can endure the suffering in your own life more victoriously. Undoubtedly, the church of Smyrna could have justified any syncretistic actions to preserve their livelihood and lives by proof texted scripture or by claiming that their compromise was for the greater good of tolerance, love, and grace. How does 2 Corinthians 6:10; 8:9 and James 2:5 shed light on this? Olympian games were held in Smyrna. If so, pray for those who dont know Christ and dont have eternal security. What did the future hold for the church at Smyrna and what would be the purpose? How does this ruin a church? Throughout history, Smyrna has suffered its fair share of hardship. In verse nine, Jesus praises and affirms the church by recognizing their material poverty in contrast to their vast spiritual prosperity. Into Thy Word Ministries. Ch 1 Pt 1, Kingdom 104: Where Are the Masculine-Thinking Men? If you receive yourself in the fires of sorrow, God will make you nourishment for other people. Oswald Chambers5. It reminds us of five things that we must remember if we are going to suffer well. This approval will take place when we as believers will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and He will evaluate us for all the works that we have done on this earth. 4. She went on and on and on and I was dumbfounded. And He genuinely cares about what happens to His children. Their poverty was most likely due to their faith in Jesus Christ, just like the Christians in Ephesus that we talked about last week.
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