Church In Smyrna - Do Not Live In Fear Series

We are excited to be here as we are continuing our sermon series this morning on the seven churches found in the book of Revelations.

Last week, we talked about the background of the church in Ephesus and we learned that they were a hard working church that were patient and did not stand for evil. They did not stand for false prophets and people trying to take advantage of others. Yet, in the midst of their battle, they came to a place to forget their first love.

This morning we are looking at our second church in Revelation located in Smyrna. This church was under great persecution. Now I understand that while we may be persecuted in the media and ridiculed by others because of our faith here in America, the fact is that persecution is going on against the church with great intensity in other parts of the world. We enjoy a tremendous amount of religious liberties here in America. However, when we look at this from another perspective, to me, the church has been persecuted and this shows up in a lot of different ways when we look at the low level holiness in the church, we look at those that lack passion for worship, we have people talking and playing games during worship, when you look at the lack of biblical knowledge of believers.

If you could turn with me to Revelation 2:8-11 NKJV 8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”

I. The church under pressure

A. Tough

a. This church in Smyrna was one of the churches that were dealing with some of the harshest conditions of persecution.

b. While most of the churches receive a rebuke from the Lord, this church does not. Not even a hint.

c. In fact, two of the churches do not receive a rebuke that is Smyrna and one we will be discussing later Philadelphia.

d. While all the churches were under a degree of persecution, this church was extremely under pressure.

Map shown: Tech Team

B. The church and city

a. As you can see Smyrna was located about 30-35 miles north of Ephesus and was situation on a great harbor.

b. During times of war, the harbor could be completely enclosed in order to provide a strong defense.

c. Alexander the Great had rebuilt the city to make sure that it had a strong defense.

d. This city was a major commercial producer of Myrrh along with vintage wines.

e. The city was known for its beauty, and interesting enough, home of the poet Homer.

C. Counselor

a. Let’s go back to verse 8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life

b. The Lord is really drawing their attention back to the cross where the most intense pain and suffering of the Lord is present.

c. The Lord wants the believers at Smyrna to know that He experienced the suffering that led to death.

D. Commendation

a. Let’s go to verse Revelation 2:9 NKJV9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a [a]synagogue of Satan.

b. This really is a tremendous commendation that the Lord was giving these believers.

c. Jesus is very clear about the necessity of works and that there is a reward that is associated with them.

E. Why persecuted

a. This city of Smyrna was considered to be one the greatest city’s that worshipped Caesar.

b. Caesar was the leader of Rome and many looked at him like a god.

c. At the time, Caesar Domitian despised Christians and did everything he could to destroy them. Domitian was a blood thirsty tyrant that would do anything to maintain his political position.

F. How were they persecuted

a. Persecution can come in many different forms and ways.

b. This church was experiencing this persecution on different levels. The first being that they were experiencing was poverty.