Hold Fast Series

** the message or prophecy (Revelation 1:3) from Jesus Christ through John the disciple to the Church of Smyrna

__Smyrna was a seaport city about 35 miles north of Ephesus

__Today it is called Izmir, Turkey

__Presumably, this church was founded during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10)

__ “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).

__Its association with death perfectly pictures the suffering church at Smyrna.

__Like myrrh, produced by crushing a fragrant plant, the church at Smyrna, crushed by persecution, gave off a fragrant aroma of faithfulness to God.”

__The church at Smyrna was to undergo some intense persecution and tribulation. Jesus wanted to encourage them to stand strong, even if it meant physical death.

** Jesus knew their works, suffering and poverty (Revelation 2:9)

__Jesus tells them that He knows the blasphemy of those who claim to be Jews but are not

__ the term blasphemy was usually reserved for hostile words against God, indicates the slander’s wickedness, intensity, and severity.

__ “…. school of satan” ----indicates those who were teaching wrong doctrines and deceiving poor people using the Gospel or meant those who taught the law.

**Jesus encourages this poo church not to be afraid (Revelation 2:10)

__ Jesus is not saying to them it will go away, Jesus is not promising them a better tomorrow, Jesus is not promising them deliverance, but He is saying that they should not be afraid

__after they have been tried, that is sent to jail, tribulations for ten days, Jesus is pleading with them to be faithful or loyal to His name even if it means to face death

__He promises them a crown of life, remember that after every pain and sufferings and perseverance in faithfulness to Jesus’s Name we will receive a crown of life

__a crown of life is a reward given to those who remain faithful even unto death

__ James 1:12

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him”.

__crowns serve as an image of the eternal rewards for those who serve as God's favor

__crowns serve as an image of the eternal rewards for those who serve as God's ambassadors.

**…” He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death” (Revelation 2:11)

__we should always fight to overcome (Romans 12:21)

__we are to fight to overcome the second death, we are called to fight even if it means to death.