Freedom from Fear
Revelation 2:8-11
Purpose: To encourage persecuted believers.
Aim: I want the listener to accept persecution as a gift.
INTRODUCTION: Fear cripples and paralyzes. Fear blocks us from doing what we know to be right. Sometimes it is the fear of being rejected by someone else, or it could be the fear of not having some material thing. It can also be the fear of pain or even death. The Christians living in Smyrna were in danger of being in fear because they were being lied about, forced to be poor, and some were about to suffer imprisonment and death.
This letter was written over 2,000 years ago, but it is as current as the daily paper. In recent times many Christians have been martyred throughout Turkey in general and Izmir (Smyrna) in particular. Just last year three believers from the local evangelical Baptist church were brutally murdered by Islamic extremists in the city.
Fear is a normal reaction to persecution. If anyone had a right to be afraid, it would have been the members of this church in Smyrna.
But fear of the future or the fear of man is a sin. So, how can we go though big problems, or trials, or even the threat of death without fear? This letter to Smyrna shows us how.
REVIEW:
1:1-20 I. John’s Vision of the Past “the things which you have seen”
2:1-5:14II. Christ’s Vision of the Present “the things which are”
2:1-3:22 A. The testimony of the church on earth
Vs.1-7 1. Ephesus: the loveless church
LESSON:
➽Vs.8-11 2. Smyrna: the hurting church
“Smyrna is a beautiful city today (modern Izmir) on the western shore of Turkey. In ancient times it was known as the ’Beauty of Asia’ and the ’City of Life and Strength.’ It is located some thirty-five miles north of Ephesus and was also a seaport city like Ephesus.
“Its loyalty to Rome was well known. In 195 B.C. (before the days of the Empire), Smyrna had erected a temple to the goddess of Rome during the days of the Roman Republic. The city became the seat of emperor worship, and in A.D. 26, when several cities were competing for the privilege of erecting a temple in honor of Emperor Tiberius, Smyrna was granted the honor.
“According to various ancient sources, it appears that a large colony of Jews lived there with considerable influence upon the civil and political authorities." ["The Coming World Leader" by David Hocking pp.51-52]
Smyrna was only one of two churches, out of the seven here in Revelation, that the Lord had nothing bad to say about them. Smyrna was the persecuted church.
When you are headed into a trial, the person who can be the greatest help to you is someone who has already experienced what you are about to go through. There is nothing more annoying than having someone say, “I know what you are going through” when they have never experienced what you are struggling with. The good news is that there is Someone who is uniquely qualified to help us.
➽Vs.8 a. Christ’s ability to help
Jesus is our example. We may face seemingly insurmountable problems, but Jesus has already been there and He has been victorious.
The first key to overcoming fear is to focus on the greatness of Jesus Christ.
➽(1) Christ is eternal “The first and the last”
Notice that this truth has already been emphasized. Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (NAU)
God is the only one who sees the big picture. King David, for example, may have wondered why God allowed him to suffer so much persecution, but without it we would not have the Psalms that have been a great blessing to so many people for so many years.
➽(2) Christ conquered death “has come to life”
Jesus comforted John’s fears the same way He is comforting the church of Smyrna. Revelation 1:17-18 17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18 and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. (NAU)
Jesus can comfort us best because of who He is and because of what He has experienced. Hebrews 2:14-15 14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. (NAU)
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. (NAU)
“You fearful Christians, fresh courage take!
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.”
➽Vs.9 b. Christ’s perfect knowledge “I know”
What a comfort to know that Christ knows! Even the little things that we do for the Lord do not go unnoticed by the Lord.
➽(1) Christ knows our problems “your tribulation”
The very strong word “tribulation” (Gk., thlipsis), which denotes crushing pressure, is used to describe the experiences of these Christians. They live in a wealthy city, but they are poor. Poverty is always a harder burden to bear in the centers of wealth, not only because of the inflationary economic pressure within a prosperous city, but because of the oppressive contrast between rich and poor.[Palmer, E. F., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1982). Vol. 35: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 35 : 1, 2 & 3 John / Revelation. Formerly The Communicator’s Commentary. The Preacher’s Commentary series (127). Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Inc.]
The name Smyrna is comes from the word myrrh. Myrrh is a red-brown resinous material, the dried sap of the tree Commiphora myrrha, native to Somalia and the eastern parts of Ethiopia. Myrrh must be burned or crushed for the fragrance to come out.
We too must be crushed before we can give out the wonderful aroma of God’s grace. James 1:3-4 3 the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (NAU)
➽(2) Christ knows our finances “your poverty”
The word POVERTY refers to a beggar. The same two words (poverty and rich) were used to describe Jesus. 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. (NAU) Jesus became poor for us. We should be willing to be poor for Him.
How can we be rich while we are poor? Matthew 6:20 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; (NAU)
In fact, poor people are more likely to be rich in faith. James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? (NAU)
Anybody who only has material wealth is poor.
➽(3) Christ knows when we are slandered “blasphemy”
Real TRIBULATION is when we are purposely lied about and inconvenienced because of something we are doing for the Lord. Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. (NAU)
It should come as no surprise to us that our greatest opposition comes from religious people. That was true for Jesus, and that was true for Paul.
Peter points out that suffering is our vocation or calling. 1 Peter 2:19-23 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; (NAU)
The same word CALLED in verse 21 is also used in: 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (NAU) 1 Thessalonians 2:12 … walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. (NAU) So, just as surely as we are called to heaven we are called to suffer, too.
➽Vs.10 c. Christ’s encouragement “Do not fear”
➽(1) The problem is Satan “devil is…”
Persecution does not result from a lack of faith. Ephesians 6:12 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (NAU)
We have been drawn into a great cosmic battle between God and Satan. Battles are hard and sometimes bloody.
➽(2) The purpose is growth “you will be tested”
James 1:2-3 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. (NAU)
1 Peter 4:12-13 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. (NAU)
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (NAU)
Since trials make us more like Christ, then we should welcome anything that makes us more like Christ.
Hebrews 12:11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. (NAU)
➽(3) The pain is temporary “for ten days”
We aren’t sure why the number 10 is used here. The number 10 has stood for “few.” Genesis 24:55 But her brother and her mother said, “Let the girl stay with us a few days, say ten; afterward she may go.” (NAU)
We also know that there were 10 Roman rulers who persecuted Christians, from Nero to Diocletian. The worst one was Diocletian and he persecuted Christians for 10 years.
The point is that persecution is temporary as opposed to the “crown of life.”
Paul made this point. Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (NAU)
➽(4) The payment is tremendous “crown of life”
Crowns meant a great deal to the people of Smyrna - they had their crown of Smyrna sitting proudly upon Mount Pagos. Their goddess Cybele wore a crown in the form of a city wall, so did her priests as they celebrated her festivals. Crowns were important in the civic and religious life of Smyrna.
Jesus is saying that our reward is eternal life—not what we get here now. Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ no matter what it will cost you?
➽Vs.11 d. Christ’s exhortation
Jesus has two final words of advice.
➽(1) Listen carefully “let him hear”
When God speaks we have no excuse for not listening. If you have listened to God’s Word today then you are responsible for following it.
➽(2) Look at the eternal “not be hurt”
We may have to endure a physical death, but we will never be touched by the second or eternal death. Revelation 20:14-15 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (NAU)
John clearly defines who these overcomers are: They are all who believe that Jesus is God’s Son, and all that means. The overcomers are believers—all of them (cf. 2:13). The word for “overcomer” comes from a Gr. word meaning “to conquer,” “to have victory,” “to have superiority” or “conquering power.” The word reflects a genuine superiority that leads to overwhelming success. The victory is demonstrable; it involves overthrowing an enemy so that the victory is seen by all. Jesus also used this word to describe himself (John 16:33). Because of believers’ union with Christ, they too partake in His victory. Romans 8:37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. (NAU); 2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, … (NAU). [MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (1 Jn 5:4). Nashville: Word Pub.]
In other words, if you have given your heart to Jesus Christ you are an overcomer because your victory over sin and death and hell are in Christ. Revelation 21:7 “He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. (NAU)
Do you see any evidence that Christ is overcoming sin in your life? If not then maybe you aren’t in Christ.
CONCLUSION: Some years after John’s death, the Jewish leadership, along with some Gentiles, formed a mob and called for the death of the local bishop, Polycarp, who was a disciple of the apostle John. [Fifty years after John’s death, Polycarp, the pastor of the church in Smyrna, was burned alive at the age of 86 for refusing to worship Caesar. MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Re 2:8). Nashville: Word Pub.]
“Church leaders Tertullian and Irenaeus claim that Polycarp was the bishop of Smyrna at the time John wrote this letter and that John not only discipled him personally but also appointed him as bishop. If Polycarp died in A.D. 166 as most scholars have concluded, and if he was older than the eighty-six years which he claimed was his service for Christ, it means that he was a young pastor about twenty to thirty years old when this letter was delivered to his church.” ["The Coming World Leader" by David Hocking pp.51-52]
Polycarp was the pastor of Smyrna. He was apprehended as an old man. They allowed him one hour to pray, before he faced death, which was granted.
His accusers felt sorry for him and pleaded with him, what harm is it to say Lord Caesar and to sacrifice and save yourself. He was silent, but when he was pressed he said, I will not do as you advise me.
The Proconsul (governor of the province) responded, “Just say this and I will release you.”
Polycarp said, “For eighty-six years I have served Jesus and he never once wronged me. How shall I blaspheme my King who saved me?”
The proconsul said to Polycarp, “I will tame you with fire.”
Polycarp relied, “You threaten me with fire which burns for an hour and is soon extinguished. But the fire of future judgment and of eternal judgment reserved for the ungodly, you are ignorant of, but why do you delay, do whatever pleases you.”
The Pagans and the Jews of Smyrna shouted unanimously that he should be burned alive.
Polycarp’s words were, “Oh Father I bless you that you counted me worthy, to receive my portion among the number of Martyrs.” When he said “Amen” the fire was lit.
Smyrna is only one of two churches that Jesus has nothing bad to about them. But, to look at them we would consider them in the worse shape than any of them. They were tortured and poor and slandered. But Jesus said they were rich.
Are you rich? I’m not talking about money, I’m talking about being rich because you’re a child of the King? Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Has He washed away all of your sin?
If you belong to the King of Kings and the Lord of lords, are you living your life free of fear? Are you trusting that Jesus is the first and the last? That He knows the end from the beginning? That He will never leave you nor forsake you? That He will never lay on you more than you can bear? Are you trusting Him for that?
"If we cannot believe God when circumstances seem to be against us, we do not believe Him at all.” Charles Spurgeon
