THE SMYRMA CHURCH
Rev.2: 8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
God looks for workers who will do these three things.
Stand for him, serve him, and suffer for him. It is easy to accept the Lord many people do this but not as Lord and master. When is Lord and master he has complete control.
The church of Smyrma had made him Lord of all.
(1) Look at the church
Rev.2: 8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
This church was about 50 miles northwest of Ephesus.
It was known for its strong endurance and its service for the Lord.
It was known for suffering for our Lord. You have to have suffering if you are a true child of God.
2nd Tim.3: 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
This was how it was when Christ was on the earth, his followers had to suffer.
John 6: 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
(2) The compliment
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Problem: “I know thy works and tribulation”
God not only knows the suffering we bear. He keeps a record of it.
Poverty: We may be poor in goods of this old world.
We are rich in Heavenly things.
People: He knows the blasphemy those who are of Satan.
It’s not easy to stand for right when so many oppose us.
Just remember this you stand for the truth you want be alone Jesus stands with you.
(3) The control
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
John15: 18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Be fearless suffer with pride.
Faith The devil may put us in jail as to try us .
God may not remove the trouble yet he will be with us.
Because he cares for you and i.
Be faithful
“Be thou faithful unto death and I will thee a crown of life”
Faithfulness is not only requested it is required.
Matt.24: 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
(4) The Compensation
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Listening in simple words “pay attention”
We must hear and obey what he says.
We may be weak and weary life is for the overcomer.
Suffering for our Lord is hard but God has a plan
Romans 8: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Be a victorious Christian.
