What motivates you?
Cynical approach used in sales: Fear and greed.
If we believe that we’re completely on our own in the world, then these two impulses serve as effective motivators.
As followers of Christ know that there is a more powerful motivator: Love. At the same time, we can lose sight of the power of love as our guiding motivation.
This is what happened to the church at Smyrna in Rev. 2.
Brief recap on seven churches of Revelation. Overall message of strengthening and encouragement so they could remain faithful, loyal to the Risen King.
Short “letter” to Smyrna is a series of contrasts. It is designed to cause listeners to reflect on what is motivating them. In their case, it comes down to fear or faith.
Series of Contrasts
Revelation 2:8 NLT
8 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna. This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive:
Smyrna - next city on the circular postal route around Asia Minor.
A play on words. Noted for production of myrrh, a bitter salve. Town name means bitter.
The church is undergoing bitter circumstances.
Well known for being very “patriotic,” pro-Rome. Hosted multiple temples that deified the Emperors.
Also home to Cybele’s (mother goddess) temple.
Strong craft guilds - membership would require sacrificing to the pagan gods, attending feasts, rituals, etc.
Annual “loyalty oath” to the Emperor. Required. Those who offered the sacrifice and made the oath received a dated document saying they had done so. Hard to work, do business without this document.
Obviously a big problem for Christians who believe Jesus is the true King.
Series of contrasts:
First and Last
Preeminence in all things. Protos and eschatos.
Jesus precedes everything in creation and will remain after the broken creation is destroyed to make way for the new creation. He is therefor greater than anything in creation whether of natural origin or human device. The church in Smyrna is held in the hand of One who is greater than any enemy including death.
A statement of deity.
Note similarities between situations. Jesus was put to death at the instigation of the Jewish leaders by the hands of the Romans. This is the same threat that the Smyrna church faced.
Dead but now alive.
Dead, but not forever
Alive, once for all.
What Are You Afraid Of?
Revelation 2:9 NLT
9 “I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan.
I know.
Here are some more contrasts to consider:
Suffering/poverty - oppressive state of mental/social/economic adversity.
Likely as a result of being unwilling to participate in various pagan rituals.
True wealth is measure by God’s standards.
James 2:5 NLT
5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?
Good and evil
synagogue that should reflect God to the world but instead is being deceived by Satan and also lying about the Christian community.
Jesus considers their accusations and lies about the church to be equivalent with lying about God directly.
John 8:44 NLT
44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Gain the Victory
Revelation 2:10 NLT
10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.
Some interpret this to mean that the local Jewish synagogue (big one!) was informing on the Christian community.
Removing their “cover” of being a sect of Judaism therefore, without legal protection as a religion.
Jesus reminds them: Instead of being motivated by fear, choose to have faith in the Risen Lord
No punches pulled. Times are tough and likely to get tougher.
1 Peter 3:13–14 NLT
13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.
James 1:12 NLT
12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Maintain loyalty.
Another contrast offered:
Peace and comfort in this life vs. Crown of life in eternity.
1 Peter 5:4 NLT
4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
Coming to No Harm
Revelation 2:11 NLT
11 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.
When we are spiritually tuned in, we can understand this and live accordingly.
Victory isn’t measure by success this creation but by eternal life.
Another contrast:
Death of the body in this creation
Eternal life of the spirit in the new creation. (no 2nd death)
Wrap up:
Things are not always as they seem. Outward appearance does not correlate to inner value to the Lord.
Success in Jesus’ eyes is faith and loyalty especially under pressure.
Just because you belong to Christ all will not necessarily go well for us in this world. We may have to face persecution, poverty, suffering.
We must judge the value of life in this world against life in the new creation.
What does it profit us to gain this world but lose the next?
Persecution is one way to build spiritual “muscle mass.”
Faith leads to conflict with our culture which means we will likely experience some level of in-toleration or persecution in our lives.
Suffering is not forever.
Jesus knows the pressures we face from our culture.
We are called to make a commitment. Do we mean business as Christians?
A test of genuine faith.
The spiritual battle between good and evil will continue until the Lord returns.
Peer pressure is intense.
At the same time, a consistent witness (message and deeds) is eventually observed.
