Faithful to the End: The Church at Smyrna
Faithful to the End: The Church at Smyrna
Key Bible Verses
Revelation 2:8-11
Digging Deeper
The Church at Smyrna was suffering and in poverty, and they were fearful of what they were facing. Jesus encouraged them in their time of suffering by stating that they were rich and that if they faithfully faced death for their faith's sake, He would give them the crown of life.
Jesus suffered on the cross and died for our sins. He understands our pain and suffering. He promised never to leave or forsake us. Therefore, we, too, can expect to suffer for our faith. The Bible teaches that we can rest on the assurance that God has everything under control and that we are under His care. God loves us and will give us endurance and courage as we remain faithful to Him living a revolutionary life.
Here are a few ways to address suffering when we face it, so we don’t lose hope but endure until the end.
Pray and ask God for guidance and help.
Read the Bible for comfort and peace.
Seek help from biblical sources like books, podcasts, classes, and groups.
Find pleasant or positive experiences, such as spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, or appreciating the beauty of nature, despite the suffering being complex and difficult to bear.
Find a biblical counselor to help us walk through our suffering.
Look for ways to use our suffering experiences to help someone else who is also suffering.
Just as it was for the Church at Smyrna, we know that we can take comfort and count on God in our times of suffering. We can look forward to victory and the crown of life that Jesus promised.
What Not To Miss
The Church at Smyrna
Jesus has nothing against them and says nothing bad about them.
Jesus does nothing but praise them.
Main point:
Revolutionary living means you’ll die for Jesus even though you’ll face difficulties because of Jesus.
Jesus reveals four things to the Church at Smyrna about their choice to die for Him as they face difficulties in life because of Him.
1. I know you are being hurt because of your relationship with Me. (Revelation 2:9)
Jesus tells them He knows their afflictions, which can be tribulation, trouble, suffering, or persecution.
Jesus tells them He knows of their poverty because of their faith in HIm.
There may be times when you lose your job, promotions, clients, customers, or money because of your faith in Christ.
For the most part, Americans ought to thank Jesus daily for the blessing of living in a country with religious freedom.
Whatever your afflictions, financial, career, or vocational status, because of Jesus, He knows, and you are rich in Him.
2. I know that those who should be your advocates are selling you out because of Me. (Revelation 2:9)
The Jews during this time, for the most part, were exempt from cult worship by Rome and the emperor.
Many Jews during this period rejected, resented, and were jealous and angry about Jesus, Christians, and the Church.
In Smyrna, the Jews were spying, slandering, and giving information to the authorities about the Christians.
Jesus teaches about this behavior of the Jews.
These Jews are not His people because they reject Jesus.
Ethnic Jews who slander and sell out Christians are not of Christ but are being used by Satan.
Jesus knows there will be those who should be our friends and advocates but will become our adversaries if it is advantageous.
Who sells out Jesus’ followers and churches today?
Carnal compromised Christians who cater to the culture.
Political Christians who have made politics their idol.
Secular Progressives who don’t believe in religious freedom.
3. I know even more suffering is coming your way because of Me. (Revelation 2:10)
Jesus tells them that Satan is not done persecuting them, and He is going to let Satan continue persecuting them.
Why does Jesus let this happen?
This testing period is to see what is in them.
This time period for testing the Church is meant to solidify, signify, and share Christ's triumph over a diseased, stricken, and dead world.
Our suffering strengthens our faith.
Our pain produces perseverance.
Our suffering can be a pathway to someone’s salvation.
Our pain can be someone else’s provision.
Our hurts can be someone else’s healing.
Our affliction can give someone else answers.
Our cuts can be someone else’s cure.
Our brothers and sisters around the world are being persecuted, and we need to pray for the persecuted Church.
The church is in the testing period that will demonstrate the triumph of Christ through His church.
4. I know I am and have the key to victory over all life’s difficulties. (Revelation 2:8. 10, 11)
Four keys to victory:
The OBJECT of your FAITH.
OVERCOME your Fears through Your FAITH.
OBEDIENCE to the FAITH—even to the point of DEATH.
Focus on the OBJECTIVE of your FAITH.
Faithfulness to the point of death will earn the victor’s crown. This is the paradox of the Gospel and following Jesus.
If you want life…DIE!
If you want to win…LOSE!
If you want victory…SURRENDER!
Dying to self and sin and living to and for Jesus brings life.
Living for self and sin and rejecting Jesus brings death.
The one who loves me
Has me as the object of their faith.
Overcomes the fears of life because of their faith in Me.
Is faithful to the very end because of Me and will not be hurt by the second death.
God’s Math
Born Once….Die Twice
Born Twice….Die Once
Polycarp exemplifies this truth of revolutionary living.
You’ll die for Jesus even though you’ll face difficulties because of Jesus.
How are you dying for Jesus in the face of the difficulties you experience living for Jesus?
Life Application
his week, consider those who are suffering around us and those who are suffering and being persecuted all over the world. Remember how God gives eternal riches and victory to those who follow Him even in difficult and demanding times. Look for ways that God can guide and enable you to be an instrument of His love, caring for those who are suffering.. Pray for your ears to hear and your eyes to see opportunities to demonstrate kindness, compassion, and understanding in tangible ways to those undergoing seasons of trial.
Small Group Discussion Questions
Describe something that you are fearful of.
How is the Church at Smyrna described?
What makes this church rich even though they are suffering and poor?
How can faithfulness and revolutionary living, even in the face of suffering, be a beacon of hope and encouragement to others?
Why is having ears to hear and listen crucial as we walk with Jesus in difficult times?
Daily Devotional Bible Passages
Day 1: Suffering-1 Peter 3:14; Colossians 1:24; Romans 8:18
Day 2: Poverty-2 Corinthians 8:9; Luke 6:20-21; Psalm 140:12
Day 3: Faithfulness-2 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Peter 4:12-13; Psalm 23:4
Day 4: Crown of Life and Rewards-James 1:12; Matthew 5:10-12; 1 John 2:24-25
Day 5: Victory-Isaiah 43:2; John 16:33; Psalm 34:19
Prayer
Lord, I know that in this world as I live a revolutionary lifestyle, I will face trials and tribulations just like the Church at Smyrna, and I ask for your strength and guidance to help me overcome the difficulties I face. I know that through pain and suffering I will become stronger and more resilient, but that can be so difficult to walk through. Help me to trust in your plan for my life and to find joy even in the middle of my trials. Also, I ask that you help me be a source of support and encouragement to those who are suffering in this world, and let me show your love, grace, and compassion to them. Thank you for being with me and all those suffering in all circumstances, and for giving us the ultimate victory through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Resources
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