Dear Smyrna

3 weeks ago we started looking at the 7 churches found in the book of Rev. which had letters written to them.

We walked away with the understanding that Christ knows ALL. “Jesus Knows!”

The good, the bad, the ugly.

We read where each church was identified .....

John let the churches know who was speaking to them .....

Then the statement is made ..... “I know ....” (Oida not Ginosko)

2 weeks ago we looked at the first letter which was written to the Church in Ephesus. (Rev. 2:1-7)

Forgot their first LOVE! (Settled into an institution opposed to a body)

They didn’t stop loving Christ it was just that there was no passion anymore.

Remove your lampstand (Vs 5b)

No longer a city of Ephesus nor Church.

This week we are going to look at the 2nd letter written to a church called Smyrna.

(Rev. 2:8-11) 8 ““And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. 9 “ ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’”

(Vs 8a) - Identifies the church being written too.

(Vs 8b) - Identifies the one speaking to the church.

(Vs 9) - “I Know” (Oida)

(Rev. 2:9) “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.”

“tribulation” - (Some translated it as “affliction”) [Thlipsis]

2 forces pressed against: a pressing pressure

Anything that burdens the Spirit

SPIRITUAL NATURE

If Jesus knows this about them ....... He know this about us!

“Poverty” - destitution (denied basic necessities for life)

This would lead people to BEG.

I love the fact that Jesus add’s (But you are rich).

James 2:5 “Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?”

“Slander” - [Blasphemia]

Speech defamatory of the Divine Majesty

Speech injurious, to another’s good name

Both “Poverty” and “Slander” deals with the PHYSICAL NATURE

Jesus is saying I know about the Physical aspects you are dealing with as well the Spiritual.

I am confident to say that the spiritual and the physical dynamics this church was dealing with was because of the ONE WHOM THEY BELIEVED IN AS WELL AS FOLLOWED.

(Rev. 2:10) “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

I love what Jesus states to them after all of this ...... “Do not fear!”

The Greek word [Phobeo]

Means “to scare away” (Verb, Infinitive “Command”)

If you are in the center of God’s will why would you be fearful?

This is what Jesus was saying to Peter when he got out of the boat!

Jesus is saying, “Hey, eyes here!”

When you have your eyes on Christ you can’t see the lies the enemy want you to believe.

Don’t fear what you are about to suffer .....

Not only did Jesus know what they were going through but what they were getting ready to go through.

“Suffer” is the Greek word [Pascho]

Translated as the word “Passion” in Acts 1:3 “He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”

This is Christ Suffering

You know what the antidote to FEAR is? FAITH

(Rev. 2:10b) “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

The word “Be” is an infinitive which is a command!

“Faithful” [Pistos] Adjective (Describes a noun)

(What noun?) “YOU” “Antecedent”

If we find ourselves dealing with fear what is needed is Faith.

Faith through our trials and tribulations (Spiritually / Physically) we will be give the CROWN of LIFE.

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.”

What are you facing today?

What fears are you dealing with?

What if the reason you are fearful is because you might not be where God is wanting you?

What is the reason you are fearful is because your faith is lacking.

I am here to share with you this morning that the antidote to this fear your experiencing is Faith!

Altar Call