Lesson 4
The seven churches in Revelation represent seven different kinds of churches that will exist until Jesus comes. They also represent seven kinds of Christians, one of which is much like you. Therefore, you need to find yourself in the seven churches. We are now going to look at a suffering church, Smyrna. As Christians, we all suffer from time to time. We should expect it because what does Peter write in 1 Peter 4:12?
We are living in a country that is quickly becoming like Smyrna. There is an overt, militant aggression against Bible-teaching churches. There is also a covert attack by some Hollywood filmmakers, who glamorize profanity, immorality, and violence. This should not surprise us. Why, according to Jesus, in John 15:18?
Our Lord reminds the church at Smyrna that He is “ ‘the first and the last’ ” (2:8b). This is an Old Testament title for God (Isa. 44:6). Our Lord is saying He is eternal. He also identifies Himself as He “ ‘who died and came to life’ ” (2:8c). Our Lord transcends time, life, and death. Jesus is addressing Christians who are suffering so horribly they may have to die for their faith. He wants them to remember He is “the resurrection and the life” (Jn 11:25b). Therefore, He makes what promise in John 11:25c–e?
Jesus continues, “ ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty’ ” (2:9a). The word translated tribulation (THLIPSIS, th-lip’-sis) means severe suffering that brings anguish and distress. It is long-term suffering that doesn’t go away in a few hours or days. The word translated poverty (PTŌCHEIA, toe-key’-uh) refers to extreme poverty, to the point of begging. Their poverty was probably the result of sanctions or persecution they faced in Smyrna. However, Jesus says, “ ‘but you are rich’ ” (2:9b). How does James 2:5b explain this phrase?
Jesus knows, but there is something about our Lord’s knowledge of our suffering that is even more comforting. It is the fact He also understands all our suffering. How does Hebrews 4:15a state this truth?
One of the most difficult parts of suffering is feeling no one really cares how we feel or hurt. There is no suffering we go through that Jesus doesn’t know about and, more importantly, care about. Therefore, when suffering, remember what promise in Psalm 55:22a?
The spiritual battle in Smyrna is just one skirmish in the earthly war that will continue until Jesus returns. The phrase ten days probably refers to a limited time of suffering. Suffering will not last forever and must be kept in perspective. Therefore, remember what truth in Romans 8:18?
The word translated crown (STEPHANOS, stef’-an-os) refers to a garland, or wreath, of victory for an athlete or victorious general. The crown of life is an eternal reward for those who faithfully endure severe suffering. We will be blessed if we endure trials, or “temptation” (Jas. 1:12a). What does James write in James 1:12b?
As in all the letters to the churches, an exhortation is given to all who have “ ‘an ear’ ” to listen to “ ‘what the Spirit says’ ” (2:11a). Then, our Lord says, “ ‘The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death’ ” (2:11b). As mentioned in the previous lesson, all true believers are conquerors, or overcomers (1 Jn 5:5). However, in this passage Jesus is promising the second death will in no way affect true believers. The first death—physical death—is the separation of body and spirit. What is the second death, according to Revelation 20:14b?