The Dependable Church

Message 6

A study on Revelation

The Dependable Church

Revelation 2:8-11

Theme: God shows us the qualities of a church He depends on.

Introduction: There have been times where the church has suffered persecution since its inception. As the church continues to stand with Jesus and refuses to bow to the ungodly culture of the world, there will be persecution.

Recently I was in a meeting where Judge Jeanine Piro spoke on freedom. She said there is no doubt that today in America Christians and churches are being attacked for what they believe. There is coming a time where believers are not only going to be called out for their belief but jailed for their belief. The attack on our First Amendment is the beginning of censoring any message that goes against public narrative.

This message is given to encourage the church to stay dependable the cause and truth of Christ.

Please notice the encouragement in the suffering.

I. Its conditions v. 8

A. The background

The city of Smyrna is 35 miles North of Ephesus=modern city is Izmir Turkey-Its name means myrrh. Myrrh is sweet perfume used in embalming dead bodies and was included in the holy anointing oil used in the Old Testament Tabernacle worship. The word represents both death and bitterness. This is the fragrance used in connection with Christ as a gift.

This is a very rich city in Asia Minor sitting along the beautiful Aegean Sea. In the ancient world the wide paved streets were lined with temples to Apollo, Asklepios, Aphrodite, and Zeus. Rome united all this empire together under a religious system. Once a year everyone had to make a sacrifice at Caesar’s temple and repeat the phrase “Caesar is Lord.” Generally Smyrna hated Christianity and brought great persecution against the church in the middle of a vast, influential city.

Affluence and popularity may lead to hatred of the truth of God. God’s people will suffer at times when wealthy people attack the cause of Christ.

B. The authority

1. Written to the angel which is most likely the pastor.

2. The message is clearly from Jesus Christ-His name is given to each church with a particular application-here to know that God has the final control over all things.

3. He is the first and last-the end from the beginning and there is nothing escaping His eye.

4. He has power over death and over life.

5. God wanted persecuted believers to know He sees and vindicates His people.

II. Its encouragement vv. 9-11

A. The knowledge v.9

1. God knows our works and tribulation-we are to be witnesses for the cause of Christ.

2. He knows those who are serving Him in the most difficult situation.

3. God knows all that we are doing and nothing escapes His notice

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:22–23)

4. Tribulation-He notices their sufferings-He knows what you are going through.

5. Knows their poverty-poor materially yet rich spiritually-their wealth was robbed during the persecutions.

NOTE: Silver and gold are corruptible. These are only good for this life and only works here. Faith and works of righteousness are the only real valuable and incorruptible things.

History records Polycarp’s martyrdom. He was the pastor of the church of Smyrna when this was being written. When he was apprehended, he was asked to sacrifice unto the Emperor but he refused. Then he was beaten, threatened, sentenced to be burned at the stake. When he burned on the stake he said, “Leave me thus, I pray, unfastened; He who has enabled me to brave the fire will give me strength also to endure its fierceness.”

B. The commendation v.10

1. The persecution came from the religious crowd.

2. Synagogue of Satan-Jews who were actively persecuting the church. They believe in a Judaized-Christianity. Salvation by works-keeping the law, the ordinances, and the ritualism.

3. Satan is the one behind all of this persecution and false teaching.

4. Christ commended them for their faithfulness and encouraged them to never quit or fear v. 10a.

5. Time is limited-10 days refers to the periods of Roman persecution.

6. Promise of a reward for their faithfulness will be handed out at the judgment seat of Christ.

7. They are to be encouraged by the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion: There are three principles we learn from suffering:

1. It educates us“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;” (Hebrews 5:8)

2. It humbles usto the truth“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” (2 Corinthians 12:7)

3. It allows us to bear a testimony for Christ “For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” (Acts 9:16)