Persecuted but not Forsaken
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Have you ever been tempted to ask, “Where was God?” or “Where is God?” Maybe you were tempted to ask that during or after the hurricane. Maybe you are tempted to ask that now as fiery infernos raged in California. Maybe you were tempted to ask that question when you stood beside the casket of someone you loved dearly and it seems they were taken far too young.
Maybe you have asked that in the midst of your pain and suffering, the difficulties of your life, the financial reversals, the diagnosis, or the prognosis.
There are some who wrongly teach that those with great faith never face great sickness or financial difficulty. Do not be swayed by these false teachers. As a matter of fact we will be reminded today that sometimes difficulty and suffering happen in our lives, EVEN WHEN JESUS IS STANDING RIGHT BESIDE US, EVEN WHEN HE’S HOLDING US IN HIS HAND.
Before we explore this more let’s learn a little bit more about the city of Smyrna, because this is where the next church on our list is located.
Scripture Introduction
Scripture Introduction
Smyrna (now known as Izmir, Turkey) was a major trading and port city on the Aegean coast, located approximately 35-40 miles north of Ephesus.
A beautiful city, known for it’s wealth, was along important trade routes of its day. At the time of this writing it was an ally of Rome and in 195 BC dedicated a temple to a Roman goddess. It built another temple in AD 26 to the emporer Tiberius. Other temples, including one to Zeus lined its streets and it had impressive architecture.
As you can imagine pagan worship permeated the city and emperor worship was common at the time.
Somewhere along the way a Christian church was established here. Although we cannot be sure of its origination some think it may have been either planted by Paul or some of his companions during their time in Ephesus.
In the late 1st century and early 2nd century the Jewish community in Smyrna became very HOSTILE toward Christians. These believers faced heavy persecution in the form of false accusations, economic pressures, and imprisonment. Then in AD 155 Polycarp, their leader was stabbed and burned at the stake.
There is nothing negative said about the Church at Smyrna, yet they underwent intense struggles and persecution. They faced death. One may be tempted to ask, “Where was God?”
We are reminded of where He was in Revelation 1:12-13
Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.
And we are reminded what He said to John, and what He says to His church then and even today in Revelation 1:17
And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.
Today we will be reminded that...
BIG IDEA: ...earthly struggles are temporary, while the rewards of faithfulness are eternal.
As we explore this church a little more closely, notice first...
Their Difficulties
Their Difficulties
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Tribulation
Tribulation
Even though Christ was with them, it did not mean they would escape TRIBULATION. The word “tribulation” refers to EXTERNAL PRESSURE THAT THREATENS RUIN. It comes from the root word that means “oppression and affliction.”
Tribulation is not a sign of being out of favor with God, but in fact, tribulation is often a result of BEING RIGHT WITH GOD!
Do you remember the words of Jesus when He said:
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
Do you remember Jesus’ warning in John 15:18-20
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
Do you remember what happened in the early church in Acts 5:40-41
And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
Do you remember what Peter said in 1 Peter 4:14
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
Not only were they facing tribulation, but they were also facing poverty.
Poverty
Poverty
In doing some research some sources indicate that many within the church at Smyrna were destitute. Research reveals there may have been several reasons for this:
This was a result of the religious persecution they faced. Some were cut off from jobs because of their love for Christ. One commentator said they were trying to be “squeezed out of their existence”
Others suggest they may have been the victims of economic discrimination and boycotts. They were probably excluded from the marketplace and the trade guilds.
Some suggest their property and goods were confiscated
It was not popular, nor financially beneficial to be a Christ follower in Smyrna.
A third issue they faced was...
Infiltration by the Enemy
Infiltration by the Enemy
Notice again the end of Revelation 2:9
“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
On top of all the pressures from without they also had issues from within. It seems some wolves in sheep clothing had made their way into the church. Jesus calls this group “a synagogue of Satan.” Pretty harsh words.
Some commentators believe this was a group of individuals, with a Jewish religious background, who were persecuting Christians and betraying their own spiritual heritage. It was used to call out specific Jews who were hostile to and actively harming Christians in Smyrna. These people were “under the influence of Satan himself.”
It was this same group that some believe actually gathered the firewood to burn Polycarp at the stake years later. And sadly there would be...
More Suffering and Imprisonment Ahead
More Suffering and Imprisonment Ahead
Notice Revelation 2:10
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Again we are reminded that the SOURCE of the persecution was the devil himself. But what the devil was intending for evil, God was using for good…and God never ceased to be IN CONTROL!
That’s why Jesus said, “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer...”
He mentions they will have tribulation 10 days. While there is no definite consensus on this many commentators believe the 10 days is a symbolic number. The point is that the suffering and tribulation will not last forever. It will come to an end eventually, one way or another!
God doesn’t promise them freedom FROM suffering, but He promises freedom IN suffering and an END to suffering!
We mentioned Polycarp earlier. Polycarp was the bishop or the pastor of this church in the 150’s. Polycarp knew the Apostle John personally and he was an important leader in the early church.
He was burned at the stake because He refused to renounce Christ and declare Caesar as Lord. According to witnesses, his last words were:
“Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and He never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”
The church at Smyrna SUFFERED. Today believers around the world are still SUFFERING for their faith in Jesus. While we may not suffer like others have Scripture tells us this:
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Let’s move on a moment from their suffering to...
His Observations
His Observations
Notice again Revelation 2:8
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:
Just like last week we are reminded WHO is Lord of the church! The Lord Jesus Christ, walking among these candlesticks (churches) refers once again to Himself as the “First and the Last” the One who “was dead, and came to life.”
He reminded the church, and us, that He is ETERNAL, SOVEREIGN, possesses ALL POWER (even over death), and has ALL AUTHORITY!
As He speaks to them He first of all mentions...
Their Work
Their Work
“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Even in the face of death and persecution these believers were LABORING in the Harvest Field. They were COMMITTED to Christ and His work!
We also saw in verse 9 a statement about their poverty and...
Their Riches
Their Riches
While this seems to be a contradiction in terms, we might say in today’s language, “THE CHURCH AT SMYRNA HAD A LOT OF THINGS THAT MONEY COULD NOT BUY!”
Someone said they were RICH in faith and RICH in spiritual blessings! They were rich where it mattered!
While the devil could persecute them, and have them beaten, and imprisoned, and even martyred, there were some things He could not take from them:
He could not take away God’s grace!
He could not take away their faith!
He could not take away the Kingdom of God from them.
He could not rob them of their character
He could not take away their TREASURES IN HEAVEN
He could not take away the CROWN OF LIFE they had been promised
THEY WERE OVERCOMERS!
Jesus also knew that in spite of everything they had suffered and would suffer they had...
The Opportunity to be Faithful
The Opportunity to be Faithful
They were challenged to “BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH.”
Notice Revelation 2:10
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Someone said:
"Be faithful unto death" implies an unwavering trust and loyalty to Christ, even in the face of persecution and the threat of death.
Another interesting tidbit from my research indicates that “be faithful unto death” also suggests a CONTINUAL PROCESS of their faith being STRENGTHENED in the midst of trials. This comes from RELYING ON CHRIST, not self.
Jesus is inviting them to TRUST HIM…just as they trusted Him for salvation from eternal death, they can trust Him in the midst of the difficulties they were facing.
At the end of the road they were promised...
The Crown of Life
The Crown of Life
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
He tells them to be FAITHFUL unto death and they would receive the “crown of life.” The crown that is referred to here is the “victor’s crown.” It would have been a crown the church was familiar with, because in the games it was awarded to athletes for winning a contest.
But the crown that Jesus promised was more than just a wreath, but a far superior crown of eternal and spiritual beauty. It was a crown that was awarded to them, not because of WHO they were, but because of the ONE they trusted in.
This also may be a play on words that would have had special significance to the Church at Smyrna. The city itself was known as a “CROWN” due to its amazing architecture and its location on Mount Pagus.
Not only are they promised this “CROWN OF LIFE” but are reminded of the promise of...
Eternal Life
Eternal Life
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’
Those who overcome will never face the second death that’s described in Revelation 20:14
Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
This is the SOUL’S eternal separation from God.
The opposite of the “SECOND DEATH” is ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.
As we close today I want to leave you with these encouraging thoughts:
Remember Christ’s Presence in the Midst of Persecution and Suffering
Remember Christ’s Presence in the Midst of Persecution and Suffering
and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.
Jesus promised us HIS PRESENCE, even to the end of the world!
We are not along in our struggles.
Just as He was with the 3 Hebrew boys in the FIRE, He’s in the fire with us too!
Depend On the Sufficiency of Christ to Stay Faithful
Depend On the Sufficiency of Christ to Stay Faithful
Focus on Eternal Riches
Focus on Eternal Riches
Remember He said they were poor, yet rich.
As believers we have things MONEY CAN NEVER BUY!