Smyrna: Faithfully Fragrant In the Fire

Fire is often symbolic of a time of testing.

Revelation 2:8–11 NIV

“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. [9] I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. [10] Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. [11] Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.”

Introduction: Welcome to the Fire

(show slide 01) Smyrna— “The Crown of Asia.” A city with wealth, beauty, trade routes… and crushing persecution for Christians.

(show slide 02) Situated about 40 miles south of Ephesus, it was a prominent city, rivaling Ephesus and Pergamum in size and magnificence.

(show slide 03) Smyrna was home to diverse religious communities, including polytheists, a significant Jewish population most of whom were extremely hostile to Christians, and early Jesus followers. Emperor worship was a mandatory aspect of life in Smyrna, and refusing to participate was considered treasonous. Caesar claimed to be king of kings and lord of lords. 

(show slide 04) Smyrna is the only one of the seven churches that still exists today in modern Izmir, Turkey. Why? Because it was faithful. Jesus didn’t criticize this church. He only commended it. It is one of only two this can be said of, the other being Philadelphia, coming later in this series.

(show slide 05) Myrrh, Smyrna’s main export was which is found in its name. Myrrh is a gum or resin taken from a tree that was wounded by crushing. (show slide 06) It was used in burial to cover the smell of decay, which was also its significance as one of the three gifts offered by the wise men at the birth of Jesus.

Let’s explore what Jesus said to Smyrna with these three points:

1. Christ’s Confidence In Their Condition (v.9)

“I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!”

🔍 Explanation

The Greek word for "affliction" is thlipsis — a word used to describe a crushing pressure, like when a heavy stone is gradually lowered onto someone to make them renounce their faith. Eventually, it crushes them to death. (Heb. 10:25)

They were poor, persecuted, and publicly slandered. Yet Jesus says, “You are rich.” Why? Because their treasure wasn’t in Smyrna’s banks but in Heaven’s storehouses.

Jesus also says, “I know.” The One who “died and came to life again” understands suffering.

🧭 Application

Don’t mistake your earthly lack for heavenly poverty. Jesus sees behind the scenes. What this world calls weakness, Heaven may call wealth.

We may not be crushed by stones—but how often are we crushed by stress, criticism, rejection, or betrayal?

Let’s stop measuring success by comfort and start measuring by Christlike character.

😂 Illustration

A little boy once prayed before dinner: “God, thank you for the broccoli—even though I’m not gonna eat it.” Some of us treat faithfulness the same way—we say we’re thankful for trials… but only if they stay on the plate.

2. Courage In the Coming Conflict (v.10)

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer… you will suffer persecution for ten days…”

🔍 Explanation

The “ten days” here likely refer to a finite time of intense persecution—possibly the ten-year reign of terror under Emperor Diocletian. Jesus doesn’t say “if” you suffer, but “what you’re about to suffer.”

The call is to faithfulness, not fearlessness. The Greek word for "faithful" here is pistos, meaning loyal, trustworthy, reliable even when tested.

Jesus promises a crown of life—not like Smyrna’s city crown—but an eternal one that never fades.

🧭 Application

Your pain has a time limit, but your reward is eternal.

Are you letting today’s pressure rob you of tomorrow’s prize?

When the heat is on—don’t melt. Multiply. Grow. Show the world the aroma of your Myrrh.

💡 Illustration: Polycarp’s Martyrdom

(show slide 07) Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna for decades! He was discipled and ordained by the Apostle John late in John’s life after his release from the Island of Patmos while he lived in Ephesus. Polycarp was arrested for refusing to declare “Caesar is Lord.” They threatened him with fire.

His famous last words?

“Eighty and six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me? I am a Christian!”

     - Polycarp, Bishop of the Church of Smyrna, martyred at the age of 86

They lit the fire, but according to witnesses, the flames curved around him like sails. He eventually had to be stabbed to die. His faith was fireproof. Was it because of his having been properly discipled? We think we are!

3. Crowned for Consistent Commitment (v.11)

“The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.”

🔍 Explanation

The “second death” refers to eternal separation from God (Rev. 20:14). But to the overcomer, the promise is no hurt at all from this “second death.”

God is working in us while we are stuck in it. Victory doesn’t mean escaping the fire—it means staying faithful in it.

🧭 Application

Jesus doesn’t promise to save us from death but through it.

Some of us endure the Sunday service like it’s persecution! Skipping church for brunch? Complaining because the AC is set to “Arctic Tundra”? We get all bent because they were out of our favorite donut in the cafe!

Church, let’s get real. We’re not Smyrna—we’re soft. We’ve got to toughen up!

The American church is on trial. Will we be found faithful?

“Weeping may endure through the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5b NLT)

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18 NIV)

Are we spiritual snowflakes? We are more than conquerors! Overcomers!

🎯 Illustration

(show slide 08) Someone once said:

“The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s about what you’re made of, not your circumstances.”

     - Anonymous

So… what are you made of?

Conclusion: Choose Life

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT

"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! [20] You can make this choice by 1) loving the LORD your God, 2) obeying him, and 3) committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."

The Hebrew word “barak” (bless) means “to loose or to multiply.” The word “arar” (curse) means “to bind or divide.”

Which direction are your words and your walk taking people—toward life or death? Your words show the direction of your walk. If you want to know if you’re faithful, look no further than what comes out of your mouth. Dad always says, “What’s in the well comes up in the bucket.” Scripture put it this way:

Matthew 12:34b NKJV

“…out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, lest anyone should boast. [10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

You are not saved by works—but you are saved for them.

🔨 Closing Object Lesson

PRODUCTION NOTE: **Zoom in on me on camera and show the tea bag on the front screens when I show this.**

A tea bag in hot water – Show how flavor only comes out in the heat. Just like our faith becomes real when life gets hot. Our flavor, or our fragrance, only comes out in the fire; in the crushing of life. That’s when we see what we’re really made of.

🙏 Closing Challenge & Prayer

Let me remind you of Jesus’ opening words to Smyrna:

Revelation 2:8 NIV

“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.

Jesus says to us today…

John 16:33 NIV

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have PEACE. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Take heart! I have overcome depression.

Take heart! I have overcome addiction.

Take heart! I have overcome the loss of loved ones and family.

Take heart! I have overcome cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, every disease.

Take heart! I have overcome PTSD.

Take heart! I have overcome financial ruin.

Take heart! I have overcome abortion.

Take heart! I have overcome evil governments.

Take heart! For I AM the First and the Last, and I have even overcome death, hell, and the grave, for My name is Jesus, and unlike Caesar, I AM the King of kings and Lord of lords and I will return very soon and bring My Church to the place I have prepared for you who are FAITHFUL.

Church, let’s be like Smyrna: (PRODUCTION NOTE - let these come in one by one in a list. I will go through them without commentary.)

Faithful.

Fearless.

Fragrant in the fire.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, make us faithful like Smyrna. Give us courage to endure, strength to stand, and hearts that hold fast to You. May our trials release the sweet fragrance of faith, like Myrrh. May we not fear the first death, because we’re secured from the second. Help us to choose life every day, and walk worthy of the crown of life You promise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.