The Church Smyrna

(NASB95) — 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

God’s sovereign will, both good and the dark side of it.

When we think of God’s soveriegn will in choosing the believer, we normally think of the good aspects of that sovereignty. We tend to think of the bad parts of the sovereign hand in the midst of suffer. However, the idea that God has called us to be like Jesus and that Christ likeness is seen in suffering is sometimes very hard to understand.

The uniqueness of the American Church, very little persecution.

Persecution is particular kind of suffering. Normally we attempt to avoid this type of suffering. i will say that USA has been unique in the history of Church history. We have had very little persecution.

Though I think that it is great, that we have not had major persecution. I think that this is a gift. It may be a gift that we have squandered but a gift none the less.

I have heard believers say, “The only way to purify the church is to have some persecution!” On the one hand that there is a nugget of truth. With persecution, some real dedicated believers will be separated from the professing believers. Yet, on the other hand, to assume that persecution is the purifier is not altogether true. It also suggests that the only way that God can work in the lives of believers is if we are being hurt. No he works through the Spirit and the Word.

Persecution is coming

However, I am no prophet, I think that persecution in the USA is coming. As our society becomes more secular it becomes more anti-christian. I think that it is coming. I think that we should get ready for that coming persecution now.

Today, we are going to talk about the Church of Smyrna the church that is persecuted, we are going to see three things:

THE IMPRESSIVE SAVIOR AND HIS SAINTS (8)

THE OPPRESSED SERVANTS BY SATAN (9)

THE PRESERVATION OF THE SAINTS THROUGH SUFFERING (10-11)

THE PRESERVATION OF THE SAINTS THROUGH SUFFERING (10-11)

THE IMPRESSIVE SAVIOR AND HIS SAINTS (8)

THE SAINTS (8a)

Verse 8: And to the angel in the church in Smyrna write:

And to the angel in the church in Smyrna write:

BKC says this, “The name of the city, Smyrna, means “myrrh,” an ordinary perfume. It was also used in the anointing oil of the tabernacle, and in embalming dead bodies….Smyrna were experiencing the bitterness of suffering, their faithful testimony was like myrrh or sweet perfume to God (934).”

Expositors says this, “Smyrna was also a center of the emperor worship, having won the privilege from the Roman Senate in A.D. 23…of building the first temple in honor of Tiberius. Under Domitian (A.D. 81-96) emperor worship became compulsory for every Roman citizen on threat of death. Once a year a citizen had to burn incense on the alter to the godhead of Caesar, after which he was issued a certificate (437).” MacArthur goes on to says this, “Though the Christians willingly submitted to the emperor’s civil authority (), they refused to offer sacrifices to him and worship him. For that refusal they were branded rebels and faced the wrath of the Roman government (71).”

MacArthur says this, “Smyrna was said to be the most beautiful city in Asia….In addition to the natural beauty of its surroundings, the city itself was well designed. It stretched from the day up the slopes of the Pagos, a large hill covered with temples and other public buildings. The streets were well laid out, with the outlying ones lined with groves too trees. Smyrna’s most famous street, the “Street of Gold,” curved around the slopes of the Pagos (70).” He goes on to say, “Smyrna was a noted center of science and medicine (70).”

THE IMPRESSIVE SAVIOR (8b)

The first and the last: HE IS DIVINE , , His divinity and eternal perfections.

The first and the last,

The description of Jesus demonstrates his deity. It also demonstrates his timelessness. It speaks of his eternal nature.

It also shows that Jesus is divine. God says this of himself in other passages (, ).

the one who was dead and came to life, says this: HE IS HUMAN: He had to be human to die but it spoke of work.

the one who was dead and came to life, says this:

This speaks of the humanity of Jesus Christ. We realize that Jesus adding on humanity was specifically for his work.

However, there is comfort in these words. The church of Smyrna is about to be persecuted and Jesus was persecuted. He knows first hand what it is like to be slandered by the Jews and killed and crucified.

THE OPPRESSED SERVANTS BY SATAN (9)

THEY ARE AFFLICTED BUT THEY ARE REALLY OVER COMERS: I know your affliction: Word means pressure, they were receiving pressure because of their faithfulness to Jesus Christ

Verse 9:

I know your affliction : Affliction: Word means pressure, they were receiving pressure because of their faithfulness to Jesus Christ (MacArthur 71).

Affliction: Word means pressure, they were receiving pressure because of their faithfulness to Jesus Christ (MacArthur 71).

THEY ARE POOR BUT THEY ARE REALLY RICH: and poverty but are rich

and poverty but are rich,

Poverty: This poverty is a result of a couple factors: 1. not a lot of possessions 2. emperor worship limited believers economic options 3. stolen

Many believers were slaves and therefore did not own a lot of physical possessions.

Since the believers did not worship the emperor meant that they were marginalized in society and in the market place.

Often persecution means that material possessions are stolen by the persecutor.

Rich: Present tense

Rich: Present tense (, ): Every believer is rich through God’s grace and mercy.

The NT teaches that every believer is rich, notice the texts:

(NASB95) — 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

(NASB95) — 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Every believer is rich through God’s grace and mercy.

God not only gave us salvation but then indwells us with himself. He give us every spiritual blessing. All believers the same inheritance. There is no junior varsity for the saints.

We are not defined by earthly perspectives but by heavenly realities.

THEY ARE DEFAMED IN THE WORLD BUT THEY ARE REALLY COMMENDED BY GOD

and the blasphemy

BDAG says, “[S]peech that denigrates or defames, reviling, denigration, disrespect, slander .”

The common accusations of the EC were:

Cannibalism, misunderstanding of the teaching of the Lord’s table.

Immorality, misunderstanding of the holy kiss

Breaking up homes, misunderstanding that sinful man breaks up homes not the christian faith. However, Jesus did say, “ ”

Atheism, misunderstanding of the nature of God. We do not have idols and they assumed that meant we are atheists.

Political disloyalty, by far the greatest charge. Christians are obligated to obey the laws of the land. We are not obligated to follow laws that encourage us to worship other gods or laws that teach us to break clear commands of scripture. In ancient Rome, you had to swear allegiance to the Emperor by saying, “Caesar is my Lord!” Christians felt that they only have one lord, Jesus. Therefore, they did not sacrifice, pray, or swear allegiance to the emperor.

from the one who are calling themselves Jews and are not — but a synagogue of Satan.

are rich: Present tense

The source of these attacks came from false Jews and following Satan.

False Jews? There are two proposals on the identity of this group.

there are

Some argue that this is a group of gentiles calling themselves Jewish. Before we scoff at this interpretation think about our own day. I know plenty of gentiles who claim to be Jewish or act like they are Jewish. Some have even gone so far as to call themselves “Rabbi!” In Idaho, there were a group of people who called themselves Jewish and that they followed the law. They were not and did not follow the law.

Some argue that this is a group of unbeliever Jews. This seems better and can be shown from scripture. First, notice what Paul teaches in Roman 2:28-29. In this text it is clear that just because a person has Jewish heritage does not mean that they are a true Jew. Second, Jesus told the Jewish leaders that they were not from God. When Jesus pointed this fact out to them they started to slander him ().

Following Satan?

Personality of Satan:

We know that Satan is a real person. He is a fallen angel. Satan is not a concept nor is he myth. He is the enemy of our soul. He is tempting the believer to walk away from Christ. He is blinding the world by creating a contrary worldview. The scriptures are very clear that you are either with the Lord Jesus and being lead by the truth or you are in Satan being lead by his lies ( ).

1. Evidence from the Text a) Seven books of the Old Testament teach his reality (Genesis, 1 Chronicles, Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah). b) Christ’s teaching also assumes and affirms Satan’s existence and activity. 2. Evidence of Personality a) Intelligence () b) Emotions (, anger; , desire) c) Will (; ) 3. His Nature a) He is a Creature () b) He is a Spirit Being

Evidence from the Text

Seven books of the Old Testament teach his reality (Genesis, 1 Chronicles, Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah).

Christ’s teaching also assumes and affirms Satan’s existence and activity.

Evidence of Personality

Intelligence ()

Emotions (, anger; , desire)

Will (; )

His Nature

He is a Creature ()

He is a Spirit Being

What does it look like to follow Satan?

(NASB95) — 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”

(NASB95) — 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”

Opposition to God’s plan and will.

Setting one’s mind on man’s interests.

(NASB95) — 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

Moving away from the truth of scripture

(NASB95) — 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

Moving away from the true picture of God

Idolatry leads you astray

You deny the gospel and the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

(NASB95) — 1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

Spiritual deadness

Walking according to the course of this world

Believing the worldview of world

Living in our lusts

Indulging the desires of the flesh

Indulging the desires of the mind

Were under the wrath of God.

Notice that on the one hand the church in Smyrna are physically poor but they are spiritual rich. The Jews of Smyrna were physically Jewish but inwardly they are satanic.

THE PRESERVATION OF THE SAINTS THROUGH SUFFERING (10-11)

FEAR NOT

Verse 10:

Do not fear what you are about to suffer: Jesus does not want the believers to live in fear. He does not want to live with anxiety.

In this text, Jesus is asking the church to trust Him. It would be easy for the Church to worry, build high walls, gathering sword or hiring body guards. He is asking the church to put their confidence in his sovereign plan. He is asking them not to panic. Rather, the believer is to have peace and joy in their hearts. This means that there is a quite confidence upon God.

PROPHECY

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON PERSECUTION

Jesus does not want the believers to live in fear. He does not want to live with anxiety. In this text, Jesus is asking the church to trust Him.

Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you in prison;

What is wrong with fear:

It breeds worry: Anxiety and worry is really inconsistent with loving God and it is inconsistent with trusting God. We often entertain this type of attitude ( (NASB95) — 25 The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted. ).

Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you in prison;

Understanding persecution:

Here we see that Jesus not only tells them the future. That they will suffer in the future. They will be thrown in to prison. We see that persecution is a type of suffering.

In some senses it is easy to understand persecution, rationally. The world hates Christ and the believer represents Christ. Therefore, we are persecuted because we represent Christ. We can rationalize that truth.

However, persecution has always been tricky to navigate. The church’s history with persecution has been checkered to say the least.

In fact, RCC system was enabled because of persecution. There were people who denied Christ to escape persecution, who later came back and repented. The church wondered, what do we do with these people who denied Christ and now want to fellowship with us? Cyprian and other Bishops decided that a system of penance was the answer. Thus, giving the power to the bishops.

During this time, there were people who ran away from persecution and they were seen as lesser believers. The idea was that you must run to your death. If you run away you had a lack of faith.

The people who maybe sometimes foolishly ran towards their death thought of themselves and other around them saw them as, “Super Christians.”

The EC, had a different view. The EC, considered it a joy () and the ultimate form () of Christlikeness to suffer for Jesus. In many ways, they were very thoughtful about their response to threats. In fact, the Apostle himself, ran from persecution, protected himself from persecution and did not run away from persecution. Each response different since each circumstance was different.

When it comes to persecution there is not a single answer to the proper response. The only thing that we can pull away is the principles. When we think through the principles and the circumstances, we can prove the will of God.

Yet, in this persecution Jesus told them what he wanted. He wanted them to endure the persecution and remain faithful and true.

NATURE OF SMYRNA’S PERSECUTION: in order you may be tested and you will experience suffering for ten days.

in order you may be tested and you will experience suffering for ten days.

We must remember a couple things about this persecution:

First it is instigated by Satan.

He is the real enemy. Humans are doing his bidding. They are being lead by him. Therefore, all persecution is inspired by satan through his instruments. Remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood.

Second it is only some of the church.

The entire church should not fear and only some of the people are going to jail. They needed to understand that the work in Smyrna will not be wiped out and it will only be a select few in prison. The rest of the church needs to respond correctly, during this time.

Third it is will happen through the courts and penal system.

in order you may be tested and you will experience suffering for ten days.

The people will be through into a Roman jail. They will be like Jesus. Incarcerated by Jews and delivered over to the Romans who will execute the judgment. This is implied in the text. Notice that Jesus’ response is not legal action but trust in the King of kings.

Fourth it is goal is testing.

The reason for their imprisonment is that they will be tested. All the believers will be tested during this period. The people in jail and the people outside of the jail cell. the testing is similar to Satan’s testing of Jesus Christ. The goal is distract and make the believers walk off course. It is clear that the test will be an attempt to get the believers to recant their faith and most likely start worshiping the emperor.

Fifth it is for a short while ()

Of course persecution is not meant to be fun, nor does God expect us to have an immature or irrational giddiness. However, a believer can find joy in the sense that this affliction is momentary. Especially, when we think about the glory to come ( (NASB95) — 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison). Here is a promise from Jesus Christ that the affliction will happen for 10 days.

PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY

Be faithful until death,

Here we see that the believers are not to recant their faith.

They were to remain faithful to Jesus Christ. They are not to switch allegiances.

Notice that they are to be willing to give their life. They are being asked to give their life for their king Jesus. This is a very intense but brief persecution.

I like what Walvoord says, ”They were exhorted to be faithful to the Lord when the test came even if it resulted in their death. Though their own lives might be sacrificed, their real riches were as far removed from this world as the heavens are above the earth (63).”

and I will give you the crown of life.

Perseverance

Faithfulness does not secure eternal life but it is proof of a person’s salvation. This is known as the perseverance of the saints. the scriptures teach this truth later on in the book of (NASB95) — 12 Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

Notice how this doctrine is defined by John, that a believer who is kept by the power of God. This believer is also empowered by the Spirit which will demonstrate itself in the keeping fo the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. Notice that this is a product of salvation but is also commanded of the believer. This means that on the one hand God does much of the work. However, the believers are commanded and expected to obey and hold on to their faith.

Crown of life

The believer will be rewarded. The Bible has a lot of things to say:

Paul speaks of our standing before the Bema seat of Christ:

Cultural considerations (Taken from Hoyt): The bema in the Grecian world was not know primarily as the seat from which a huge passed sentence in a legal case as it was in Roman usage.

Grecian Games:

An examination of the Grecian games, form which Paul gathered numerous illustrations of the Christian life, will be made (Hoyt 36.). Hoyt goes on to say, “The bema was the seat upon which the appointed judges sat as they observed the athletic contests and warded prizes to the wining contestants (37).

In order to participate in the these events certain conditions were required. The applicant was required to be a citizen. He had to demonstrate that he was of pure Greek parentage, for no foreigners were allowed to enter the contests. Neither were slaves allowed to participate; instead only free men became constants. no immoral men nor criminals could enter the games, but only those who were above reproach. Thus citizenship, freedom, and purity of life were requirements, and bodily strength and expertise were essential….[T]hey were required to make a vow before the image of their god that they had complied with all the rules in their preliminary training (Hoyt 40-41).

The judges of the athletic events were men of unquestionable integrity….They observed the contestants as they competed to guard against any transgression of the rules. Any breakage of the rules mean automatic disqualification of the athlete for the prize (42).

The victors of the various contests were each awarded a prize….At the Isthmian games a spray was cut from a fir tree in the sacred grove which was in the vicinity of the contests. The wreath which was made for the victor had no intrinsic worth….The spectators saw not the worth of the wreath, but rather the worth of the men who were found worthy to wear these wreaths….Euring the victory celebration…the contestant returned to his home town in a triumphal procession. There in his home town he would place his wreath upon the alter of his deity. Any honor which was bestowed upon the victor was subsequently conveyed to the god he represented in the contest (42-43).

Roman Court:

[I]n the Roman law court the term bema was applied to the official seat or tribunal of a Roman magistrate. This tribunal of the Roman magistrate was the most august representation of justice which was in existence at that time (Hoyt 44).

The word bema, as mentioned earlier, comes from bail and basically means a step or a raised place or platform. It refers to the physical character of a place and conveys the concepts of prominences, dignity, and authority (45).

Timing of the bema judgment:

Hoyt gives us a some very important scriptures factors to help us understand the timing of the bema judgment.

First consideration: (NASB95) — 14 and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Here it is important to see that we will be repaid for our time and resources at the resurrection of the righteous. As we have already seen that at the time of the rapture there will be a resurrection ().

Thus, we see that bema will happen sometime after the rapture.

Second consideration:

(NASB95) — 13 each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. Notice that the believer will receive his reward on “the day.” This is not after he dies since Jesus himself says, “ (NASB95) — 12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.” Here we see that Jesus suggests that we will be getting our reward not when we die but rather after he comes again. The Apostle Paul says this, “ (NASB95) — 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” Once again we see that Paul is waiting for the crown of righteousness which the Lord will give on “that day.”

Third consideration: (NASB95) — 7 “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” 8 It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

Hoyt says this, “This examination must e terminated prior to the marriage supper of the Lamb for when Christ returns to the earth for the marriage supper of the Church, His bride is already arrayed in “the righteousness of the saints (Hoyt 50).’”

The timing of the bema is very clear it seems to be only for the church. It seems to happen immediately after the rapture and be finished by . If , is speaking of the church throwing her crowns before the Lord, then we could suggest that bema would be finished between the period of the rapture and the beginning of the tribulation. How long this will take, it is difficult to say! I suppose that we could argue that God could do this rather quickly or it could be that there will be a period between the rapture and the tribulation where the believers are judged.

The place of the Bema:

The scripture seems to suggest that our judgment will not take place int he air, but in the throne room of God. We see this suggested in , that we must meet before the Lord.

In we see the 24 elders casting their crowns before the throne of God. This seems to imply that the judgment will take place their.

The Participants in Bema:

The Judge: Jesus

(NASB95) — 31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

(NASB95) — 1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:

(NASB95) — 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

The church:

There is good reason to assume that all of the members of the church will in fact be before the Bema. I think that it is important to define the church here, the church are those individuals regenerated in-between the period of and the Rapture.

Paul says that we all must appear before the Bema, this means that no believer will be exempt from this judgment.

The purpose:

It is important for us to see that the Bema is for dispensing rewards whereas, the Great White Throne is to execute judgment.

There are three major passages that speak of the Bema judgment:

When putting this passages together we see that the Bema is:

Individual:

In a sense I do not stand on your behalf, we each stand on our own behalf.

Giving an account ():

The sense of the phrase in , is the idea that will be asked to give a narrative describing past events, especially for determination of accountability.

Quality of the works: Value and use

Paul speaks of our works in two senses, valuable and useless.

These works will be tested by fire and if anything remains he will receive a reward.

If nothing remains he will suffer loss. The idea of suffering loss is forfeiting the fullness of the reward. This is not a loss of salvation or even a punishment per se, but is the full knowledge that we could have had a fuller and more meaningful life. You still go to heaven but with nothing to show for your life.

We will see how much of our life was a waste. We will see what could have been and how we have lost. The sense is that we will lose reward.

, speaks of our shrinking back in shame. The idea is that we will be conscience of our own unfaithfulness during our time on the earth. Some have suggested that Christ will turn from us in shame, however, I think that it is better to think that we will shrink from him in shame.

It is a recompense: Louw Nida says this about recompense “to cause someone to experience something on the basis of what that person has already done (Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains 1996 : 809. Print.)”

General Rewards given to the believer:

Inheritance: (NASB95) — 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Overcomer

All believers are Over comers: (NASB95) — 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Eat from the tree of life: (NASB95) — 7 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’

Survive the second death: (NASB95) — 11 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’

New name: (NASB95) — 17 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’

White garments and eternal security: (NASB95) — 5 ‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

A pillar of God’s temple: (NASB95) — 12 ‘He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.

Sit on Christ’s throne: (NASB95) — 21 ‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Special Rewards given to faithful service

Praise: (NASB95) — 21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

Honor: (NASB95) — 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Treasure: (NASB95) — 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Right to Reign: (NASB95) — 12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;

Special Service: (NASB95) — 3 There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him;

Crowns:

Meaning of the word: The greek word “stephanos” is the crown that is given to a victor.

Extent of the crowns given out:

Not every believer will receive a crown and these crowns are given out to those who earn them.

The different crowns:

Incorruptible Crown:

Passage: (NASB95) — 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

Gromacki says this, “This is given to the Christian who practices self control or discipline in his spieriuatl life and service. It is given to the believer who excels in spiritual dedication. it is given to the triumphant one, not to the also-ran or mediocre believer.

Rejoicing Crown:

Passage: (NASB95) — 19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?

This crown is often referred to as the “soul-winning crown.” The idea is that these individuals will be known for their faithful praying and witnessing to those who need the savior.

Righteousness Crown:

Passage: (NASB95) — 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

The believer that receives this crown is the person who eagerly awaits Jesus Christ and lives a faithful life. The idea is that we are eagerly awaiting his coming for us.

Glory Crown:

Passage: (NASB95) — 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

This crown is only for under shepherds or leaders in the church. It is clear that, a under shepherd that feed the flock, have godly oversight over the flock, example of the flock and does not fleece the flock will receive this crown.

Life Crown:

Passage:

(NASB95) — 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

(NASB95) — 10 ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

It is clear that people who go through tribulation and suffering with a consistent testimony will in fact receive this crown.

Nature of the crowns: There is some debate to whether these are real crowns or figurative crowns. For example, in , the people are the crowns and should not be seen as a literal crown. However, it appears that in Revelation the church is throwing their crowns before the Lord. I could go either way, however, I do believe that the 24 elders represent church and speaks of the people as being the crown it is most likely that these are symbolic.

DIVINE PROMISE

Verse 11:

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

The overcomers will absolutely not be hurt by the second death.

Here we see that the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, though they will stand before the Bema seat of Christ they will not stand before the white throne judgment. They will not be hurt by the second death.

It is very clear that the second death is going to the lake of fire what we call hell. hell is the place of eternal conscious punishment.

This construction is the strongest way of saying a negative int he Greek language.

CONCLUSION: Must have faithful resolve

One of the repeated commands throughout scripture is that God’s people has courage. Namely, that the people have a firm resolve to follow the Lord regardless of people surrounding them.

One of the repeated commands throughout scripture is that God’s people has courage. Namely, that the people have a firm resolve to follow the Lord regardless of people surrounding them. God has always asked his people not to cave to the pressures of the culture. We think that our day is so different and this shows our ignorance. Do we think that our culture is so different than the ancient worlds. Have we invented sin and only now is there a call to bravery. No! This is God’s command to his people.

God has always asked his people not to cave to the pressures of the culture. We think that our day is so different and this shows our ignorance. Do we think that our culture is so different than the ancient worlds. Have we invented sin and only now is there a call to bravery. No! This is God’s command to his people.

Biblical examples:

(NASB95) — 6 “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” 7 Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. 8 “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

(NASB95) — 14 Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.

(NASB95) — 24 Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord.

(NASB95) — 19 He said, “O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!” Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, “May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

(NASB95) — 4 ‘But now take courage, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord, ‘take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ declares the Lord of hosts.

(NASB95) — 2 And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.”

(NASB95) — 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

As we see these examples, we know that God calls his people to courage. He calls us to be brave and not faint of heart. This command shows us that it is possible for fear to grip us and we can follow the will of man. However, God is demanding of us to do the opposite! He is calling us to fear him more than we fear man. He calls us to have resolve in the face of man. He is calling us to live and promote His cause while forsaking our own selfish causes.

Expositors says this, “Polycarp was burned alive at the age of eighty-six as the “twelfth martyr in Smyrna. His words have echoed through the ages: “Eighty-six years have I served Christ, and he has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my king who saved me (437)?”

Expositors says this, “Polycarp was burned alive at the age of eighty-six as the “twelfth martyr in Smyrna. His words have echoed through the ages: “Eighty-six years have I served Christ, and he has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my king who saved me (437)?”