Revelation 2, Smyrna

Revelation 2:8-11

Enduring Persecution for Jesus

The Church at Smyrna

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1. The parties  Revelation 2:8
1. The Smyrnan church

1.      40 miles north of Ephesus

2.      Polycarp, martyred 155 AD

3.      Myrrh

4.      Modern Turkey

5.      Founded by Alexander the Great

6.      Almost 20 years before Christ they had built a temple for Roman Caesar Worship

1. The Lord Jesus Christ- What a comfort it is to know that when you are given and ultimatum about worship, Jesus is the beginning and end the one who was dead and is forever alive.

1. The praises  Revelation 2:9
1. Tribulation Christians are not immuned to  tribulations in this life, as a matter of fact living faithfully for Jesus turns up the heat from the world (ruled by Satan), the flesh (when you got saved, your struglles to live holy were just beginning), or the devil who wants to trip you up
2. Poverty (but rich)- Outward appearances were that of hopelessness, but John reminded them that in Jesus they had all they needed.
3. Harassment from pseudo-jews
2. The problem Revelation 2:10 Fear (Domitian had really turned up the heat.  You had two options proclaim that Caesar is Lord, or that Jesus is Lord)
3. The prescription Revelation 2:10
1. Do not fear (note that the comfort was not all will be well, but STAY FAITHFUL AND WIN A CROWN)
2. Testing will be short compared to the glory that awaits
3. Be faithful
4. The peril  (NONE)
5. The promise Revelation 2:7

No hurt from second death (revelation 20:14; 21:8)