Hardship for the Win
What's not to love about the church? • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Introduction
Wouldn’t we life be wonderful without suffering?
The church in Smyrna is a difficult one to preach on because we have no idea what persecution is really like.
It is a poor comparison, but, right now we are looking forward to Summer in a way that the rest of the world cannot understand. The hardship of Winter bring about a greater appreciation of Summer and warmth, sunshine…etc.
Background
Background
Smyrna was superior to Ephesus, It had a better sea port with better access to the interior. Smyrna went out of its way to appease and endear themselves to Rome. They were the first to establish a temple to worship the Emperor Tiberius.
It was destroyed in 580 BC but rebuilt in 290 to a comprehensive plan, and was known for its beauty.
Jesus introduced himself as the one who died and came to life(past tense), demonstrating his greatness compared to that of their city. (he stated it completely different than in 1:18 “I died, and behold I am alive forevermore”.
The Threat of Our Enemies
The Threat of Our Enemies
18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
Their tribulation or troubles were brought about by the slander(lies of the Jews)
Most likely their poverty was a result of being in trouble with the officials of the city due to slander by the Jews.
Being labeled a synagogue of Satan, not politically correct.
It seems like we are soft on wrong theology and churches that are failing the cause of the Gospel.
And harsh toward individual Christians when they fail.
Ultimately it is the Devil who is our enemy.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
He will throw some of you into prison, not people but the Devil.
The Comfort of a Savior
The Comfort of a Savior
“I Know” whatever trouble we face the Lord knows and understands. It is not just lip service.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
“I will give you...”
And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.
And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”
And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”
The Objective of the Persecuted
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
The Objective of the Persecuted
The Objective of the Persecuted
“Do not fear”
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
eph 6”
“that you may be tested”
For 10 days - reference to Daniel and his friends eating vegetables.
Means for a short time
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
“Be faithful unto death”
The Spoils of the Victorious
The Spoils of the Victorious
Our Suffering leads to His Glory!
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
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The Crown of Victory!
A wreath for the head, not a crown like a king
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
“will not be harmed, by the second death”
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
rev
“...their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”