THE RICH - POOR CHURCH

INTRODUCTION

Revelation 2:8-11

This is the second letter written to the congregations in Asia, a letter addressed to Smyrna

1. Smyrna was located about 35 miles north of Ephesus

2. It was a city noted for its beauty

3. Smyrna claimed to be the first city in Asia: first in beauty, first in literature, and first in loyalty to Rome

4. Smyrna was also the center for the worship of Dionysus

a. Dionysus was the Greek god of fruitfulness and vegetation

b. There was even an annual celebration of the MOCK death, burial, and resurrection of Dionysus

C. Our Lord’s in address to Smyrna is significant … v. 8b

1. The significance of this title in this particular setting is seen when we recall the religious facts concerning Dionysus

2. This title which Jesus gives Himself is especially fitting when we realize that it describes the One who ACTUALLY “became dead” and ACTUALLY “lived again”

a. This was no pretended death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, as in the case with Dionysus

b. Jesus is no mock deity!

3. The city of Smyrna, who claimed to be first, would tolerate no rival

a. Thus, again, we see why Jesus introduces Himself as the “first and the last”

b. By this Jesus declares that His primacy must be universally recognized – the city of Smyrna would have to change her ambitious claims

4. The statement of Jesus that He was “the first and the last” also declares the fact of His Deity.

a. He always existed and will always exist

b. This is affirmed throughout the Bible, e.g. John 1:1-3

c. The eternity of Jesus would have been of great significance to the Christians in Smyrna because of the horrible difficulty they were encountering

1) Romans 8:35-39 … Jesus would never leave them nor forsake them

2) Matthew 28:20

3) Hebrews 13:5-6

5. It is noteworthy that only two of the seven churches of Asia received praise unmixed with condemnation from the Lord: Smyrna and Philadelphia

a. This, however, does not mean that they were perfect, entirely void of sin … 1 John 1:8

b. There has never been a perfect Christian, and neither will there be a perfect church on earth

1) This doesn’t mean that the true church doesn’t exist

2) Neither does it mean that a church can never be scriptural

c. Though one can never be without sin, God will hold us blameless if we are growing in love and devotion toward Him

d. 1 John 1:5-10 … Smyrna was doing just that

6. Thus, in this letter to the church in Smyrna we find a commendation, counsel, and a promise.

DISCUSSION

A. COMMENDATION

1. Revelation 2:9

2. “I know thy works and tribulation”

a. The Lord was very aware of their “tribulation” which comes from qluyis meaning a pressing together – carrying the idea of a wine press.

b. Because of Smyrna’s loyalty to Christ in courageously standing up for Him, they subjected themselves to many trials ©

3. One of these trials they faced was “poverty”

a. Much of Smyrna’s financial security would depend on whether or not they would pay allegiance to the emperor or not

b. To refuse to worship the emperor would nearly guarantee financial troubles

c. Hebrews 10:32-34 … How would you react if Christianity starting getting to your pocketbook?

1) Matthew 16:24

2) Luke 14:33

3) What would we be willing to denounce in our lives in order to follow Jesus? ©

4. Jesus said I “know” their poverty

a. Jesus did not know by mere watching, but experienced poverty Himself … Matthew 8:20

b. “Christ suffered in the flesh” (1 Pt. 4:1), and was “beset with infirmities” (Heb. 5:2).

c. John 15:18-20

d. 2 Corinthians 8:9

e. Jesus was born in a stable and buried in a borrowed tomb ©

5. Not only were these Christians tried by tribulation and poverty; but, they were also tried by “the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they art not, but are a synagogue of Satan”

a. Here the Lord sums up the spiritual condition of the Jews in Smyrna.

b. They were Jewish by decent, but they were not spiritually of the “true circumcision”

c. Romans 2:28-29

d. These Jews caused the Christians in Smyrna much difficulty

1) The Jews caused Jesus much trouble

2) So wicked were these that they were called “the synagogue of Satan” ©

6. Jesus points out to these poverty stricken saints that they were “rich”

a. They were rich in the sight of God

b. Real wealth is not found in earthly possessions

c. 2 Corinthians 6:10 ©

B. COUNSEL

1. Revelation 2:10

2. The Lord encourages them to “not fear,” as He tells them still heavier trials are soon to come upon them

3. Jesus affirms that they will be tried by this persecution

4. The duration of this persecution was to be “ten days,” figurative for a period of time with an ending

5. Their persecution would be short compared to eternity

a. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

b. This though would help the Christian in Smyrna to endure the persecutions and trials ©

6. With even the danger of death confronting them, the Lord exhorts them to “be faithful unto to death”

7. These were willing to suffer death for Jesus!!! What are we willing to suffer for the Lord? ©

C. PROMISE

1. “The crown of life” (v. 10d)

a. “Crown” comes stefanos meaning a victory crown

b. There is victory in Jesus

2. “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death” (2:11)

a. The “second death” is eternal separation from God in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone

b. We can count on the promises of God ©

CONCLUSION

A. From the letter written to the church in Smyrna, we learn:

1. Jesus is aware of your tribulations – He knows…

2. Though poor physically – we can be rich spiritually

3. Some who "claim" to be religious cause the church great difficulty

4. Be faithful above all else

5. God has great promises for the victorious