The Book of Revelation-Sermon 5 Smyrna The Crowned Church

The Book of Revelation- Sermon 5 Jesus Christ & The Churches- Smyrna, The Crowned Church Revelation 2:8-11 Introduction- Smyrna means "bitter"- related to myrrh The city remains a functioning community in Izmir, Turkey today. The Church at Smyrna was persecuted for the faith which is why we see the Lord emphasize His death & resurrection as He opened his message to them. No matter what experiences God's people may have our Lord can identify with us. With Ephesus we noticed 3 areas Jesus addressed but only 2 with Smyrna. First, we will notice the Lord's... A. Approval- The church at Smyrna had it rough! They were persecuted most likely because they refused to compromise and say "Caesar is Lord." * For the early Christians this would mean unemployment and poverty as they would be excluded from the guilds. * Poverty here means abject poverty; absolutely nothing. * The Jews were accepted by Rome but would not cooperate with Christians. So, from Jews and Gentiles the Christians in Smyrna were slandered & made to suffer. * But they were rich! They lived for eternal values that would never change, riches that could never be taken. * Their suffering for Christ only increased their riches. * Our struggles are not with flesh & blood, but with Satan who uses people to accomplish his purposes. * The Jewish synagogue had become a synagogue of Satan! * Jew or Gentile that doesn't acknowledge Jesus Christ as God's Son is certainly contrary to God's will. Next we will see the Lord's: B. Admonition- We don't find any words of accusation to Smyrna. They didn't have the praise of men but certainly were praised by God. The Lord simply told them, "Don't be afraid!" * The Lord assured them He knew Satan's plan and was in complete control. * Some of those believers would be imprisoned and tried as traitors in Rome. * What was important was faithfulness, standing true to Christ no matter what the government threatens to do. * The "crown of life" is the winner's crown awarded to those who remain faithful. * The Lord wanted to reassure His people there was nothing to fear. * Because they had trusted Him, they were overcomers, victors in the race (Hebrews 12:1-3). * Even if they were martyred, they would be ushered into glory, wearing crowns! * They would never face the awful judgement of the second death, the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14; 21:8) * It cost to be a dedicated Christian, in some places more than others. * As we see end-time pressures increase, persecution will also increase, and God's people need to be ready! * (1 Peter 4:12) * The world may call us poor Christians, but God says we are rich! * Church it's getting late! Keep looking up! Our Redemption draweth nigh!