What Have We Become? 4
What Have We Become • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 1 viewNotes
Transcript
Don’t Be Quick To Judge
Don’t Be Quick To Judge
Text: Revelation 2:8-11
Text: Revelation 2:8-11
Introduction
Introduction
John follows this outline for every church he is writing too:
Statement about Jesus Christ.
Statement of Commendation.
Statement of Concern.
Statement of Council.
Statement of Commitment.
Historical Facts
Historical Facts
Ancient city on the west coast of Asia Minor, situated at the head of the gulf into which the Hermus River flows. Smyrna was located 40 miles north of Ephesus on the border between Aeolis to the north and Ionia to the south (Yamauchi, New Testament, 55). The site of ancient Smyrna is the present-day Turkish city of Izmir.
Smyrna was known for its wealth and beauty.
Was called the “city of crowns” or “City of flowers” of Asia Minor.
Not much left.
Polycarp — a disciple of John the Apostle lived in Smyrna
Jesus’ Identity
Jesus’ Identity
“First and the Last” — eternal and preeminent
“was dead, and came to life” — emphasizing His resurrection
This would come to comfort them greatly due to what he reveals to them in verses 9-10.
1) Rest In God’s Judgement Of Success
1) Rest In God’s Judgement Of Success
Commendation
Commendation
“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty…”
Jesus’ knowledge is absolute of everyone and all His churches.
Illustration: Have you every said, “I wish they saw me for who I really am?” JESUS DOES!
When those around you seem to be thriving, you quickly plummet into this self judgement based on “surface” success.
It is easy to have a mindset of success when you are displaying something that is measured by human standards.
“I know your works”
This could be related to the whole spectrum of their work.
It could be speaking specifically of their work associated with tribulation and poverty.
“I know your…tribulation”
Jesus understands the “outside pressures” in an experientially way.
(v10)“Fear” was an enemy which was trying to creep into their hearts.
(v11) Jesus is very clear of what was in store for them!
The Devil had plans to discourage them and crush them.
“shall cast some of you into prison”
Jesus just said this to a church who was suffering.
LISTEN…this Jesus stand in the MIDDLE of our suffering!!!
Quote: “Eighty and six years I have served Jesus, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blasphemy my king who saved me?” (Polycarp)
Quote: “
(v10) Jesus said, “Don’t worry, I’ll use his plans for you for a much higher purpose for my glory and your growth.
(v10) Jesus said, “I have put a limit on how long the Devil will afflict you!
Example: Daniel said, “test us for ten days with our choosing of God’s diet.”
The Devil will one day ultimately run out of time. God will soon end his reign!
2) Rest In God’s Judgement Of Wealth
2) Rest In God’s Judgement Of Wealth
Commendation continued…
Commendation continued…
Smyrna was very loyal to Rome.
These believers faced severe Jewish antagonism.
At that time, Rome had offered all the Jews protection from being forced to take up incense unto Caesar.
Jews were afraid these Jewish Christians would cause this protection to be taken away.
Jews would report any Christian Jews who would not regard Ceasar as God and worship him.
The Romans would then force uncompromising believers into poverty.
“synagogue of Satan” (Jews as a whole are not Satan)
(Concern) They would be expelled from the synagogue because of their faith.
The synagogue was much more the a place of worship.
worship, culture, government, education, other daily activities.
An integral aspect of Jewish life.
Serious blow for any Jew.
“…and poverty (but thou art rich)”
Only Jesus can insert this extreme contrast!!!
They were rich in Christ in two senses:
First — they possessed present spiritual riches in Christ.
Second — there are future rewards. (Matthew 5:1-12)
Proverbs 8:18 “18 Riches and honour are with me; Yea, durable riches and righteousness.”
Ephesians 1:18 “18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”
Ephesians 3:8 “8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;”
1 Corinthians 1:5 “5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;”
2 Corinthians 6:10 “10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”
3) Rest In God’s Judgement Over Death
3) Rest In God’s Judgement Over Death
Commitment / Compensation
Commitment / Compensation
Jesus’ expectation of them did not waver even during severe temptation to participate in pagan activities or burning incense to Caesar.
Jesus promised them a “crown of life”
Culture — typically rewarded for victorious athletes.
1 Corinthians 9:25 “25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”
If martyrdom approached them, Jesus would crown them!
Jesus give out the final rewards.
Eternal rewards are “conditional”
Based on faithfulness; “overcoming” (v11)
“He that overcometh” = overcoming every obstacle as you live out your faith.
Notice this promise (v11)
“He that overcometh” = the conqueror
Hebrews 9:27 “27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
We are all appointed to a “Physical” death.
The spiritual death is a irrevocable state of wholistic torment in a literal place called Hell.
New birth in Christ CANCELS the second death!
Conclusion
Conclusion
To the Christian, don’t allow your mind to walk in the paradigm of your flesh or the world.
To the unbeliever, the only way you will defeat the “second death” is to “die with Christ” (REPENT AND BELIEVE).