Smyrna- Hold On!
Notes
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Intro:
Intro:
AG:
TS: Jesus next addressed the church at Smyrna. Smyrna is unique among the churches to whom Jesus sent letters. His pattern is different because He didn’t have any words of criticism for the church at Smyrna.
Smyrna means bitter and is related to the word for “myrrh” the substance used for perfume and often to anoint a dead body.
The ancient city was known as the crown of Asia and was the most beautiful is Asian Minor. It was a center of science and medicine. There as a strong cult of Emperor worship.
Polycarp was the pastor of the church in Smyrna when he was burned alive at the age of 86 for refusing to worship Caesar.
RS:
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’
Christ Revealed
Christ Revealed
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:
Jesus refers to Himself as “the First and the Last”
This phrase is Jesus clearly declaring Himself as eternally God.
Who has performed and done it,
Calling the generations from the beginning?
‘I, the Lord, am the first;
And with the last I am He.’ ”
“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel,
And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
‘I am the First and I am the Last;
Besides Me there is no God.
“Listen to Me, O Jacob,
And Israel, My called:
I am He, I am the First,
I am also the Last.
“Who was dead and came back to life”
Here Jesus declares Himself as the Risen Lord
Words of Praise
Words of Praise
“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Jesus had only words of praise and words of advice for Smyrna.
They were being persecuted. Jesus knew their works, tribulation, and poverty
Though they had been
They refused to say “Caesar is Lord” and burn incense
This led to the Caesar cult opposing them at all turns
They would have been excluded from the guilds
They would thus be unemployed and in poverty
lit. abject poverty, possessing absolutely nothing.
They also drew the ire of the nonbelieving Jews.
Jesus clearly says they weren’t true Jews, since they had refused their Messiah.
Though in hard times on earth, they were rich!
They were children of the King
They were join heirs with Jesus
Words of Advice
Words of Advice
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Jesus prepped them for more troubles to come.
Do not fear what you are about to suffer.
Devil would throw some in prison
Trials for a limited time.
Be faithful to the death
where do you draw the line?
DEATH
Jesus doesn’t let us off the hook!
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Jesus directs us to fear only Him!
receive the crown of life.
a winners crown awarded at annual athletic games.
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
They had nothing to fear.
Even if they died, they gained heaven!
Final Words
Final Words
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’
Jesus offers this reassuring promise: he ho overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
While the first death is physical, the second is spiritual and eternal.
It is eternity in hell.
Conclusion:
Conclusion: