By thomasrcoffeePosted on Posted in UncategorizedNo Comments on THE HOPE OF JESUS SMYRNA: Be Faithful Read Revelation 2:8-11
THE HOPE OF JESUS SMYRNA: Be Faithful Read Revelation 2:8-11
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last,
which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy
of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you
into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto
death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh
shall not be hurt of the second death.
ARE YOU LISTENING TO THE
MESSAGE OF JESUS?
Seeing Jesus and Discovering the MESSAGE OF JESUS challenging me to
have Him as all I POSSESS (Smyrna).
If you will listen carefully , you can hear the voice of Jesus. He is speaking to all of
us who have ears, spiritual ears, to receive His still small voice. He speaks
through His Word, He speaks to us. Will you listen?
In our journey through this Book of Books we have seen Jesus in so many
wondrous ways. Have you heard Him as He has spoken from the pages of His
Book to you and to me? Let me repeat what He has said.
Come and:
Discover My GLORIOUS MAJESTY.
Discover My INEXHAUSTIBLE PEACE .
Discover My INFINITE GLORY .
Discover My PERFECT MINISTRY .
Discover My PRECIOUS BLOOD .
The Unveiled Christ: Revelation 2 “The Message of Jesus”
Discover My SPECIAL PLAN .
Discover My ALL-SEEING EYES .
Discover My COMFORTING VOICE .
Discover My RESTORING TOUCH .
Discover My PERSONAL MESSAGE .
Discover My ABSOLUTE JEALOUSY.
Discover My WONDERFUL HOPE.
SMYRNA WAS UNDER
A WAVE OF PERSECUTION
Let’s set the stage to see what is going on…what is the wave they must duck or get
crushed by? Emperor Worship.
ACT 1
In 26 AD (During the Life of Christ) an altar to Tiberius (who was on the throne as
Emperor) was built there in Smyrna (just 40 miles north of Ephesus)
ACT 2
To stay a happy part of the Empire one had only to stop by the Temple and scoop
a pinch of incense and put it on the fire–a certificate was given—like our auto
inspection stickers, that certified you passed. That was the one act that unified the
masses of people in the Roman Empire.
ACT 3
Meet the villain. He was just three years old when his father died. It was little loss
to the boy, for his father had been a killer, a bully and a cheat. His mother took
over the family trade and continued the boy’’s education. She murdered his
stepfather with a dish of poisoned mushrooms. He was reared in squalor and
proved a notable son to his parents. While still young, he committed his first
murder, killing a teenage boy who stood in his way, and watching him die with
callous indifference. He married at fifteen but soon had his wife killed. He married
again, and slew his second wife, too. In order to marry a third time, he murdered
the husband of the woman he wanted. His mother annoyed him; so he arranged
her murder, first by guile, but when that was unsuccessful, without pretense. He
was an ugly man with a bull neck, beetle brows, a flat nose, and a tough mouth.
He had a potbelly, spindly legs, bad skin and offensive odor. At the age of thirtyone,
he was sentenced to death by flogging. He fled to a dingy basement and, in
the house of a slave, cut his own throat. He gave the infant church it’s first taste of
things to come. His name was Nero. He was the first of the persecuting Caesars
of Rome. His successor 30 years later is on the throne – it’s 94 AD and Domitian
says, get the Christians to go with the flow or pay the price.
MEET THE ASSEMBLY
V. 8
In the first place, the seven Churches represent seven phases or periods in the
Church’s history, stretching from the time of the apostles to the coming again of
Christ, the characteristics of which are set forth partly in the names of these
churches, but more fully in the epistles addressed to them.
There was the Ephesian period–30-60 AD, a period of warmth and love and
labor for Christ, dating directly from the apostles, in which defection began by
the gradual cooling of the love of some, the false professions of others, and
the incoming of undue exaltations of the clergy and church offices.
Then came the Smyrna period–60 -300 AD, the era of martyrdom, and of the
sweet savor unto God of faithfulness unto death, but marked with further
developments of defection in the establishment of castes and orders, the
license of Judaizing propensities, and consequent departures from the true
simplicities of the Gospel.
Start with verse 8. “Smyrna” (stop) This is a word. You all know
it’s the name of this assembly.
JESUS WAS CRUSHED FOR OUR SINS
Smyrna is a very interesting word because the Greek word smuma is translated
“myrrh”. It is a substance taken from a thorny tree and was the chief product of
this city, the seaport of Myrrh.
At Christ’s Birth HE SUFFERED POVERTY FOR US = HIS SERVANTHOOD.
In Matt. 2:11, wise men came from the East and brought Christ gold,
frankincense and myrrh.
At Christ’s Crucifixion HE SUFFERED PAIN FOR US = HIS SUFFERING.
According to Mark 15:23, while Christ hung on the cross, He was offered wine
mixed with myrrh. It served as an anesthetic. His crucifiers were trying to dull
His senses so the pain wouldn’t be so bad.
At Christ’s Burial HE SUFFERED PAIN FOR US = SALVATION. According
to John 19:39…a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight,
was used to prepare the body of Jesus Christ for burial after He had died.
At Christ’s Return in Glory. Myrrh is associated with the suffering present at
Christ’s birth, death and burial. But, when Christ comes again, He shall be
presented with gold, frankincense but, not myrrh (Isaiah 60:6). Then He will
appear as the mighty Sovereign Lord, not the Suffer.
Isaiah 60:6 The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian
and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense;
and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.
SMYRNA: LEARNING HOW TO DIE
The most important decision you will ever make in life is how you want to die!
The saints at Smyrna wanted to die in Jesus.
Let me give the last moments of one of the pastors as Smyrna – the last one
living that knew the apostle John. Death of Polycarp-The Jews in Smyrna were
blaspheming and persecuting the Christians. That is not mere speculation
because history has left us with an account of the death of one of the Smyrnaean
Christians: Polycarp, the pastor of the church in Smyrna.
4
The account follows: “It was the time of the public games; the city was crowded;
and the crowds were excited. Suddenly the shout went up: Away with the
atheist; let Polycarp be searched for. They came to arrest him…not even the
police captain wished to see Polycarp die. On the brief journey to the city he
pled with the old man: What harm is it to say, “Caesar is Lord” and to offer
sacrifice to be saved? But Polycarp was adamant that for him only Jesus Christ
was Lord. When he entered the arena…[the] proconsul gave him the choice of
cursing the name of Christ and making sacrifice to Caesar or death. Eighty and
six years have I served Him said Polycarp, and He has done me no wrong. How
can I blaspheme my King who saved me? So the crowds came flocking with
faggots from the workshops and from the baths, and the Jews, even though they
were breaking the Sabbath law by carrying such burdens, were foremost in
bringing wood for the fire. They were going to bind him to the stake. Leave me
as I am, he said, for He who gives me power to endure the fire, will grant me to
remain in the flames unmoved even without the security you will give by the nails.
So they left him loosely bound in the flames.”
Polycarp dies for Christ. That was just one incident in the life of the Smyrnean
church.
HOPE IN JESUS WHEN LIFE IS PAINFUL
The message Christ gives is so simple in verse 10. Don’t fear, be faithful and I will
crown you!
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some
of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou
faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
“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.
Every word of this brief letter is so vital as is every word of God. But because of
the urgency there is an economy (this is the shortest, only four verses/127 words
vs. 12 verses to Thyatira.).
QUOTING 1:17 – 18
Church In Prophetic Prospective
William Barclay, The Revelation of John, vol. 1 [Philadelphia: The Westminster Press 1976] pp. 76-77
These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive (2:8).
He thus reveals Himself to them in that He was best suited to comfort them in
their sorrow and to encourage them in their sufferings.
He would console them by reminding them that He had passed through
suffering and death and had triumphed over it.
THE APPROVAL
“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.
Remember Polycarp?
LISTEN TO THE ADMONITION
V. 10A
10 “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.
Look out trouble is coming!
The early Church did indeed have just ten great persecutions under the Roman
emperors, beginning with Nero and ending the Diocletian, whose last persecution
and probably the most terrible of all, was just ten years long! Nero, Domitian,
Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, Severus, Maximum, Decius, Valerian, Aurelian and
Diocletian, were the ten principal pagan persecutors. However, there was
constant, though not always general trouble until Constantine’s edict of toleration.
THE APPEAL V. 10B “BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH”
10 “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
G.C. Morgan notes that “Faithful” means be convinced.
Revelation 1:5 is the faithful witness.
Christ is faithful so faithful saints are convinced they must rest on Him and
depend on what he says.
Be convinced of Him, He will be your strength and courage.
The Unveiled Christ: Revelation 2 “The Message of Jesus”
Be faithful! Why? Because Christ is the one giving out the prized – crowns! The
faithful will be specially crowned: Saved and triumphant!
The victorious warrior–with the crown of righteousness. (II Tim. 4:8)
The steadfast racer–with the unfading crown (I Cor. 9:25-27)
The one faithful unto death–with the crown of life (Rev. 2:10, Jas. 1:12)
The unselfish worker–with the crown of honor (I Thess. 2:9, comp. 3-6; Phil.
4:1)
The example to the flock–with the crown of glory (I Pet. 5: 3, 4)
HOW TO DIE TRIUMPHANTLY
And unless Christ returns soon, all of us face the inevitability of death. Are you
ready? Have you planned for the spiritual aspects of your death? So many only
get the funeral arrangements and life insurance in order. There is so much more
to plan and prepare for as a Christian. The Bible teaches us much about Dying
Right! In the Scriptures we find seven good ways to die:
I. JACOB DIES TRUSTING THE PROMISES OF GOD.
A. HE LOOKED FOR THE LAND OF PROMISE TO THE END!
Genesis 47:29 And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he
called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace
in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal
kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt: (KJV)
B. HE FOLLOWED HIS SHEPHERD ALL THE WAY! Genesis 48:15
And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk,
the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,
C. HE TRUSTED HIS REDEEMER TO CARE FOR HIS SON!
Genesis 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be
named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude
in the midst of the earth.(KJV)
II. JOSEPH DIES POINTING TO THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD.
Genesis 50:24 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you,
and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
III. DAVID DIES EXHORTING HIS FAMILY TO FOLLOW GOD.
1 Kings 2:1-4
Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;
3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments,
and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper
in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
4 That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed
to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not
fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.
IV. STEPHEN DIES PRAISING GOD. Acts 7:59-60
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.
And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
V. PAUL DIES FINISHING THE PLAN LAID OUT FOR HIM BY GOD.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all
them also that love his appearing.
VII. CHRIST DIES POINTING THE WAY FOR ANOTHER TO GOD. Luke
23:43
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
PART SIX
THE ASSURANCE; THE SPIRITUAL MESSAGE:
JESUS HAS A WONDERFUL PLAN FOR EVERY TRUE BELIEVER
I ALWAYS OFFER THE BEST TO YOU!
The last message Jesus has for us is His wonderful plan. He has spelled out
what He wants us to be like. He has detailed how He by His grace will enable us
to live! Jesus is here. CHRIST SEEKING OUT HIS CHURCH: Our Lord Jesus
Christ came to give so much. Have you received what Jesus came to give every
one of His own born again children?
TRUE BELIEVERS HAVE
AN ABUNDANT LIFE
Revelation 2:7
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him
that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the
paradise of God. (KJV)
This means we have infinite life in paradise regained – John 3:16
AN OVERFLOWING LIFE: John 7:38
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE: John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to
steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that
they might have [it] more abundantly.
[perissos exceeding some number or
measure or rank or need, over and above, more than is necessary,
superadded, exceeding abundantly, supremely something further, more,
much more than all, more plainly, superior, extraordinary, surpassing,
uncommon, pre-eminence, superiority, advantage, more eminent, more
remarkable, more excellent].
TRUE BELIEVERS HAVE
AN INDESTRUCTIBLE LIFE
Revelation 2:11
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that
overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (KJV)
SECURE FROM ANY PHYSICAL ADVERSARY: John 10:28-29 And I
give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any
[man] pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave [them] me, is
greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father’s
hand. (KJV)
SECURE FROM ANY SPIRITUAL ADVERSARY: Romans 8:38-39 For I
am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (KJV)
So is Jesus your HOPE? He is all you can hold onto as the shadows of death
creep up on us.
WILL YOU AFFIRM WITH ME,-
I. Like JACOB I WILL SEEK TO LIVE TRUSTING THE PROMISES OF
GOD.
A. He Looked for the Land of Promise to the end! Genesis 47:29
B. He Followed his Shepherd all the way! Genesis 48:15
C. He Trusted his Redeemer to care for his sin! Genesis 48:16
II. Like JOSEPH I WILL SEEK TO LIVE POINTING TO THE
FAITHFULNESS OF GOD. Genesis 50:24
III. Like DAVID I WILL SEEK TO LIVE EXHORTING HIS FAMILY TO
FOLLOW GOD. 1 Kings 2:1-4
IV. Like STEPHEN I WILL SEEK TO LIVE PRAISING GOD. Acts 7:59-60
V. Like PAUL I WILL SEEK TO LIVE FINISHING THE PLAN LAID OUT FOR
HIM BY GOD. 2 Timothy 4:6-8
VI. Like PETER I WILL SEEK TO LIVE REMINDING THE SAINTS ABOUT
THE WORD OF GOD. 2 Peter 1:12-15
VII. Like CHRIST I WILL SEEK TO LIVE POINTING THE WAY FOR
ANOTHER TO GOD. Luke 23:43
“Only one life to live and soon is past
Only what’s done for Christ will last!”
Hoping to make the time I have left count for the glory of God.
Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
THE HOPE OF JESUS SMYRNA: Be Faithful Read Revelation 2:8-11
Post Views: 192