Why do we do it? How do you respond to suffering and tribulation? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 1-5). I am so thankful. But, in the process, when I am in the middle of it, it is hard to find joy in why He has me there. But, we are going to experience suffering on this earth without doubt. I do not think I can be like You. I went into that lab and got there before she did. Be hopeful. Maybe someone in your family is causing you some grief. As believers, we should expect persecution and suffering in this life. First, we serve a God who knows, sees, and is with us through every fiery trial and dark night (Isaiah 43:2). How would these verses encourage you to persevere in the midst of tribulation and suffering? California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. He knows us more intimately that we can imagine and desires that we be in Him and glorify Him fully. The Bible tells us that. Explain your answer. Rest in His presence. Jesus has no censure for the church Most of us will never die for our faith and I hope we do not. The trials that you are going to go through will be brief. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. She never came to the Lord, but I thank God for that roommate who kept me from making a huge mistake in my flesh and my anger. I have felt his warfare. John is grabbing their attention by reminding them (and us) who Christ is and what He has done. The question we have to ask ourselves is, are we operating to the opposite tune that Jesus commands as this Synagogue and the church of Smyrna were starting to? May I be accepted this day before you as an acceptable sacrifice. They lit the fire, but strangely enough, the wind blew the fire away from his body so it would not touch him. How does this apply to me? That is all they have done, but your spiritual life continues on forever. The problem was that it bugged them that I did not drink. You know that it is spiritual warfare where you get discouraged by things you hear said. If so, how is that evident in your life? In Him, we are more than overcomers. Maybe you are dealing with an illness. The Essential Inductive Questions (for more Inductive questions see Inductive Bible Study): 1. I would leave every night saying, God, why do I have to go to these events? because I did not feel like I was having a witness. Others were taken to the Coliseum and fed to angry, hungry lions. Jesus wanted to encourage them to stand strong, even if it meant physical death. Perhaps there are people in the church who are just trying to make life hard for you, but they are not really your enemy. Jesus had a reason for mentioning this fact. They did not look at my life and go, wow, I love her life! They were looking at my life going, what a loser, you know, she cannot even get drunk. It was hard, but that still is not the kind of pressure that these Smyrna Christians went through. It would be fine if they just left me alone. Among them, 347 clergymen of the Smyrna region and Metropolitan of Smyrna Chrysostomos were tortured and martyred. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. - Psalm 37:7. martyr, one who voluntarily suffers death rather than deny their religion by words or deeds; such action is afforded special, institutionalized recognition in most major religions of the world. Are you a God pleaser more than a people pleaser? That should leave us to want to bring everyone we know to be with us in Heaven. When Jesus introduces Himself as theFirst and the Last, who died and came to life again,He is drawing their attention to the power of His resurrection. Satan is the ultimate enemy. It was one of the chief cities of Roman-dominated Asia and competed with places such as Pergamos and Ephesus for the title "First City of Asia." They got drunk. Finally, Jesus warns His people to expect more suffering, persecution, and testing. 2. You are so in love with the Lord. Consider this: when we are independent from Christ in our personal lives and in running our churches, we are forsaking and opposing Him. Christians are not exempt from suffering. After college (the first time), Crickett was on staff with C More. He was faithful until death and he lost his physical life, but he gained so much more which brings us to the fifth reminder to help us suffer well. It was probably only 15 minutes, but it seemed like hours. The trade unions would have nothing to do with them. Today, we look at the letter to the church at Smyrna, a church known for suffering. They would tell us about their relationship with the Lord and they would tell us about the things they had endured during the Cultural Revolution because of their faith in Christ. Have you experienced suffering in your life where it was difficult for a time to stand firm? They will eventually die and they will eventually be put out of their misery. What is your Motivation for Moving Forward? Suffering either gives me my self or it destroys my self. Why are these blaspheming Jews referred to as a synagogue of Satan? Jesus wanted to encourage them to stand strong, even if it meant physical death. Ancient coin inscriptions describe Smyrna as first of Asia in size and beauty, and The Ornament of Asia.. Maybe someone you love is hurting. (Notice the similarities to the description of Christ in 1:17-18). Learn more about the rapture, the anti-christ, bible prophecy and the tribulation with articles that explain Biblical truths. I had just started walking with the Lord that year before and I had gone on a beach project with Campus Crusade that summer. Janene Keeth (nicknamed "Crickett") holds a M.A. So, how is He involved in your church? He knows the tough times. in Christian Education with a focus on Women's Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. 4 MacArthur, New Testament Commentary, 71. The letter to the church at Smyrna in Revelation 2 is notable for many reasons, one being that it's one of the only letters that doesn't have a rebuke. (Ephesians 1 is a good reminder of our riches in Christ.). Most American Christians today will not be called to die a martyrs death. How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow? This was a message meant to encourage them in light of what they were facing presently and were about to face in the future. No second-place prize existed. Nor will we suffer hardships like imprisonment for our faith, and very few of us will face the choice between our livelihood or a life with Christ. You cannot do them at the same time. He does not want you to go deeper in Gods Word. I believe it exists. I was on staff at Texas Heart as one of the instructors through the University of Texas. The Holy Spirit is Christ's presence on Earth, forever guiding and convicting to keep his followers on the right path. Tina said, you know Crickett, or at that time I was Janene. That is the kind of pressure, a suffocating pressure that they are under. 10. He never promises us that life is just going to be great. They will suffer and be tormented for a period of time, but it will not be for eternity because it says the second death. Based on His intimate awareness of their spiritual condition, Jesus uses these letters to dig deep into the inner workings of each church and flesh out areas of commendation or correction. Smyrna was a church where people's agendas were in opposition to Christ's. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8 tells us that the second death is the lake of fire and brimstone. Before they lit the fire, he prayed, Oh Lord, almighty God, I thank you for counting me worthy of sharing the cup of Christ among the number of your martyrs. It is emphatic in the Greek. I know your afflictions and your povertyyet you are rich! The third thing we need to remember is that the ultimate enemy is Satan. They were a synagogue of Satan because they were attacking the church. Then, I got my purse and I drove home. Father, I just thank you for the privilege of knowing you personally. When we are faithful, we become beacons of hope and encouragement to others, too. Do not fear. What does God want me to share with someone? Of the seven churches, Smyrna is one of two that received no reproof from Jesus, and it is the only church of the seven that still exists today, After His ascension, Rome became increasingly hostile toward Jesuss followers. Its streets were wide and paved. An aspect of maturity is being slow to respond to accusation-as our Lord did. Much of Smyrnas social life revolved around pagan worship. First, the letter is the shortest of the seven, at only 90 words. Some people believe that people who are unbelievers will go to hell for a period of time. 3:17); it is impossible for a person to be in Smyrna, before the Lord, yet at the same time be in Laodicea, before the world. I had not ever said anything about the Lord to her. (NASB). They were once a vibrant, healthy church that was now starting to die. The purpose of this crown or crowns is not for you. For instance, telling them that they were practicing cannibalism because they were partaking of the Lords Supper, eating of the body of Christ, drinking His blood. They had absolutely nothing. Located just 35 miles north of Ephesus, at the head of the Aegean Sea, the thriving city of Smyrna was known for its beauty, wealth, and achievement. Olympian games were held in Smyrna. Her debut childrens book, What Is A Family? Also, death is mentioned three times in these four verses. That is a way of worshipping Him, showing honor to Him. The ultimate reward is life. Kingdom 103: What Gospel Are You Preaching? Some Jews, like the Sadducees, believed this was annihilation (John 5:28-29; Rev. 5. What will I do about it? 5. I have heard it said and I put this up on the screen to help you, If you are born twice, you will only die once. If you are born physically and then later you are born spiritually, you will only die once and that will be when you die physically, (unless the Lord comes back, in which case you would not die at all). They cannot coexist. One source is they were under constant pressure from the government to worship the Roman emperor because, you see, the city of Smyrna was a strong ally of Rome. Are you secure concerning your eternal destiny? Kingdom 103: The Kingdom Mindset of Authority, Kingdom 103: Ephesus, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Ephesus, Its Believers' Characteristics Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Smyrna, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Pergamos, The Compromising Church, Kingdom 103: Thyatira, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Thyatira, Its Believers' Characteristics Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Sardis, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Philadelphia, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Philadelphia, Its Believers' Characteristics Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Laodicea, The Lukewarm Church, Kingdom 103: He Came Under the Cloak of Darkness, Kingdom 103: Authorized Power for the Heavenly Government, Kingdom 103: Never Assume in Marriage Pt 1, Kingdom 103: Never Assume in Marriage Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Love in Marriage Needs to be Refreshed, Kingdom 103: Fatherlessness, the Source of Disobedience and Sin, Kingdom 103: The Simplicity of the Kingdom Gospel, Kingdom 103: Kingdom Culture Displayed to the Blind. They were hated. Death is that separation of the soul and the physical body. He is aware of the enemys plans and the afflictions we face (Hebrews 2:17-18). It can be seen that Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7), though a local church in the apostle's day, is typical of the first century as a whole; Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) characterizes the church under persecution, e.g. Some people use this verse about dying the second death to uphold their view of the doctrine of annihilation. Because I was on staff here and was one of the instructors, I had to go to all the parties, all the festivities, and all the graduation dinners. I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. That is according to I Corinthians 3:13-14 which talks about that approval, that standing before him, to be evaluated for our works. Their enemies can only take their lives once. Kingdom 103: Honoring the Father Through the Son, Kingdom 103: Living in the Kingdom Culture, Kingdom 103: Power and Authority in His Name, Kingdom 103: Many Little Kingdoms, But Only One is True, Kingdom 103: Kingdom Citizens Are Examples. Whatever it is, it is a hard season of life. How have you seen God use trials and suffering in your life? He just came in. And finally, Smyrna was the only congregation besides Philadelphia that did not receive admonishment from Jesus. Yet, He is there, guiding us with a beacon that says. I want to begin by asking you a question. But, the second type they were dealing with was poverty. When we go through the troubles of life, we can either take shelter in Him or seek to go it alone in our fears and pride. They had laid up for themselves treasures in Heaven,where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:20) No doubt, Jesuss commendation would have been a timely affirmation that their sacrifices had not been made in vainand that they should continue basking in the abundant life Jesus had purchased for them. What does He mean when he refers to their being rich in the midst of poverty? I think it is a way to deal with stress in the operating room. Some were boiled alive in oil. They were reporting false allegations to the government about these believers, saying things which were not true about them. The first thing He tells them is be fearless. Specific Messages to 7 Churches of Revelation Some of these seven churches kept closer to the gospel than others. Thank you for being that ultimate victor who won victory over death so we might have life eternal. Allow it to deepen your relationship with Christ, not push you away from Him. It was used to embalm the dead in the first century (Jn. Satan does not want believers to study the book of Revelation because he does not want you to know your eternal hope. How does knowing that Christ, the Creator and Lord of the universe, approves you help you cope with "feeble mortals" telling you dishonorable things? What was Jesus message to the church in Smyrna in Revelation? I. Jesus' Resurrection Gives Us Hope. We need to look beyond the pain and look for that purpose that He wants to accomplish in our life. Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? Well, you know, God never promises us as a believer that life is going to always be fun. These actions would have given the believers could a measure of favor with the government and secured a much easier life. Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author and speaker who has managed and directed childrens and youth programs for more than 20 years. What Does God Say about the Church at Smyrna? Be encouraged as you study the message sent to this church. I went home that night and I got angrier the more I thought about it. What should you do? It was the loveliest of all the cities. The first thing we have to remember if we are going to suffer well is that the ultimate victor is Jesus Christ. For example, the letter to Ephesus . That is the doctrine or the view of annihilation of hell. It was exceptionally wealthy. 4. by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 2, 2009 . 19:20; 20:10-15). We need to really commit to pray. In the center of the ancient city, Mount Pagos (modern name: Kadifekale) stood 500 ft. high and was encircled by a garland of architecturally impressive buildings and templeswhich was probably why the hill was known as The Crown of Smyrna.. I know what it is like to face death at their hands. Then, they would want to pray with us. So, I caught all kinds of grief, you know, comments made like: oh, you would fit well into grandmothers generation. You are really out of touch with reality today. Just cruel comments. Right now, I hate this woman. So, I got up the next morning before dawn and I took a walk. But, the word used here means absolute poverty, possessing absolutely nothing. They were not poor. Each of the letters to the churches is directly from Jesus and includes a piece of the description about Jesus from Revelation 1. The 2 nd century Church bishop and . I cannot remember all the things said, but I do remember pieces of it that I was a weak little wimp who cannot stand on your own two feet. I do not want anyone to go there. I went into her office and I said you know I just wanted to ask you a question. He is talking about that kind of pressure that comes from when you take a heavy rock and you put it on someones chest and you press down on their chest with all your force so that it suffocates the person. What caused them to turn out to be a church of bitterness and strife? She came in and I said, Good morning, how are you doing? There are two words used in the New Testament for poverty and one just kind of means poor. It is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible other than these four verses, but it is believed it is with the other churches that were founded while Paul spent two years in Ephesus on his third missionary journey. They were going to nail him to the stake, but he said they did not have to nail me, I will stay. People did not want to sell to them because they were Christians. Life is hard. According to Revelation 4:9-11, what are crowns ultimately for? The Essential Inductive Questions (for more Inductive questions see Inductive Bible Study): What does this passage say? As a matter of fact, she began to teach me. It is the only one of the seven cities still in flourishing condition. The Church of Smyrna: The Church that Remains Faithful Amidst Persecution (Revelation 2:8-11) Summary and Explanation: Smyrna was home to a large Jewish community hostile to Christians. Who is it that overcomes the world? Others roasted alive. If we are going to suffer well, the first thing we have to remember is that Jesus Christ is the ultimate victor. Is there something difficult going on in your life today? Spiritual death is the separation of the soul from God. 2. He looks for people who oh, lets see, boy, shes always critical. She is always a gossip. She is always kind of stirring up the pot about one of the leaders saying I do not like the way he is doing this or I do not think they should. Be careful, because he is looking for someone he can just grab and go, yeah, build on that, talk that up in your church, yeah, talk about that leader. The ultimate enemy is Satan and that is pointed out in these verses. He knows exactly what you are going through. In Jesus name, amen. You cant associated with us in these festivities to our gods. Jesus is upfront about the fact that we will experience trouble in this world, but He has also promised that His peace, grace, and abiding presence are our refuge during our trials (Matthew 28:20). What was Jesus message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? Some suffered the Roman crucifixion, a horrible way to die. I want that kind of depth. We try to go it alone when Christ is beckoning us to trust in Him, go His Way, and give our fears to Him. Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History). When we work our lives and church with our corrupt personal power we are in fact abandoning His power and Fruit. In fact, it has been said that more Christians have lived in this region than any other Turkish city in the world. 12. The people loved the Roman government because it was strong. We need to look for that end result. The letter to the church at Smyrna is unique for several reasons. I went in and I just said, God I do not think I can do this. A third form of suffering for them was persecution in verse 9. 1.4 . Kingdom Citizen, not "Christian"--What's In a Name? If you have ever gone to a funeral or to a visitation and you have looked in a coffin to view the body, you see that physical body, but you know something is missing. As a matter of fact, He promises us that if you are a believer, you will face suffering and you will have some persecution in your life (2 Tim. You are too good. So, they were persecuted for that. In between were the temples of Apollo, Asklepios, and Aphrodite. So, there will be attacks on us to not study this Word, to not do this. You see, Smyrna had a lot of religions. I need strength. She started and began by reading from Isaiah 53 about Jesus the suffering servant. At first, the emperors did not want anything to do with it, but by the time Domitian became the Roman emperor, he made it mandatory that all citizens would worship the emperor or face death. But, you know, they heard every word. Throughout history, Smyrna has suffered its fair share of hardship. Kingdom 103: Your Goals, His Purposeand Then What? Life was hard for these Christians. According to Revelation 20:14-15 and 21:8, what is the second death and who would experience it? Not only was this bustling seaport considered a center of prosperity, but the city prided itself as a hub of intellect, art, religion, and athletic prowess. How does this ruin a church? Jesus gives them two instructions in verse 10 as to how to handle this impending suffering. Jude identifies characteristics of the advisory. In Revelation, the Apostle John records Jesuss address to seven churches in Asia Minor. Many were placed on the rack where they were stretched so far that their legs and their arms were pulled out of their sockets. When Polycarp, the pastor of the church in Smyrna, was commanded to worship Caesar and renounce Christ in 155 A.D., he refused and said, Eighty and six years have I served Him, and in nothing hath He wronged me; and how, then, can I blaspheme my King, who saved me? As the fire was kindled around his feet to burn him at the stake, Polycarp was heard singing and praising the Son of God. 6. Pt 2, The Unchanging Individual and the Unshakable Kingdom, In God's Kingdom, We Are Sons and Daughters, Not Servants, The Returning of the King and His Kingdom, The Birth of the Kingdom--Dominion Authority, The Experience of Living Under a Lord--Part 1, The Experience of Living Under a Lord--Part 2, The Lord's Motivation for His Divine Creation, God's Priority and Assignment for Mankind, It is Just What it is, the Good News of the Kingdom Pt 1, It is Just What it is, the Good News of the Kingdom Pt 2, Kings, Prophets--All Are Representatives of the Kingdom, Keys to the Kingdom, Understanding Its Concept, The Bible is the Constitution of God's Kingdom, Kingdom Perspective: The Eternal Message Pt 2, Christianity, a Religion, vs Kingdom Government, The Government of Man Vs the Kingdom of God Pt 1, The Government of Man Vs the Kingdom of God Pt 2, The Government of Man Vs the Kingdom of God Pt 3, Condemning is Not Our Responsibility Pt 2, Diluting the Kingdom Message While Being Deceived, Believers Who Are Blinded, Distracted and Deceived, Believers Who Are Blinded, Distracted and Deceived Pt 2, He Rules and Reigns: Citizenship in Kingdom Government, Only One Culture, One Mindset and One Spirit, The World Loves its Own, But We Belong to Him, Your Eternal Future Hinges on His Promise, Mankind's Refusal to Answer to His Creator, Kingdom 101: The Spirit of Dominion Part 1, Kingdom 101: The Spirit of Dominion Pt 2, Kingdom 101: Disobedience Is an Act of Treason, Kingdom 101: The Lord God Promised a Kingdom, Kingdom 101: His Intent of the Original Kingdom, Kingdom 101: We Are Government Citizens, Not Religious Members, Kingdom 101: Your Relationship or Your Religion, Kingdom 101: He Rules the Visible World From the Invisible Realm, Kingdom 101: He is the King of the Invisible and Visible Worlds, Kingdom 101: You--Mankind--Were Created to Rule, Kingdom 101: The Lord God's Contract with Man, Kingdom 101: Born to Rule, Not to be Ruled or Controlled, Kingdom 101: Man Shall Manage Earth, It's the King's Law, Kingdom 101: Man Shall Manage Earth, It's the King's Law Pt 2, Kingdom 101: The Lord God Requires a Body, Kingdom 101: Building a Kingdom Mentality, Kingdom 101: New Birth, But Not Converted, Kingdom 101: A Complete Change of Mentality, Kingdom 101: Making Preparations for the King, Kingdom 101: Making Preparation for the King Pt 2, Kingdom 101: Making Preparation for the King Pt 3, Kingdom 101: The Essence of a Kingdom and Its King, Kingdom 102: Honoring His Son in the Kingdom, Kingdom 102: A Kingdom Focus on the Beatitudes, Kingdom 102: Staying Focused on His Word in Time of Conflict, Kingdom 102: Setting Priorities While Living in Two Kingdoms, Kingdom 102: Characteristic of Kingdom Culture, Kingdom 102: Citizens Represent Their Kingdom and Culture, Kingdom 102: Kingdom Government Principles, Kingdom 102: The Kingdom Government and the Republic, Kingdom 102: Carrying Out the King's Policies and Principles, Kingdom 102: Fusing a Kingdom With a Democracy, Kingdom 102: Information: Knowledge From the King, Kingdom 102: Information--Knowledge From the King Pt 2, Kingdom 102: Knowledge is Very Important, Kingdom 102: Seek the Kingdom, Encourage One Another, Kingdom 102: Seek the Kingdom, A Divine Command. It is just the beginning because He is the victor and He conquered death. Thus, it is not that much of a stretch or even a job relocation to be a church of Satan, since we are already such a place. But, Jesus reminded them that they were poor here on this earth but you are so rich.

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