Seven Churches(2): Message to Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11 I. Introduction. A. Smyrna was an ancient city located in the area we now call Turkey. 1. Streets paved and well laid out. 2. Fine buildings graced the city. 3. Several squares, library, and public buildings. 4. Also: Idolatry, many temples, including the temple of Zeus. a. Olympian God. b. Widely worshipped. c. "Father" of many gods. 5. Population: estimated @200,000. 6. Some viewed as "1st city of Asia in beauty and size" (Wycliffe Encyclopedia). 7. Site covered by Izmir, Turkey. 8. Home of Polycarp(knew John; martyr at 86 years). B. One of churches that nothing negative is found. 1. Remained faithful in spite of idolatry and false Jews. 2. Note: It is possible to remain true to God's word amidst persecution, false teachers, and the attractiveness of materialism. C. Read the epistle: Revelation 2:8-11. II. Body. A. The message to them: Revelation 2:8. 1. Obviously from Jesus Christ. 2. Gave his life for them: reminding of the sacrifice. 3. Appropriate for Christ to address this church(and all others)--they belong to him. a. Not to society, the government, etc.--they are sacred. b. Nor--to the brethren(though some may so act). 4. The Lord had the right and the power to direct the churches in His day: he has not given up that power(through his word). B. The Lord knew about Smyrna: v. 9. 1. As the Lord knows about us. a. Cannot fool him--as we do men. b. It is good(positive fact) the Lord know about His people. c. Some say, "The Lord knows" without realizing how much he does know--cannot fool God. 2. Christ knew of their: a. Tribulation. (1 "A pressing, pressure"..."anything that burdens the spirit"(Vine). (2 Sufferings due to circumstances: as in famine, war, etc. (3 Often occurs to Christians: John 16:33. (4 Tribulation brings patience and endurance: Romans 5:3. (5 Faithfulness is manifest in trials--if one cannot endure--not faithful to God. b. Poverty. (1 In a wealthy city. (2 Christ appraisal: "Thou art rich." (3 Could have been poor because they were Christians. c. Blasphemy of false teachers. (1 To speak against truth and righteousness(especially against God).(Root: stupid-Vine) (2. Source: hypocritical false teachers (claimed to be Jews). (3 False charges and accusations against faithful disciples.(literally, "to speak harm"[Holman]). C. The Lord wanted to remove their fear: v. 10a. 1. He wanted them to accept suffering. a. Not easy to do. b. Imagine their situation. c. Our sufferings often pale beside what they endured. d. Note this attitude(after beating and warnings): Acts 5:41. e. If we suffer with Christ, we will be glorified by Him. 2. Some would be imprisoned. a. Would be hard to accept. b. They would be "tried." (1 Wonder if we had more "trials," would we be stronger?(Only way to know true strength.) (2 Imagine how easy it is for us in contrast to them(elaborate). 3. Their "tribulation" would be for ten days. a. Would not last forever--limited period. b. Trials and temptations seem to be longer than they are. c. Suffering here is nothing to be compared with the joys of eternity: Romans 8:17. d. Note: I Corinthians 10:13. D. Faithfulness is the key to eternal life: 2:10b. 1. A few short years in this life versus eternity. a. Tribulation is short; eternity is forever. b. The human mind cannot fully fathom eternity. 2. Faithfulness begins when one obeys the truth: it is to continue through death(even if it means death). 3. How sad that some will devote years to the Lord and at the closing of life--give up their faith. 4. "The crown of life" is for those dedicated enough to endure temptations, persecutions, and--even death, for the cause of Jesus Christ. E. They were to be overcomers: Revelation 2:11b. 1. Those who do: eternal life. 2. Those who do not: eternal separation from God. 3. Refutes the "impossibility of apostasy." III. Conclusion. A. Let us be like Smyrna: a congregation following the truth. B. As individuals, let us be faithful all of our lives.-jy