The Seven Churches of Asia Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11 NT Church 2017-18

Letters to the churches 7 letters to 7 congregations – symbolic of the church as a whole. Common conditions found in every church Thus we can ask, “How does this apply to us? Smyrna

Letters to the churches Ephesus – Left their first love Smyrna – Persecuted (poor-rich) Thyatira – Compromise (tolerating) Pergamos – Corrupt (immorality) Sardis – Dead (or dying) Philadelphia – An open door Laodicea – lukewarm (rich-poor) Smyrna

Another prominent city in Asia, competing for title of “First of Asia” The city of Smyrna Another prominent city in Asia, competing for title of “First of Asia” Another harbor city & engaged in commerce. Wealthy city known for its beauty and culture. Prominent in trading wines Smyrna

The city of Smyrna Idolatry – “the Golden Street” with temples to Zeus and Cybele at its ends. Also temple to goddess Roma. Chosen to build a temple to Tiberius (AD 26), and a center of cultic, emperor worship. This caused Christians trouble as they would not burn “a pinch of salt” to Caesar. Smyrna

The city of Smyrna A prominent Jewish community and synagogue. They were instrumental in the persecution of Christians. Polycarp, “Bishop of Smyrna” was burned at the stake (AD 169). At his execution, he remained firm in his faith. Smyrna

Jesus describing His preeminence – 1:8, 17 Isaiah 44:6 The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Christ identified The first and the last 2:8 Jesus describing His preeminence – 1:8, 17 Isaiah 44:6 Smyrna Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Christ identified Who was dead and came to life 2:8 Jesus was resurrected Revelation 1:18 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 Smyrna had a second beginning Smyrna Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Their strengths “I know your works” Your tribulation – pressure or pressing together. 2 Timothy 3:12 How do we handle troubling times? Philippians 4:13, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:31-38 Tribulations will either defeat us or make us stronger Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Their strengths Poverty – severe poverty They had very little in worldly possessions cf. 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 It is probable, their poverty was related to their faithfulness. Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Their strengths But you are rich – wealthy, well-off They were wealthy before God where it counts. Ephesians 1:3, Matthew 6:19-21, James 2:5, 1 Timothy 6:18 Also Luke 18:29-30 Thus, the “poor-rich” church Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Their strengths I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, Slander, speaking ill against one to harm them or their reputation 1 Timothy 6:4, Ephesians 4:31 Colossians 3:8, Matthew 15:19 Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Their strengths Blasphemy of Jews, a synagogue of Satan Jews, were at least complicit in the persecutions Christians were facing Acts14:2, 13:45, 17:5ff, etc. Consider John 8:44 Spiritual Israel – Romans 2:28-29, Philippians 3:3 Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Call to action Do not fear They had been suffering and would see more ahead The devil was about to throw some into prison They would be tested for 10 days – a complete or full period Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Call to action Do not fear - We must not let fear keep us from doing what is right Luke 12:4-5, Matthew 10:32-33 Philippians 1:27-28 Revelation 21:8 – the cowardly will have their part in the lake of fire Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Call to action Be faithful until death – Faithful – steadfast allegiance, trustworthy, dependable We can become unfaithful Luke 9:62 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Hebrews 3:6 Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Call to action Be faithful until death – Until (unto) death – could mean until you die, or to the point of dying. BOTH apply! Revelation 14:13, 12:11 Psalm 116:15, Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Call to action “He who has an ear, let him hear” Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Promised reward You will receive the crown of life The victor’s crown – awarded when one wins a competition. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, 2 Timothy 4:7-8 – we must finish the race! http://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/athens/ Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Promised reward He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death 1st death – sin – Romans 6:23 1st resurrection – obeying the gospel Romans 6:3-4, Revelation 20:6 2nd resurrection – from the dead – John 5:28 2nd death – Matthew 25:46, 41, Revelation 20:6, 14, 21:8 Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Does this apply to us? Are we faithful both in attitude and action? Are we suffering, or willing to suffer and sacrifice for Him? Have we been tested and passed? Are we willing to face material poverty for Him? Will we stand firm, even if rejected by other professed followers? Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Does this apply to us? In America today, we still have freedom to assemble and teach. BUT that freedom is being manipulated and challenged. Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Does this apply to us? We are now evil spoken of – Matthew 10:24-25, 5:10-12, 1 Peter 4:12-14 This is because: 1) a complicit society 2) a generation taught to reject God 3) a “church culture” that compromises 4) brethren seeking to be “like the nations around us” Smyrna

The Letter to Smyrna – 2:8-11 Does this apply to us? There may SOON come a time when we have to choose between God and man. Who will we choose? Smyrna

Is the spirit of the church at Smyrna in us?