Faithfulness Amidst Persecution: Lessons from Smyrna

Summary

In today's message, we explored the letter to the church in Smyrna from the book of Revelation, focusing on the unique challenges and cultural context faced by early Christians in this city. Smyrna, known today as Izmir, Turkey, was a prosperous and patriotic city deeply devoted to Rome and the worship of the emperor. This devotion created a challenging environment for Christians who refused to participate in the emperor worship, leading to social and financial persecution.

The city of Smyrna was a place where loyalty and patriotism were paramount, and any deviation from this norm was met with hostility. Christians in Smyrna, however, chose to remain steadfast in their faith, prioritizing their allegiance to Christ over cultural expectations. This unwavering commitment often resulted in significant personal loss, yet it also demonstrated the transformative power of faith in Jesus.

We reflected on the story of Polycarp, a disciple of the Apostle John, who exemplified this steadfast faith. Despite facing persecution and ultimately martyrdom, Polycarp remained faithful to Christ, illustrating the profound impact of living a life devoted to God. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship and the eternal rewards promised to those who endure.

The letter to Smyrna encourages believers to remain faithful even in the face of suffering, promising a victor's crown to those who persevere. It challenges us to examine our own lives and consider what we are willing to endure for the sake of Christ. In a world that often values conformity, the call to live counter-culturally as followers of Jesus is as relevant today as it was for the early Christians in Smyrna.

Key Takeaways:

- Cultural Conformity vs. Faithfulness: The Christians in Smyrna faced immense pressure to conform to cultural norms that conflicted with their faith. Their refusal to worship the emperor highlights the importance of prioritizing our allegiance to Christ over societal expectations, even when it leads to personal loss. [01:08:52]

- The Cost of Discipleship: The story of Polycarp reminds us that following Jesus may lead to persecution and suffering. Yet, it also assures us of the eternal rewards for those who remain faithful. This challenges us to consider what we are willing to endure for our faith. [01:06:23]

- Endurance in Suffering: The letter to Smyrna encourages believers to endure suffering with the promise of a victor's crown. It reminds us that our trials are not in vain and that God sees and rewards our faithfulness. [01:13:37]

- True Allegiance: The message challenges us to examine whether our lives reflect a true allegiance to Christ or if we have unknowingly aligned ourselves with worldly powers. It calls us to live lives that look more like Jesus and less like the empire. [01:11:31]

- Eternal Assurance: The promise of not being hurt by the second death offers comfort and assurance to believers. It reminds us that our faith in Christ secures our eternal destiny, freeing us from the fear of eternal separation from God. [01:15:49]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [0:45] - Introduction and Prayer
- [2:30] - Series Overview: You've Got Mail
- [4:15] - The City of Smyrna
- [7:00] - Smyrna's Cultural Context
- [10:45] - The Significance of Myrrh
- [14:30] - The Challenge of Allegiance
- [18:00] - The Story of Polycarp
- [22:15] - The Letter to Smyrna
- [25:00] - The Cost of Following Christ
- [28:45] - Endurance and the Victor's Crown
- [32:00] - True Allegiance to Christ
- [35:30] - Assurance Against the Second Death
- [38:00] - Encouragement to Remain Faithful
- [41:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Revelation 2:8-11
- Acts 19:9-10
- Revelation 20:14

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the cultural and political environment like in Smyrna, and how did it affect the Christians living there? [00:07:00]
2. How did the Jewish community in Smyrna manage to avoid persecution, and what was their relationship with the Roman authorities? [00:18:00]
3. What was the significance of Polycarp's story, and how did it exemplify the challenges faced by early Christians in Smyrna? [01:06:23]
4. What promise does the letter to Smyrna offer to those who endure suffering and remain faithful? [01:13:37]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How did the Christians in Smyrna demonstrate their allegiance to Christ over cultural and societal expectations? [01:08:52]
2. In what ways does the story of Polycarp illustrate the cost of discipleship, and what can modern believers learn from his example? [01:06:23]
3. How does the promise of a victor's crown in Revelation 2:10 encourage believers to endure suffering, and what does it symbolize? [01:13:37]
4. What does the concept of the "second death" in Revelation 20:14 mean, and how does it provide assurance to believers? [01:15:49]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced pressure to conform to societal norms that conflicted with your faith. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [01:08:52]
2. Consider the story of Polycarp and his unwavering faith. What sacrifices might you be called to make in your own life to remain faithful to Christ? [01:06:23]
3. How can you cultivate endurance in your faith journey, especially when facing trials or opposition? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your resolve? [01:13:37]
4. Examine your life for areas where you may have unknowingly aligned with worldly powers. How can you realign your priorities to reflect a true allegiance to Christ? [01:11:31]
5. The promise of not being hurt by the second death offers comfort and assurance. How does this promise impact your perspective on eternal life and your daily walk with God? [01:15:49]
6. In what ways can you live counter-culturally as a follower of Jesus in today's world? Identify one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your commitment to Christ.
7. How can you support and encourage fellow believers who are enduring suffering or persecution for their faith? What role can your small group play in providing this support?

Devotional

Day 1: Allegiance Over Conformity
In the city of Smyrna, early Christians faced immense pressure to conform to the cultural norms of emperor worship, which conflicted with their faith. Despite the risk of social and financial persecution, they chose to prioritize their allegiance to Christ over societal expectations. This steadfastness serves as a powerful example of the importance of remaining true to one's faith, even when it leads to personal loss. The Christians in Smyrna remind us that our ultimate loyalty should be to Christ, challenging us to examine areas in our lives where we may be tempted to conform to the world rather than stand firm in our beliefs. [01:08:52]

1 Peter 4:12-14 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."

Reflection: In what specific area of your life are you feeling pressured to conform to societal norms that conflict with your faith? How can you take a stand for Christ in that area today?

Day 2: The Cost of True Discipleship
The story of Polycarp, a disciple of the Apostle John, illustrates the profound cost of following Jesus. Despite facing persecution and ultimately martyrdom, Polycarp remained faithful to Christ, demonstrating the eternal rewards promised to those who endure. His life challenges us to consider what we are willing to endure for our faith and reminds us that true discipleship often involves sacrifice and suffering. As we reflect on Polycarp's example, we are encouraged to evaluate our own commitment to Christ and the sacrifices we are willing to make for His sake. [01:06:23]

Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"

Reflection: What is one specific sacrifice you are willing to make this week to deepen your commitment to Christ? How can you prepare your heart to embrace the cost of discipleship?

Day 3: Endurance Through Trials
The letter to Smyrna encourages believers to endure suffering with the promise of a victor's crown. This message reminds us that our trials are not in vain and that God sees and rewards our faithfulness. In a world that often values comfort and ease, the call to endure through trials is a powerful reminder of the eternal perspective we are called to maintain. As we face challenges in our own lives, we are encouraged to persevere, knowing that our endurance is seen and valued by God. [01:13:37]

James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing, and how can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and endurance?

Day 4: True Allegiance to Christ
The message to Smyrna challenges us to examine whether our lives reflect a true allegiance to Christ or if we have unknowingly aligned ourselves with worldly powers. In a culture that often values conformity, the call to live counter-culturally as followers of Jesus is as relevant today as it was for the early Christians in Smyrna. This challenge invites us to reflect on our priorities and to ensure that our lives are marked by a genuine commitment to Christ above all else. [01:11:31]

Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: In what ways have you unknowingly aligned yourself with worldly values? How can you realign your priorities to reflect a true allegiance to Christ?

Day 5: Assurance of Eternal Security
The promise of not being hurt by the second death offers comfort and assurance to believers, reminding us that our faith in Christ secures our eternal destiny. This assurance frees us from the fear of eternal separation from God and encourages us to live boldly for Him. As we reflect on this promise, we are reminded of the eternal security we have in Christ and the hope that sustains us through life's challenges. [01:15:49]

Revelation 21:6-7 (ESV): "And he said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.'"

Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal security in Christ impact the way you live your daily life? What steps can you take to live more boldly for Him, knowing your eternal destiny is secure?

Quotes

1) "When we claim allegiance to Christ before country, even moral people will begin to treat you differently. And I always thought it was interesting. I grew up in a private school. Christian school. We always said the pledge to the American flag, the pledge to the Christian flag, and the pledge to the Bible. And I always wondered, why don't we say the pledge to the Bible, the Christian flag, first? Just what we do. When we claim allegiance to Christ before country, even moral people will treat us differently. And when these people began to live like Christ, they began to undergo affliction and poverty. And the question I'm asking myself, and I'm asking you even now, what would you be willing to endure? If you knew that living like Christ was going to lead you to have to give up some things." [01:08:52] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Do not be afraid of what you're about to suffer. I tell you the devil will put some of you in prison to test you and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful even to the point of death and I will give you life as your victor's crown. Remember numbers and revelation isn't necessarily specific. It's more symbolic. And ten is this idea of completeness. Which means the suffering will be significant. And what we have here is a reminder that when you do follow Jesus, suffering and persecution is a very real possibility. And I don't think we know persecution like this. Some people in the world still know persecution like this. But I don't know if we do." [01:11:31] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "And it says right here, you're going to win something akin to a gold medal. Not just a participation prize, but something that says you have won. So endure to the finish. Keep going. And finally, whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. I think this final promise is one we all need to hear. I know I do. I know we're all here. I know we're all here. I know we're all here. I know we're all here. I know we're all here. I know we're all here. I know we're all here. I know we're all here." [01:13:37] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "The second death that He's talking about comes from Revelation 20. Something that's reserved for the devil and his angels. It's this all-consuming fire. Second death. And I, this is for those people who have rejected God. I mean, God loves us so much. Did you know that? He loves you so much. And I think He loves you so much that He's going to give you so much. He's going to give you what you want. And if you do not want Him, if you want eternal separation from God, I think He loves you so much He'll give it to you. That's the second death, is eternal separation from God." [01:15:49] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "The refusal to go along with a culture that is not rooted in love or joy or peace or patience came with a cost. Socially and financially, many of these Christians lost significantly. Some lost everything. And this is still a very real possibility, even today, for those people who choose Christ. Who choose to love. Even those people others may not think we should love." [01:08:52] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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