Faithfulness Amidst Persecution: The Message to Smyrna
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the message to the Church of Smyrna from the Book of Revelation. Smyrna, now known as Izmir in modern-day Turkey, was a city that faced severe persecution. The name Smyrna translates to "myrrh," a fragrant resin that releases its aroma only when cut, symbolizing the church's suffering and the sweet fragrance of their faithfulness under persecution. The Christians in Smyrna were heavily oppressed, often losing their jobs, homes, and even their lives for their faith. Despite their material poverty, Jesus declared them spiritually rich.
We explored the commendation, correction, counsel, and reward that Jesus provided to the church. Jesus commended them for their faithfulness amidst suffering and poverty. He corrected their perception of being poor by reminding them of their spiritual richness. His counsel was to remain faithful even unto death, promising them the crown of life as a reward.
The message emphasized the importance of remembering God's faithfulness. Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, has always been and will always be faithful. This faithfulness is a cornerstone for believers, especially when facing trials and tribulations. The sermon also highlighted the difference between being poor in spirit and material poverty, stressing our complete dependence on Jesus for salvation.
We were reminded that true persecution involves severe trials, not just minor inconveniences or mockery. The story of Polycarp, the pastor of Smyrna, who was martyred for his unwavering faith, served as a powerful example of remaining steadfast in the face of extreme adversity. The ultimate message was clear: no matter the trials we face, God's faithfulness endures, and we are called to remain faithful to Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Faithfulness in Trials: Remembering God's faithfulness is crucial, especially during trials. Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, assures us that He has always been and will always be faithful. This assurance helps us endure hardships, knowing that we are never alone. [22:34]
2. Spiritual Richness Over Material Wealth: Jesus declared the persecuted church of Smyrna spiritually rich despite their material poverty. This teaches us that our true wealth lies in our relationship with Christ, not in worldly possessions. Our spiritual richness is a testament to our faith and dependence on Jesus. [30:02]
3. True Persecution and Faithfulness: The early Christians in Smyrna faced severe persecution, including imprisonment and death. True persecution involves significant trials, not just minor inconveniences. We are called to remain faithful even in the face of extreme adversity, trusting in God's ultimate reward. [39:12]
4. Dependence on Jesus for Salvation: Being "poor in spirit" means recognizing our complete dependence on Jesus for salvation. We cannot earn our way to heaven; it is only through Jesus' sacrifice that we are saved. This humility and dependence are essential aspects of our faith. [35:02]
5. The Crown of Life: Jesus promises the crown of life to those who remain faithful unto death. This reward signifies eternal life and victory over sin and death. It encourages us to persevere in our faith, knowing that our ultimate reward is with Christ in eternity. [46:28]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:34] - Introduction and Four Questions
[03:06] - Mission of the Church
[04:44] - Historical Context of Smyrna
[06:19] - Significance of Myrrh
[08:10] - Persecution in Smyrna
[10:11] - Modern Persecution and Sensitivity
[12:11] - True Persecution vs. Minor Inconveniences
[14:08] - Revelation 2:8-11
[15:26] - Jesus' Message to Smyrna
[17:06] - Commendation, Correction, Counsel, Reward
[19:13] - The Tree of Life
[22:34] - Remember God's Faithfulness
[30:02] - Spiritual Richness
[35:02] - Dependence on Jesus
[39:12] - True Persecution
[46:28] - The Crown of Life
[49:47] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 2:8-11 (NIV)
> "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are 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. 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."
2. Romans 8:35-39 (NIV)
> "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
3. Matthew 5:3 (NIV)
> "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus commend the church in Smyrna for in Revelation 2:9? How does He describe their situation? ([15:26])
2. According to Revelation 2:10, what does Jesus warn the church in Smyrna about, and what promise does He give them? ([15:57])
3. In Romans 8:35-39, what are some of the things that Paul says cannot separate us from the love of Christ?
4. What does it mean to be "poor in spirit" according to Matthew 5:3, and how does this relate to the church in Smyrna's situation? ([30:55])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus refer to Himself as the "First and the Last" in His message to the church in Smyrna? What significance does this title have for a church facing persecution? ([14:49])
2. How does the story of Polycarp, the pastor of Smyrna, illustrate the message of faithfulness unto death? What can we learn from his example? ([43:55])
3. In Romans 8:35-39, Paul lists various trials and hardships. How do these compare to the trials faced by the church in Smyrna, and what assurance does Paul offer to believers?
4. How does the concept of being "poor in spirit" challenge our understanding of spiritual richness versus material wealth? ([30:55])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant trial or hardship. How did remembering God's faithfulness help you endure that period? ([22:34])
2. The church in Smyrna was materially poor but spiritually rich. How can you shift your focus from material wealth to spiritual richness in your daily life? ([30:02])
3. True persecution involves severe trials, not just minor inconveniences. How can you support and pray for Christians around the world who are facing real persecution today? ([13:12])
4. Being "poor in spirit" means recognizing our complete dependence on Jesus for salvation. In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge your dependence on Jesus more fully? ([35:02])
5. Jesus promises the crown of life to those who remain faithful unto death. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith and remain steadfast in your walk with Christ, even in the face of adversity? ([16:29])
6. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of God's faithfulness in your life, especially during times of uncertainty or suffering? ([22:34])
7. Think of someone in your life who is going through a difficult time. How can you encourage them with the message of God's enduring faithfulness and the hope of eternal life? ([49:07])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Faithfulness in Trials
Description: Remembering God's faithfulness is crucial, especially during trials. Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, assures us that He has always been and will always be faithful. This assurance helps us endure hardships, knowing that we are never alone. The Christians in Smyrna faced severe persecution, yet they were commended for their faithfulness. This teaches us that no matter the trials we face, God's faithfulness endures, and we are called to remain faithful to Him. [22:34]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness in this situation today?
Day 2: Spiritual Richness Over Material Wealth
Description: Jesus declared the persecuted church of Smyrna spiritually rich despite their material poverty. This teaches us that our true wealth lies in our relationship with Christ, not in worldly possessions. The Christians in Smyrna were materially poor but spiritually rich, a testament to their faith and dependence on Jesus. This perspective helps us to value our spiritual growth and relationship with Christ over material wealth. [30:02]
James 2:5 (ESV): "Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?"
Reflection: Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas where you are valuing material wealth over spiritual growth? How can you shift your focus to deepen your relationship with Christ?
Day 3: True Persecution and Faithfulness
Description: The early Christians in Smyrna faced severe persecution, including imprisonment and death. True persecution involves significant trials, not just minor inconveniences. We are called to remain faithful even in the face of extreme adversity, trusting in God's ultimate reward. The story of Polycarp, the pastor of Smyrna, who was martyred for his unwavering faith, serves as a powerful example of remaining steadfast in the face of extreme adversity. [39:12]
2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV): "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
Reflection: Consider a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How did you respond? What steps can you take to remain steadfast in your faith during future trials?
Day 4: Dependence on Jesus for Salvation
Description: Being "poor in spirit" means recognizing our complete dependence on Jesus for salvation. We cannot earn our way to heaven; it is only through Jesus' sacrifice that we are saved. This humility and dependence are essential aspects of our faith. The Christians in Smyrna understood this dependence, which was evident in their unwavering faith despite severe persecution. [35:02]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily life. Are there areas where you are relying on your own strength rather than depending on Jesus? How can you practice greater dependence on Him today?
Day 5: The Crown of Life
Description: Jesus promises the crown of life to those who remain faithful unto death. This reward signifies eternal life and victory over sin and death. It encourages us to persevere in our faith, knowing that our ultimate reward is with Christ in eternity. The Christians in Smyrna were encouraged to remain faithful even unto death, with the promise of the crown of life as their reward. [46:28]
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: Think about the eternal rewards that come from remaining faithful to Christ. How does this perspective help you to endure current challenges and remain steadfast in your faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The mission that He said was the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost. And we are to partner in that same mission. There are an overwhelming majority of people in our community today, in our families today, in our workplaces today. They either have never known Jesus as Lord the Savior, or they're not walking with Him either in a church or on their own. Our goal is to, as a church, to reach those people." [03:06] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Remember God's faithfulness. I loved those songs that we sang together today. There was a clear common thread in there about how good God has been. About His faithfulness. Just always be in there. If you are going through a trial, maybe you're going through a tough time. Maybe your boss is riding you and you don't deserve it. Maybe you have a friend or family member falsely accusing you of stuff. Or maybe someone's trying to divide you and your spouse. Those are real persecutions. Those are real trials and troubles in life." [22:34] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "No matter what you may be going through, God is faithful. He is with you. He desires to bless you and be with you and guide you and lead you. No matter where you are in that walk. Maybe you've lost a loved one. Remember God's faithfulness. Maybe you're in the middle of relationship garbage. Look like there's any hope. Remember God's faithfulness. Whether you're trial, tribulation in this life, remember faithful God has been." [36:03] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity or are persecuted or hungry or destitute or in danger or threatened with death? As the scriptures say, for your sake we are killed. We are being slaughtered by sheep. No. Despite all these things, overwhelming victories are through Christ who loved us. And watch this very clearly. And I am convinced that nothing ever can separate us from God's love." [36:54] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God loves us and promises to be with us no matter what we go through in life. Here's number two. Remember God is faithful. Remember God is faithful. I think about that image again about being on the edge of your seat. You get this letter from John. John says, I saw Jesus and he wanted me to tell you this. In verse 10 it says, don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Again, that would be like, what? The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you." [38:09] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Sometimes we as Christians can be pretty quick to claim being persecuted. I heard a quote this week. How many of you ever heard of the man by the name of Dallas Willard? I have books of his in my office down there. Great book. One of the best books he ever wrote was called Hearing God. He writes a lot about spiritual disciplines and that kind of thing. Anyway, here's a quote. Somebody asked him, do you define maturity in Christ? This was his quote. I think a mature believer is someone who is very difficult to offend." [12:11] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We enjoy a lot of freedom here in America. Yes, we do need to protect those freedoms. Yes, we do not. We need to make sure that they don't erode away from us any more than they already have. But there are literally people this world today who die. Who are martyred. Who are killed because of their faith in Jesus Christ. That's what persecution really is. In this church here, they truly were persecuted. They suffered things way more than political mockery. They risked losing everything." [13:12] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The commendation was. They had remained faithful. The correction was to remember. That they were not poor. But actually rich. And they were told to remain faithful. Revelation 2.10 says. But if you remain faithful. Even when facing death. I will give you the crown of life. don't know if you realize this or not. There are rewards to be had in heaven. And John is kind of pointing toward. What the reward for being faithful. All the way to the end is. And he calls it the crown of life." [45:45] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The question isn't whether or not. We will face crisis. Scriptures are very clear. We will suffer. Trials and tribulations in this life. That's kind of the lie. Behind the prosperity gospel. That if you give enough to Jesus. You won't have any problems. The problem is. That doesn't align with scripture at all. It doesn't. We're not ever. There's no promise anywhere in scripture. That you won't suffer for following him. And in fact. Jesus very clearly said. At different times. You will have trouble. If you follow me." [47:40] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The honest truth is. That's not the message at all. God is faithful. No matter what you find yourself in life. Remember his faithfulness. Remember his promise. That nothing will ever separate you. From the love of God. When Jesus came and died on that cross. The book of Hebrews tells us very clearly. It was once and for all. There's no other sacrifice. Needed ever again. The whole penalty was paid. All you have to do is say. Yes Lord. I'll take that gift. Please. And then trust. And follow him. But remember. God is faithful. He has never. Not been. If I can use the double negative. He has never. Not been. Faithful." [49:07] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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