Faithfulness in Trials: Hope and Riches in Christ
Summary
This morning, we gathered with heavy hearts, aware of the turmoil and conflict in the Middle East, and we began by interceding for God’s protection, wisdom, and the advance of the gospel in places of darkness and danger. We remembered that God’s purposes for Israel and all peoples are not finished, and that as followers of Jesus, we are called to love those whom God loves and to pray for the peace of Christ to reign, even in the most troubled regions.
Turning to the Scriptures, we reflected on the story of John Huss, a man who, centuries ago, stood firm in his faith despite persecution and ultimately gave his life rather than deny the truth of the gospel. His courage and conviction echo the experiences of countless believers throughout history and even today, especially in places where following Jesus means facing real danger, loss, and suffering. We considered how, while many of us may not face overt persecution, we still encounter trials, rejection, and marginalization because of our allegiance to Christ.
Our focus was on Jesus’ letter to the church in Smyrna from Revelation 2. Smyrna was a city marked by wealth and loyalty to Rome, yet the Christians there were poor, ostracized, and persecuted. Jesus’ words to them are both sobering and deeply comforting. He identifies himself as “the first and the last, who was dead and has come to life,” reminding us of his eternal nature and his victory over death. This is not just theological truth—it is the anchor for our hope in suffering. Jesus is always present, never absent, and nothing we endure escapes his notice.
Jesus tells the church in Smyrna, “I know your tribulation and your poverty—but you are rich.” He sees their suffering, their exclusion, and the slander they endure, and he calls them to remain faithful, promising the “crown of life” to those who persevere. The trials they face are not wasted; they are moments of testing that refine and prepare us for eternity. Jesus assures us that the suffering of this world is temporary, but the reward for faithfulness is eternal. He promises that those who overcome will not be hurt by the second death, but will live forever with him.
We are reminded that our true home is not here, and our greatest treasure is Christ himself. The call is to value our relationship with Jesus above comfort, to hold fast in trials, and to trust that the eternal King walks with us every step of the way. May we be found faithful to the end, knowing that Jesus has already overcome.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Sovereignty in Global and Personal Suffering: Even in the midst of global conflict and personal tribulation, God’s purposes are not thwarted. The hearts of leaders and the course of nations are in his hands, and he is able to bring about his good purposes even through events that unsettle and alarm us. Our prayers matter, and our hope is anchored in the God who is sovereign over all history. [31:35]
- The Power of Faithful Witness in Persecution: The story of John Huss and the church in Smyrna reminds us that faithfulness to Christ often comes at great cost. True allegiance to Jesus may mean loss of status, comfort, or even life itself, but such faithfulness is a powerful testimony to the world and to the church. The courage to stand firm is rooted in the conviction that Christ is worth more than anything this world can offer. [36:34]
- Jesus’ Presence and Identity as Our Anchor: Jesus reveals himself as the eternal one—“the first and the last, who was dead and has come to life.” This truth is not abstract; it is the foundation for our endurance. No matter what we face, Jesus is present, unchanging, and victorious over death. Our suffering is never unseen, and we are never alone in our trials. [49:40]
- True Riches Are Found in Christ, Not Circumstances: The believers in Smyrna were materially poor but spiritually rich. Jesus redefines wealth, reminding us that in him, we possess everything we truly need. The world’s measures of success and comfort are fleeting, but the riches of knowing Christ are eternal and cannot be taken away. [01:03:36]
- Suffering as Refinement and the Promise of Eternal Reward: Trials and persecution are not pointless; they are times of testing that refine our faith and prepare us for eternity. Jesus calls us to remain faithful, promising the “crown of life” to those who persevere. The suffering of this world is temporary, but the reward for faithfulness is everlasting life with Christ, free from the second death. [01:13:26]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[31:35] - Praying for the Middle East and God’s Sovereignty
[33:42] - The Story of John Huss: Faithfulness Under Fire
[36:34] - The Cost of Conviction and the Power of Example
[40:26] - Persecution Then and Now: Smyrna and Today’s Church
[47:21] - The City of Smyrna: History and Spiritual Climate
[48:31] - The Meaning of Myrrh and the Crushing of the Church
[49:40] - Jesus’ Self-Revelation: The First and the Last
[51:31] - The Eternal Nature of Christ
[53:34] - Jesus’ Presence in Our Suffering
[55:33] - Earthly Trials Prepare Us for Eternity
[59:00] - The Paradox of the Eternal One Who Died
[01:00:47] - Jesus Knows Our Tribulation, Poverty, and Slander
[01:03:36] - True Riches in Christ
[01:07:04] - The Source of Opposition: Spiritual Warfare
[01:11:48] - Do Not Fear: Resting in Christ’s Character
[01:13:26] - Suffering as Testing and the Crown of Life
[01:16:35] - Smyrna’s Faithfulness: No Rebuke, Only Commendation
[01:17:55] - The Second Death and the Promise of Eternal Life
[01:19:36] - Closing Prayer and Call to Faithfulness
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Faithfulness in Suffering (Revelation 2:8-11)
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### Bible Reading
Revelation 2:8-11 (ESV)
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus’ words to the church in Smyrna, what three specific hardships does he say he knows they are experiencing? ([01:00:47])
2. What does Jesus mean when he says, “but you are rich,” even though the church in Smyrna is described as poor? ([01:03:36])
3. What is the “crown of life” that Jesus promises, and under what condition is it given? ([01:13:26])
4. How does Jesus describe himself at the beginning of this letter, and why might that be significant for a suffering church? ([49:40])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasizes that he is “the first and the last, who died and came to life” when addressing a church facing persecution and even death? ([49:40])
2. The sermon mentioned that the suffering and testing the church faces are not wasted but are used by God to refine and prepare believers for eternity. How does this perspective change the way someone might view their own trials? ([01:13:26])
3. In what ways does the experience of the church in Smyrna challenge our understanding of what it means to be “rich” or “successful” in God’s eyes? ([01:03:36])
4. The sermon highlighted that Jesus is always present and nothing escapes his notice. How might this truth affect the way a believer endures hardship or rejection for their faith? ([53:34])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon began with prayer for the Middle East and a reminder that God is sovereign over global events. How does remembering God’s control over world affairs affect your prayers and your response to news of conflict or suffering? ([31:35])
2. John Huss and the believers in Smyrna were willing to lose everything—even their lives—for the sake of Christ. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to value comfort or approval over faithfulness to Jesus? What would it look like to choose faithfulness in those areas? ([36:34])
3. The believers in Smyrna were materially poor but spiritually rich. In what ways do you measure your own “riches”? Are there ways you need to shift your perspective to value what Jesus values? ([01:03:36])
4. Jesus tells the church not to fear suffering, but to remain faithful. What are some fears or anxieties you face because of your faith? How can you practically “be faithful” in the face of those fears this week? ([01:11:48])
5. The sermon said that suffering and trials are times of testing that refine our faith. Can you think of a time when a difficult season actually strengthened your relationship with God? How did you see God’s presence or purpose in that time? ([01:13:26])
6. The church in Smyrna was commended for their faithfulness and received no rebuke from Jesus. If Jesus wrote a letter to our church or to you personally, what do you think he would commend? What might he challenge? ([01:16:35])
7. The promise to those who overcome is that they “will not be hurt by the second death.” How does the hope of eternal life with Christ shape the way you approach suffering, loss, or rejection now? ([01:17:55])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for faithfulness in trials, for the persecuted church around the world, and for hearts that value Christ above all else.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus is the Eternal One—Always Present with His People
There is great comfort in knowing that Jesus is the first and the last, the eternal One who has no beginning and no end. He is not distant or removed from our lives, but is always present, walking with us through every trial, pain, and disappointment. Even when suffering presses in, Jesus is not surprised or caught off guard; He is the Sovereign Lord who uses every moment to prepare us for eternity with Him. No second of your life is wasted, for the eternal, immortal God is with you in every circumstance, inviting you to trust Him more deeply and to endure with hope. [53:34]
Revelation 2:8
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.’” (ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to remember that Jesus is present and eternal, especially when you feel alone or overwhelmed? How can you invite Him into that place today?
Day 2: Faithfulness in Suffering Leads to the Crown of Life
Jesus calls His people to remain faithful even in the face of suffering, persecution, and testing. The trials we endure are not meaningless; they are times of refining and growth, allowed by God for our maturity. The enemy may intend harm, but God uses these moments to strengthen our faith. Jesus promises that those who persevere and do not give up—even to the point of death—will receive the crown of life, an eternal reward that far surpasses any temporary pain or loss. Our hope is not in present comfort, but in the promise of being with Him forever. [01:14:40]
Revelation 2:10
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (ESV)
Reflection: What is one area where you are tempted to give up or compromise your faith? What would it look like to remain faithful to Jesus in that situation today?
Day 3: True Riches Are Found in Christ, Not in Worldly Comfort
Though the believers in Smyrna were materially poor and excluded from the wealth of their city, Jesus reminds them—and us—that in Him, we are truly rich. The world may measure success and value by possessions, status, or comfort, but Jesus sees beyond these things. If you belong to Christ, you have everything you need; your worth and security are found in Him alone. Let your heart be anchored in the riches of knowing Jesus, rather than in the fleeting comforts or approval of this world. [01:05:29]
Revelation 2:9
“I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” (ESV)
Reflection: Where are you tempted to measure your worth or security by what you have or what others think? How can you remind yourself today that you are rich in Christ?
Day 4: We Are Strangers and Pilgrims—This World Is Not Our Home
As followers of Jesus, we are called to remember that we are strangers and aliens in this world, just passing through on our way to our true home with the Lord. The comforts, achievements, and even the sufferings of this life are temporary compared to the eternal reality that awaits us. Let us not live as if what we see is all there is, but set our hearts on the hope of eternity, abstaining from the desires that wage war against our souls and living as people who belong to another kingdom. [56:47]
1 Peter 2:11
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” (ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can live today with eternity in mind, rather than being consumed by the temporary things of this world?
Day 5: Overcoming Through Christ—Assurance of Eternal Life
Jesus promises that those who overcome—who hold fast to Him and do not give in to fear or compromise—will not be hurt by the second death, but will live forever with Him. The opposition and suffering we face are real, but they are not the end of the story. Our victorious King has conquered sin and death, and He assures us of eternal life in His presence. Let your hope be anchored in this promise, and value your relationship with Jesus above all else, knowing that He is worth every sacrifice and every act of faithfulness. [01:17:55]
Revelation 2:11
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.” (ESV)
Reflection: Is there a fear or pressure that tempts you to compromise your faith? How can you hold on to the hope of eternal life with Jesus as you face it today?
Quotes
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