Faithfulness in Trials: Lessons from Smyrna

 

Summary

In today's exploration of the church at Smyrna from Revelation Chapter 2, we delve into the profound lessons of faithfulness amidst persecution. The church at Smyrna stands out among the seven churches because Jesus has no rebuke for them, only commendation for their steadfastness in the face of trials. This church exemplifies unwavering faith despite tribulation, poverty, and slander. In our current world, where societal and governmental pressures against Christian beliefs are increasing, the example of Smyrna is more relevant than ever. We are called to remain faithful, knowing that the world will not become more accommodating to our faith.

Smyrna, a city known for its wealth and pagan worship, was a challenging environment for Christians. Yet, the believers there were rich in faith, even as they faced economic hardship due to their refusal to participate in idolatrous guilds. Jesus acknowledges their tribulation and poverty, reminding them that true richness is found in Him. He encourages them to be faithful unto death, promising the Crown of Life to those who persevere.

The story of Polycarp, a leader in the church at Smyrna, serves as a powerful illustration of this faithfulness. Despite facing death, Polycarp refused to renounce his faith, embodying the call to be faithful unto death. This narrative challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship and the eternal perspective we must maintain. The promise of resurrection and eternal life with Christ outweighs any temporal suffering we may endure.

As we reflect on the church at Smyrna, we are reminded that our faithfulness is not measured by worldly success but by our commitment to Christ, even in the face of adversity. The call to be faithful is not just for the church at Smyrna but for all believers today. We must decide now to stand firm in our faith, knowing that Jesus is our first and last, our resurrection and hope.

Key Takeaways:

- Faithfulness Amidst Persecution: The church at Smyrna exemplifies unwavering faith in the face of persecution. Their story reminds us that true faith is not dependent on favorable circumstances but on a steadfast commitment to Christ, even when the world is against us. [30:35]

- True Riches in Christ: Despite their poverty, the believers in Smyrna were rich in faith. This challenges us to redefine our understanding of wealth, recognizing that our true riches are found in our relationship with Christ, not in material possessions. [46:57]

- The Cost of Discipleship: The story of Polycarp illustrates the ultimate cost of discipleship—being faithful unto death. This challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for our faith and to hold fast to the promise of eternal life. [52:56]

- The Reality of the Second Death: The sermon emphasizes the reality of the second death, an eternal separation from God. This sobering truth calls us to examine our faith and ensure that we are living in a way that reflects our hope in Christ. [58:24]

- The Call to Stand Firm: In a world that increasingly opposes Christian values, we are called to stand firm in our faith. This requires a decision to be faithful now, not waiting until we face trials, and trusting that Jesus is with us through it all. [01:01:22]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [29:50] - Introduction to Smyrna
- [30:35] - Faithfulness in Persecution
- [31:51] - Jesus' Message to Smyrna
- [33:35] - Historical Context of Smyrna
- [35:37] - Smyrna's Economic and Religious Climate
- [36:52] - Jesus' Encouragement to the Church
- [38:04] - The First and the Last
- [39:49] - Tribulation, Poverty, and Slander
- [41:09] - Understanding Tribulation
- [43:05] - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings
- [46:23] - The Cost of Faithfulness
- [51:24] - Promise of the Crown of Life
- [52:56] - The Story of Polycarp
- [58:24] - The Second Death
- [01:01:22] - The Call to Be Faithful

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faithfulness Amidst Persecution

Bible Reading:
- Revelation 2:8-11

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Observation Questions:

1. What commendation does Jesus give to the church at Smyrna, and why is this significant compared to the other churches mentioned in Revelation? [30:20]

2. How does Jesus describe Himself in His message to the church at Smyrna, and what might this signify for the believers there? [31:51]

3. What specific challenges and forms of persecution does the church at Smyrna face according to the sermon? [39:49]

4. How does the story of Polycarp illustrate the message of faithfulness unto death? [52:56]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might Jesus emphasize His identity as "the first and the last" and "the one who died and came to life" to the church at Smyrna? How does this relate to their situation? [31:51]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church at Smyrna's understanding of wealth differs from the world's view? How does this challenge modern perceptions of success? [46:57]

3. How does the concept of the "second death" serve as both a warning and a promise in the context of the sermon? [58:24]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between suffering and spiritual growth or understanding? [43:05]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition or persecution for your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of the church at Smyrna's example? [30:50]

2. The sermon challenges us to redefine our understanding of wealth. What steps can you take to focus more on spiritual richness rather than material wealth in your daily life? [46:57]

3. Consider the cost of discipleship as illustrated by Polycarp's story. What sacrifices might you be called to make for your faith, and how can you prepare yourself to make them? [52:56]

4. How can you cultivate a mindset that prioritizes faithfulness to Christ over societal acceptance or success? What practical changes can you implement this week? [51:24]

5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith now, rather than waiting for trials to come. What specific actions can you take to strengthen your faith today? [01:01:22]

6. How does the reality of the second death influence your perspective on life and eternity? What changes might you make in your life to align more closely with this understanding? [58:24]

7. In what ways can you support and encourage others in your community who are facing persecution or hardship for their faith? How can your small group be a source of strength and support? [51:09]

Devotional

Day 1: Faithfulness in Adversity
The church at Smyrna serves as a powerful example of unwavering faith amidst persecution. Despite facing severe trials, poverty, and slander, the believers in Smyrna remained steadfast in their commitment to Christ. Their faith was not contingent on favorable circumstances but was rooted in a deep trust in Jesus. In today's world, where societal and governmental pressures against Christian beliefs are increasing, the example of Smyrna is more relevant than ever. We are called to remain faithful, knowing that the world will not become more accommodating to our faith. [30:35]

Revelation 2:10 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: In what specific area of your life are you facing pressure to compromise your faith, and how can you choose to stand firm today?


Day 2: True Wealth in Christ
Despite their material poverty, the believers in Smyrna were rich in faith. This challenges us to redefine our understanding of wealth, recognizing that our true riches are found in our relationship with Christ, not in material possessions. In a city known for its wealth and pagan worship, the Christians in Smyrna chose to prioritize their spiritual wealth over economic gain. Jesus acknowledges their tribulation and poverty, reminding them that true richness is found in Him. [46:57]

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: How can you shift your focus from material wealth to spiritual richness in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate this perspective?


Day 3: The Cost of Discipleship
The story of Polycarp, a leader in the church at Smyrna, illustrates the ultimate cost of discipleship—being faithful unto death. Despite facing death, Polycarp refused to renounce his faith, embodying the call to be faithful unto death. This narrative challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship and the eternal perspective we must maintain. The promise of resurrection and eternal life with Christ outweighs any temporal suffering we may endure. [52:56]

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 for your faith, and how can you prepare your heart to embrace this cost today?


Day 4: The Reality of the Second Death
The sermon emphasizes the reality of the second death, an eternal separation from God. This sobering truth calls us to examine our faith and ensure that we are living in a way that reflects our hope in Christ. The believers in Smyrna were encouraged to be faithful unto death, with the promise of the Crown of Life for those who persevere. This eternal perspective should shape our daily lives and decisions. [58:24]

Revelation 20:14-15 (ESV): "Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

Reflection: How does the reality of the second death influence your daily choices, and what changes can you make to live more intentionally for Christ?


Day 5: Standing Firm in Faith
In a world that increasingly opposes Christian values, we are called to stand firm in our faith. This requires a decision to be faithful now, not waiting until we face trials, and trusting that Jesus is with us through it all. The church at Smyrna exemplifies this steadfastness, and their story encourages us to hold fast to our faith, knowing that Jesus is our first and last, our resurrection and hope. [01:01:22]

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV): "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to stand firm in your faith, and how can you actively demonstrate this commitment today?

Quotes

I know your tribulation and your poverty but you are rich and the slander of those who say 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 10 days you will have tribulation be faithful unto death and I will give you the Crown of Life. [00:31:51]

The church at Smyrna suffers under tribulation poverty and slander now tribulation comes from a word of tribulin it was an agricultural tool and so those people raising crops out there in Smyrna would have understood that tribulin was a big board it had nails or spikes driven through it usually a weight was put on it heavy rock or something like that and an animal pulled it and it was drug over mostly grain wheat or barley or something like that and those spikes coming down pulled the grain off the stalk and separated it all. [00:40:08]

When Jesus says I know your tribulation he is not just saying I see that you're suffering I see that bad things are happening boy I feel bad for you he is saying I know tribulation I know what that feels like in fact we would be better to reverse that statement we do not understand the tribulation of Jesus his suffering was on such a scale we have a hard time relating to it we cannot say to Jesus I know how you feel but Jesus can always say to us I know what you're going through both in terms of an awareness and in an emotional depth. [00:42:57]

The church at Smyrna says we can't do that we can't worship another God we can't participate in those kind of things because we don't believe your God's a real God and we believe there's only one God and his name is Jesus which meant you're not part of the guild you're not getting hired making a living becomes very very hard so when Jesus says I know your poverty he's talking about you took a stand for me and it cost you didn't it when's the last time you took a stand for Jesus that cost you. [00:45:54]

In the world's eyes you may not have the financial wealth that other people do you may not have the business success that somebody else has you may not have all the degrees and a glowing resume but here's what you do have you have a richness in me that goes far beyond anything this world could offer Jesus would tell us this what does it profit us to gain the whole world but lose our soul he says you've chosen to be rich in the things things that matter you may not be rich in the world standard and so often we let the world Define our status. [00:46:57]

Polycarp was the leader of the church at Smyrna because it's at Smyrna he dies he is burned at the stake in 155 ad he was burned at the stake because he refused to worship Caesar as a God we have some details about his death it seems that the Roman official was urging him to deny Christ if you'll deny Jesus I will set you free this is what polycarp answered 80 and six years I have served him and he never did me any injury how then can I blaspheme my king and my savior. [00:52:56]

You threaten me with fire which burns but for an hour and after a little while it's extinguished but you are ignorant of the fire of a coming judgment and the Eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly why do you wait do what you will so they burned him at the state the Jews were some of the most instrumental in bringing wood to lay at his feet to have him burned the Church of Smyrna knew what being faithful to death meant we don't know what being faithful to death means. [00:54:32]

The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death listen there's two deaths your first death is very physical in nature it involves your body your body stops functioning lungs stop breathing heart stops pumping the physical life we know ceases to be and if Jesus terries and doesn't come back very soon I mean he'll come back but just not in our lifespan we would suffer the first death the question really isn't about the first death the question is about the second death what is the second death the second death is an eternity separated from God in a place called hell. [00:57:36]

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection over such the second death has no power but they will be Priests of God and of Christ and they will reign with him for a thousand years he says those who die in Christ will be resurrected and they escape the second death well what is the second death look at verse 14 of that chapter then death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire this is the second death the Lake of Fire so he makes it clear that that's what it is it's what we know as hell it is this eternal separation from God. [00:58:24]

The decision time to be faithful is now not when we're in the moment of a decision going well maybe I could do this or maybe I no it's a point to go does it cost me work it might but I'll be faithful will people talk about me and say awful things about me they might but I'll be faithful will it hurt most likely it'll probably break my heart it'll rip my life apart but I'll be faithful why why would you do that because the world is not my friend and only one died for me and rose again I'll be faithful. [01:01:22]

I cannot lie to you there is a second death there is a very real place called hell your soul is eternal in nature and when the first death comes your soul will spend eternity in one of two places eternal life is forever in God's presence in a beautiful place called Heaven the second death is in the Lake of Fire separated from God for all eternity that is a decision every individual must make and when you make that that is not your fire insurance policy that is not you saying well I'll say yes to Jesus so that when I die I don't have to go to hell I get to go to heaven but right now I'll live however I want no that's a decision we make realizing we are going to face tribulation poverty with slander we may cost our life but it is worth it because we are going to follow Jesus and whatever it cost me I will pay it because that's what I believe. [01:02:56]

When the world comes with the pressure it will come there's something in us that sounds a whole lot like polycarp Jesus has been so good to me how could I deny him now if you're confused let me be clear I am a Christian and you're going to do what you're going to do but that doesn't mean that I have to compromise. [01:04:54]

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Transcript
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