The Message to Smyrna
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The Message to Smyrna
1. You Are Not Alone in Your Struggle
Jesus begins his message to the church in Smyrna by identifying himself as "the first and the last, who died and came to life." This echoes the divine claim in Isaiah 44:6 and draws from Revelation 1:17-18, reminding the church that Jesus is eternal and victorious over death.
He says to them, "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." This was a church facing external pressures—poverty due to exclusion from trade guilds, opposition from society, and false accusations by local Jews who were aligned with Roman authorities.
Despite their earthly lack, Jesus says they are rich. Their spiritual wealth is immense because of their faithfulness, even as their refusal to worship Roman emperors or participate in idolatrous practices brought them hardship. Jesus knows their suffering firsthand, having endured persecution himself, and reassures them: "I know."
Evaluating Our Own Faithfulness
We must ask ourselves: Do we ever shrink back from bold faith because of fear of what it might cost us? Are we trading eternal impact for temporary comfort, favor, or wealth? The believers in Smyrna did not. Their faithfulness amid trials is a call to courage for all who follow Christ.
2. You Need Not Fear What Is Ahead
Jesus says, "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." This is not a warning of possible suffering, but a declaration that suffering will come.
The ten days may symbolize a defined, limited period under God's control. Whether literal or symbolic, the key point is that the suffering has a boundary, and God oversees it. The purpose is testing, refining, and awakening his people.
Standing in Courage
Suffering sharpens faith. It strips away distractions and forces us to depend more deeply on God. Jesus reminds us not to fear because he is sovereign over suffering. Even if persecution escalates in our culture, we can trust that God remains in control.
Pray for your own courage. Pray for boldness to live out your faith and for the global church, where believers are imprisoned and martyred even today. Thirteen people are killed for their faith daily around the world. They are not forgotten, and their testimony brings others to Christ.
Trusting God with Our Children
Do not fear for your children or grandchildren. God holds them just as he holds you. Your engineering and fear cannot secure them better than Jesus can. Prepare them in faith, and trust God's care for them, even as culture drifts from biblical truth.
3. You Will Overcome Through Faithfulness
Jesus gives a clear call: "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." The message ends with an encouragement and a reward:
Call to action: Be faithful to the end, regardless of the cost.
Promise: The crown of life awaits. You will not be hurt by the second death (eternal separation from God).
The Example of Polycarp
Polycarp, a disciple of the Apostle John and bishop of Smyrna, is a striking example. When told to denounce Christ or face death, he refused:
"Eighty-six years have I served him, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?"
Threatened with animals and fire, Polycarp stood firm. He was eventually martyred, becoming the first known post-biblical Christian martyr. His courage flowed from a deep understanding of Christ's worth.
The Crown of Life
Life isn’t found in possessions, power, or comfort. It’s found in knowing Christ and living faithfully for him. Persecution may test us, but it also gives us the chance to demonstrate that Jesus is enough.
Will you live in such a way that, when Jesus sees you, he finds faith like that of the believers in Smyrna? Stand strong, speak boldly, and pursue the crown of life.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Revelation
Sermon Title: The Message to Smyrna
Date: Feb 11, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Revelation 2:8–11
Revelation 1:17–18
Isaiah 44:6
2 Timothy 3:12
Revelation 3:17
Matthew 10:28
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