Smyrna

Rev. 2:8-11

The church was commended for 4 things

1. They stood strong under terrible tribulation (thlipsin) = crushing affliction

-They were faithful to Christ despite all the ridicule, mockery, abuse, cursing, loss of property, possible imprisonment and martyrdom.

-Ways of martyrdom

o Prison for life

o Stoned

o Beaten with clubs

o Crucified

o Head cut off

o Tire around the neck

o Ropes tied on arms and legs

o Burned at the stake

o Dipped repeatedly in Hot wax

o Sewn up in animal skins and left for wild dogs.

-“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me” (John 15:20-21).

2.They Stood strong under poverty

-State had to be the first loyalty of a citizen. “Caesar is Lord.”

3.He praised them for being spiritually wealthy

-Based upon your life right now, how rich are you.

Philip. 3:7-8 (GW) These things that I once considered valuable, I now consider worthless for Christ. [8] It’s far more than that! I consider everything else worthless because I’m much better off knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. It’s because of him that I think of everything as worthless. I threw it all away in order to gain Christ [9] and to have a relationship with him.

4.The church stood strong under blasphemy

-Jews of old testament said they were followers of God, but crucified his son. Still believed they were right. Called themselves people of God.

-Read II Timothy 3:1-7

-“Not everyone that says to me Lord Lord will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

-Is he just a God of convenience to us?

5.This church stood strong for one purpose

Rev 2:10 Fear None

-Choose you this day who you will serve.

-“As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.