SMYRNA

Rev 2: 8-11

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. 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. 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. 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.’

Smyrna

1. Trade City

2. Smyrna Was A Beautiful City

“The Glory Of Asia”

3. Smyrna Was A Free City

Smyrna’s claims

1. The First In Beauty

2. First In Caesar Worship

3. Birthplace of Homer

“Once a year the Roman citizen must burn a pinch of incense on the altar to the

godhead of Caesar; and, having done so, he was given a certificate to guarantee that he had performed his religious duty.”- Letters To The Seven Churches, Barclay

4. Smyrna Had A Large Jewish Population

Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna

“Eighty and six years have I served Christ, and He has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”

“It is well, I fear not the fire that burns for a season, and after a while is quenched.”

“I thank Thee that Thou hast graciously thought me worthy of this day and of this hour, that I may receive a portion in the number of martyrs, in the cup of Thy Christ.”

And so for the church of Smyrna, there was a pressure of Caesar Worship and Jewish Persecution.God Is In Control

1. Jesus Defeated Death (vs. 8)

I Cor 15:55-57

“O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Jesus Owns It All (vs. 9)

Eph 2:4-7

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

3. Jesus Controls The Anointing. (Vs. 9)

“The most treasured possession or position to experience is to abide in the

anointing of the Holy Spirit.”” - Pastor Brandon

*The Greek verb “chrió” primarily means “to anoint.” In the New Testament, it is used in a ceremonial or religious context, signifying the act of consecrating someone or something by applying oil. This anointing symbolizes being set apart for a special purpose or mission, often associated with divine appointment or empowerment. *

Jesus knows…

1. Tribulation And Persecution (vs. 9)

** Hebrews 10:34**

34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.

2. Slander (vs. 9)

Is the pressure I am under self-imposed, worldly inflicted, or God commanded?

“Self-imposed pressure will weigh you down, worldly inflicted pressure will restrain and defeat you, God commanded pressure will lift you.”” - Pastor Brandon

Matthew 11: 28-30

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

IS 40:31

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint.

Jesus says…

1. Do Not Fear (vs. 10)

2 Tim 1:7

7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2. Be Faithful (vs. 10)

*I Cor 15:57-58*

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

3. I Will Give You The Crown Of Life (vs. 11)