Smyrna Church - Persecuted
Aug/31/07 04:07 Filed in: Bible Study
Christian
Life
Here is a sermon I spoke on this Wednesday. How are
we to stand up like the Church of Smyrna in the
days of persecution?
Church of Smyrna
Today we are going to take a look at the Church in Smyrna. It is the persecuted Church. Smyrna is located 35 miles north of Ephesus in Asia Minor. The Church of Smyrna represents every persecuted church from every age. It also is symbolic because it represents every persecuted believer. It is interesting to note that the Church in Smyrna had no condemnation as most of the other church’s in Revelation. There was no condemnation for Smyrna because persecution has a way of purifying people. People who weren’t actually living for Jesus wouldn’t claim to be a Christian because they might lose their life. All the remaining people in the church were committed Christians. There were not many hypocrites in those days who were ready to lose their lives for something they didn’t believe in.
The word Smyrna means Myrrh which is only used in the New Testament 3 times and all those times where all associated with Jesus and His life in times of suffering and persecution. In Matthew 2:11 it is given to Jesus by the wise men who were supposed to report to Herod where then new born King was located to kill Him. Then in Mark 15:23 when our Lord and Saviour was hanging on the cross and they tried to give Him wine with myrrh to ease His pain but he REFUSED to drink it. Then lastly we are told in John 19:39 that Nicodemus brought over a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloe to bury Jesus with after the crucifixion when they were placing Him in the tomb.
Myrrh only gives out its fragrant smell when it has been crushed. What happens when we go through difficult times when we are crushed and persecuted it is the time when we grow the most. Just like the crushing of Myrrh gives it fragrance when it is crushed. We can give off our sweet aroma to others when we are squeezed and crushed due to tribulations. God can use us as examples to others.
It is the same with Christ when He was completely crushed the sweet smell of Mercy and Grace was provided for those who repent and believe in Him.
Jesus knows our trouble and pain He who was completely innocent took all the unwarranted persecution and suffering of all of us believing sinners. He knows our pain and suffering.
Let’s open our Bibles and read Revelation 2:8-11
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until 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. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”
John in this passage is not only writing through inspired words but is writing from the direct mouth of Jesus. If you have a red letter Bible this entire passage is in red meaning that Jesus spoke these words directly to John and as importantly to us.
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:
Verse 8 Christ states He is the first and the last. This is an old testament reference to Christ being Yhovah the God who is ever eternal. We see this exact statement “I am the First and the Last’ in several locations but let me show you what it says in Isaiah 44:6 Isaiah writes Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the First and I am the Last; Beside me there is no God. When people come knocking on your door and claim that Jesus is not God you can use this as another location where Jesus makes the claim He is Yhovah and there is no other God before or after Him.
As we continue in verse 8 Christ is expresses sympathy to the suffering Church. He is telling them I was once dead but now I am alive. You may be worrying about the upcoming persecutions and even possible death, but I have been there. He knows exactly what they are going through. He knows exactly what we are going through. We have such a good God.
And lastly in this verse and came to life He reminds us that Christ has ultimate power over death. We know if Christ has not risen from the grave our Faith is meaningless. If place our faith in something false then we are fools. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:19 that we are to be pitied more than anyone if Christ did not raise from the dead. Everything in the Bible points to the culmination of what Christ did on the cross for us. The old testament points forward to the cross, the gospels point at the cross and the rest of the bible points back at the cross.
Verse 9
9 'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Just a quick note if you are reading from the King James or New King James it says I know your works in the beginning of the verse. However this is omitted in the NASB and newer manuscripts.
I Know
Jesus is not saying here I have knowledge about your persecution that you have been suffering through which in the Greek would be gnosis, to know about what is happening. But John uses the word eidos which literally means I know by experience. Who would know better than Christ what persecution and poverty are all about.
Poverty
We know He didn’t even have a place to lay His head Matthew 8:20 says And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Jesus is not living for worldly treasures but His complete focus on His Fathers plan.
Persecution
In John 5:16 when Jesus had healed a man on the sabbath what did the Jews want to do to Him. For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath.
These are just two examples but the new testament is full of accounts of Jesus being persecuted. It is awesome to know that we have a Saviour who can sympathize with our pains because He went through them.
Hebrews 4:15 says, For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Jesus sympathizes with our weakness.
Verse 9 continues but we are Rich! The world has no idea the true richness we have in Christ. It is not about the worldly things but all about or faith in Christ and His promises to us that makes us so rich. We know Jesus made this absolutely clear when He Said in Matthew 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
The second part of verse 9 talks about where the persecution is coming from and that is Satan. Tribulations, persecutions and discouragement against us come from satan who is roaming the earth looking to devour those who he can. We need to remember however, God allows these persecutions and tribulations to mature believers and to make us complete.
Verse 10
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life
Jesus is telling us we are going to be persecuted. It should come as no surprise to believers. It is just a fact of living life on this fallen earth. Paul tells us 2 Timothy 3:12
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Those in Smyrna were facing either prison or possible death. Most of us are not facing either of those persecutions. We are so blessed here in America right now but unfortunately I think the time is changing when the Church is going to be under harsher conditions. Pastor John had mentioned a few weeks ago about how if we talk about homosexuality being a sin that it could be considered a hate crime and he could potentially be persecuted for it. God does not tell the Church of Smyrna to run away from it or hide but He says DO NOT FEAR. No matter what the persecution is God is asking us to stand up for what is right. Even unto death.
If we persevere we will be given the crown of life. We will never again experience all the pain and troubles of this world. What a promise God has planned for us. He has overcome this world and promised us life, light and joy and being able to worship our God forever. We will have eternal life.
Verse 11
who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”
Guess what Guys there is something way worse than our death here on earth. What Jesus is telling the Smyrna church is that the second death is far worse than what can happen to us on earth. The second death is final judgement. Either you are going to spend an eternity in paradise with the creator of all that is good and holy or you will be separated from Him for all eternity in the lake of fire suffering for ever.
John writes in Revelation 21:6-8
6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
Please turn to Daniel
I want to use 3 young men who were willing to take on severe persecution from the world. Most of you know the story but every time I read it I wonder if I was in their position would I have chosen the same choice? This account convicts me and encourages me and I love reading it often.
Lets read from Daniel 3:13-18
There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
They put their trust in God. Whether or not they were going to burned up God is going to deliver them from Nebuchadnezzar’s hand. There lives are put on the line and they are willing to DIE for what is right. The are willing to die in this life knowing that they will not have to face the SECOND DEATH.
I want to get really practical right now. None of us today are being asked to be put to death for our belief in Christ. Our persecutions when you look at an example like this are nothing.
What are we doing in our lives to be faithful to God in the smallest of persecutions. But like James says I should be joyful....why because God uses these things to mature me in Christ. You know what guys? Bottom line is we need to remember this: Christ has not put us on earth to be wealthy, wise, and have a pain free life. But he has put us here to KNOW HIM. We go through persecution so we can know Him better. When do we grow closer to Christ? Through the good times or through the really hard times? We have His promise thought. If we preserver in this life we will not experience the second death. We will have victory!
All Glory, All Honor, All Worship go to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Wes
Galatians 2:20
Church of Smyrna
Today we are going to take a look at the Church in Smyrna. It is the persecuted Church. Smyrna is located 35 miles north of Ephesus in Asia Minor. The Church of Smyrna represents every persecuted church from every age. It also is symbolic because it represents every persecuted believer. It is interesting to note that the Church in Smyrna had no condemnation as most of the other church’s in Revelation. There was no condemnation for Smyrna because persecution has a way of purifying people. People who weren’t actually living for Jesus wouldn’t claim to be a Christian because they might lose their life. All the remaining people in the church were committed Christians. There were not many hypocrites in those days who were ready to lose their lives for something they didn’t believe in.
The word Smyrna means Myrrh which is only used in the New Testament 3 times and all those times where all associated with Jesus and His life in times of suffering and persecution. In Matthew 2:11 it is given to Jesus by the wise men who were supposed to report to Herod where then new born King was located to kill Him. Then in Mark 15:23 when our Lord and Saviour was hanging on the cross and they tried to give Him wine with myrrh to ease His pain but he REFUSED to drink it. Then lastly we are told in John 19:39 that Nicodemus brought over a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloe to bury Jesus with after the crucifixion when they were placing Him in the tomb.
Myrrh only gives out its fragrant smell when it has been crushed. What happens when we go through difficult times when we are crushed and persecuted it is the time when we grow the most. Just like the crushing of Myrrh gives it fragrance when it is crushed. We can give off our sweet aroma to others when we are squeezed and crushed due to tribulations. God can use us as examples to others.
It is the same with Christ when He was completely crushed the sweet smell of Mercy and Grace was provided for those who repent and believe in Him.
Jesus knows our trouble and pain He who was completely innocent took all the unwarranted persecution and suffering of all of us believing sinners. He knows our pain and suffering.
Let’s open our Bibles and read Revelation 2:8-11
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until 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. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”
John in this passage is not only writing through inspired words but is writing from the direct mouth of Jesus. If you have a red letter Bible this entire passage is in red meaning that Jesus spoke these words directly to John and as importantly to us.
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:
Verse 8 Christ states He is the first and the last. This is an old testament reference to Christ being Yhovah the God who is ever eternal. We see this exact statement “I am the First and the Last’ in several locations but let me show you what it says in Isaiah 44:6 Isaiah writes Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the First and I am the Last; Beside me there is no God. When people come knocking on your door and claim that Jesus is not God you can use this as another location where Jesus makes the claim He is Yhovah and there is no other God before or after Him.
As we continue in verse 8 Christ is expresses sympathy to the suffering Church. He is telling them I was once dead but now I am alive. You may be worrying about the upcoming persecutions and even possible death, but I have been there. He knows exactly what they are going through. He knows exactly what we are going through. We have such a good God.
And lastly in this verse and came to life He reminds us that Christ has ultimate power over death. We know if Christ has not risen from the grave our Faith is meaningless. If place our faith in something false then we are fools. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:19 that we are to be pitied more than anyone if Christ did not raise from the dead. Everything in the Bible points to the culmination of what Christ did on the cross for us. The old testament points forward to the cross, the gospels point at the cross and the rest of the bible points back at the cross.
Verse 9
9 'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Just a quick note if you are reading from the King James or New King James it says I know your works in the beginning of the verse. However this is omitted in the NASB and newer manuscripts.
I Know
Jesus is not saying here I have knowledge about your persecution that you have been suffering through which in the Greek would be gnosis, to know about what is happening. But John uses the word eidos which literally means I know by experience. Who would know better than Christ what persecution and poverty are all about.
Poverty
We know He didn’t even have a place to lay His head Matthew 8:20 says And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Jesus is not living for worldly treasures but His complete focus on His Fathers plan.
Persecution
In John 5:16 when Jesus had healed a man on the sabbath what did the Jews want to do to Him. For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath.
These are just two examples but the new testament is full of accounts of Jesus being persecuted. It is awesome to know that we have a Saviour who can sympathize with our pains because He went through them.
Hebrews 4:15 says, For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Jesus sympathizes with our weakness.
Verse 9 continues but we are Rich! The world has no idea the true richness we have in Christ. It is not about the worldly things but all about or faith in Christ and His promises to us that makes us so rich. We know Jesus made this absolutely clear when He Said in Matthew 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
The second part of verse 9 talks about where the persecution is coming from and that is Satan. Tribulations, persecutions and discouragement against us come from satan who is roaming the earth looking to devour those who he can. We need to remember however, God allows these persecutions and tribulations to mature believers and to make us complete.
Verse 10
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life
Jesus is telling us we are going to be persecuted. It should come as no surprise to believers. It is just a fact of living life on this fallen earth. Paul tells us 2 Timothy 3:12
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Those in Smyrna were facing either prison or possible death. Most of us are not facing either of those persecutions. We are so blessed here in America right now but unfortunately I think the time is changing when the Church is going to be under harsher conditions. Pastor John had mentioned a few weeks ago about how if we talk about homosexuality being a sin that it could be considered a hate crime and he could potentially be persecuted for it. God does not tell the Church of Smyrna to run away from it or hide but He says DO NOT FEAR. No matter what the persecution is God is asking us to stand up for what is right. Even unto death.
If we persevere we will be given the crown of life. We will never again experience all the pain and troubles of this world. What a promise God has planned for us. He has overcome this world and promised us life, light and joy and being able to worship our God forever. We will have eternal life.
Verse 11
who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”
Guess what Guys there is something way worse than our death here on earth. What Jesus is telling the Smyrna church is that the second death is far worse than what can happen to us on earth. The second death is final judgement. Either you are going to spend an eternity in paradise with the creator of all that is good and holy or you will be separated from Him for all eternity in the lake of fire suffering for ever.
John writes in Revelation 21:6-8
6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
Please turn to Daniel
I want to use 3 young men who were willing to take on severe persecution from the world. Most of you know the story but every time I read it I wonder if I was in their position would I have chosen the same choice? This account convicts me and encourages me and I love reading it often.
Lets read from Daniel 3:13-18
There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
They put their trust in God. Whether or not they were going to burned up God is going to deliver them from Nebuchadnezzar’s hand. There lives are put on the line and they are willing to DIE for what is right. The are willing to die in this life knowing that they will not have to face the SECOND DEATH.
I want to get really practical right now. None of us today are being asked to be put to death for our belief in Christ. Our persecutions when you look at an example like this are nothing.
What are we doing in our lives to be faithful to God in the smallest of persecutions. But like James says I should be joyful....why because God uses these things to mature me in Christ. You know what guys? Bottom line is we need to remember this: Christ has not put us on earth to be wealthy, wise, and have a pain free life. But he has put us here to KNOW HIM. We go through persecution so we can know Him better. When do we grow closer to Christ? Through the good times or through the really hard times? We have His promise thought. If we preserver in this life we will not experience the second death. We will have victory!
All Glory, All Honor, All Worship go to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Wes
Galatians 2:20