Are you a God pleaser more than a people pleaser? What two instructions did Jesus give them concerning the upcoming tribulation? 7. What did the future hold for the church at Smyrna and what would be the purpose? At one end of its most famous street, the 'Street of Gold,' was the temple of Cybele, and at the other the temple of Zeus. Undoubtedly, the church of Smyrna could have justified any syncretistic actions to preserve their livelihood and lives by proof texted scripture or by claiming that their compromise was for the greater good of tolerance, love, and grace. You are too good. So, they were persecuted for that. Be hopeful. What does He mean when he refers to their being rich in the midst of poverty? He does not want you to know that Jesus wins and that he loses. I had a conversation Sunday morning before church with a good friend here. If so, how is that evident in your life? Revelation 2:8-11 - The Church in Smyrna - Ministrymaker It was probably only 15 minutes, but it seemed like hours. He wants to stop us. . They had no heart for God. They were dirt poor. Some can endure physical sufferings under tribulation and poverty, yet few can . That is physical death. She would totally ignore me. 6. The Church of Smyrna - Church Leadership Anytime there is a sense of spiritual awakening or spiritual revival or the sense of the spirit of God moving in lives I will tell you, it makes Satan scream. Kingdom 103: Trusting in Mankind While Believing in God's Word? He is talking about that kind of pressure that comes from when you take a heavy rock and you put it on someones chest and you press down on their chest with all your force so that it suffocates the person. Others were taken to the Coliseum and fed to angry, hungry lions. And finally, Smyrna was the only congregation besides Philadelphia that did not receive admonishment from Jesus. I sat outside and prayed. When we go through the troubles of life, we can either take shelter in Him or seek to go it alone in our fears and pride. However, the church was wealthy, not in the temporal things that had brought their city fame. Others roasted alive. That night my roommate came in and I was telling Tina about what had happened and my plan for the next day, and how I was going to really get her. Jesus has no censure for the church What would Jesus say to such a church? Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. She is so right. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. My challenge is that we need to be on guard. Oh, I do not think she should be doing that or I do not think he should be. Be careful. What was Jesus message to the church in Laodicea in Revelation. For instance, telling them that they were practicing cannibalism because they were partaking of the Lords Supper, eating of the body of Christ, drinking His blood. You are so dependent on this myth and you are crazy. Ask God to strengthen your faith so that you can endure the suffering in your own life more victoriously. . This is the letter to the second church: the church of Smyrna. Yet, He is there, guiding us with a beacon that says. But, you know, they heard every word. I went into her office and I said you know I just wanted to ask you a question. Each of the letters to the churches is directly from Jesus and includes a piece of the description about Jesus from Revelation 1. Jesus gives them two instructions in verse 10 as to how to handle this impending suffering. What will I do about it? You know that it is spiritual warfare where you get discouraged by things you hear said. Who is it that overcomes the world? ATTOM AVM; Home Equity Data . Life is hard. Why is Smyrna being praised? We would always leave and say, you know I want that kind of relationship with God! You do not need to fear or worry about the future! How would Jesus words in Luke 12:4-7 encourage someone about to suffer for his faith? THE CHURCH OF SYMRNA(THE PERSECUTED CHURCH) - Pastor J.T Awe I lived in mainland China for four years and during those four years I studied the Chinese language of Mandarin. Tina said, you know Crickett, or at that time I was Janene. He is like a lion prowling around looking for someone he could use. Today, it is known as Izmir, Turkey. They already were in the midst of tribulation (v. 9) and Jesus had no rebuke or condemnation for them. It was almost as if the city was trying to starve them out. But instead, through their surrendered lives, the Holy Spirit empowered the Smyrnaean Christians to choose spiritual wealth over worldly gain. In Revelation, the Apostle John records Jesuss address to seven churches in Asia Minor. Jesus wanted to encourage them to stand strong, even if it meant physical death. 9. The challenge for us is to suffer well. Sermon on Revelation 2:8-11 - The Church Of Smyrna - Study and Obey The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. The Second Coming of JesusWho Are the 144,000 in Revelation?Who Are Gog and Magog in the Bible?What Is the Apollyon?Is the Apocalypse Mentioned in the Bible?Signs of the End Times and the Rapture. 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. What is in the way of these precepts affecting me? If we are going to suffer well, the first thing we have to remember is that Jesus Christ is the ultimate victor. My exhortation to you on this one is to be ready, to be ready for the suffering that will come into your life. I want to begin by asking you a question. I am so thankful. But, in the process, when I am in the middle of it, it is hard to find joy in why He has me there. What harm can it do? If they kill you, they just ended your physical life. Smyrna was named for the word myrrh, an aromatic gum resin that is bitter to the taste but sweet to the smell. (NASB). As much as I want to believe that, I do not believe the Bible backs that up. The third thing we need to remember is that the ultimate enemy is Satan. Facing Life Successfully and Effectively Pt 1, Facing Life Successfully and Effectively Pt 2, The Power of Motive and Faith in God's Word, Your Faith in Jesus the Christ: the Work of God, Your Faith in Jesus the Christ: the Work of God Pt 2, The Challenges of Your Faith In God's Written Word, God Created Marriage as a Foundational Institution, Populating the Earth Wasn't the Primary Purpose of Marriage, Citizenship Pt 2--Becoming a Kingdom Citizen, Citizenship Pt 3-The Concept of Dual Citizenship, Citizenship Pt 4: The Invisible Citizenship, The Kingdom Versus the Government of Man Pt 2, The Birth of the Kingdom, The Spirit of Dominion, Ruling the Visible World From the Invisible Realm, We Were Born to Rule, But Not Over Each Other, Jesus' Assignment Was to Restore the Kingdom, The Kingdom--Preached In Word, Demonstrated In Power, Understanding Principles of Kingdom Culture, Understanding the Kingdom Concept of Culture Pt 1, Understanding the Kingdom Concept of Culture Pt 2, Understanding the Kingdom Concept of Culture Pt 3, Culture and Its Many Manifestations Part 1, Culture and Its Many Manifestations Part 2, Culture and Its Many Manifestations Part 3, Culture and Its Many Manifestations Part 4, The Kingdom: Social and Economic Differences, Kingdom Culture vs The Culture of Christianity, Change Is Inevitable When Obeying the King's Word, Faith in the Written Word and Hardship Pt 1, Faith In the Written Word and Hardship Pt 2, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 1, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 2, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 3, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 4, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 5, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 6, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 7, The Principles for the Nature of Your Purpose, The Lord Provides for His Purpose, Not for Our Plans Pt1, The Lord Provides for His Purpose, Not for Our Plans Pt 2, It's Imperative That One Knows Their Purpose, Your Purpose is Being Accomplished Through Christ. What is your Motivation for Moving Forward? Today, we look at the letter to the church at Smyrna, a church known for suffering. All rights reserved. Scripture does not give us any information concerning the founding of this church, nor is it mentioned in the book of Acts. What additional insight do these verses give concerning the crown of life? Thank you for being that ultimate victor who won victory over death so we might have life eternal. She read, He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. (NIV). 4. That is the kind of pressure, a suffocating pressure that they are under. in Christian Education with a focus on Women's Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. 1. I need strength. She started and began by reading from Isaiah 53 about Jesus the suffering servant. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Presumably, this church was founded during Pauls ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10).1, The Greek word translated Smyrna was used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) to translate the Hebrew word for myrrh, a resinous substance used as a perfume for the living (Matthew 2:11) and the dead (John 19:39). 5 Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, June 25. She went on and on and on and I was dumbfounded. In verse 9 when He says, I know your tribulations. That word used here for tribulation literally means pressure. The Bible notes that slanderous accusations by Jews against Christians had led to Christian persecution by Roman authorities (Acts 14:2, 19: Acts 17:13). By surrendering our lives to our born-again existence, we join our Smyrnaean brethren as overcomers who wont be harmed in the second death, which is the final judgment of the wicked (Revelation 20:6, 20:14, 21:8) Jesus Christ paid for our sin on the cross at Calvary. 2. Oh, youre too good for us. So I kept my guard there, but I said, have I done something? She told me to shut the door. 975 Church St Se, Smyrna, GA 30080 Property Report | ATTOM California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Verses 9 and 10 also go on to tell us a third thing we need to remember in order to suffer well. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. I Peter 4:19 instructs those who suffer according to the will of God to entrust their souls to a faithful creator in doing what is right. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Lets pray. I thought, okay we can pray about this. Most scholars agree that the name Smyrna was a reference to the myrrh, which was the chief export of the area. Throughout the history of the Church the more that the Church has been persecuted the greater its purity and strength. So, there will be attacks on us to not study this Word, to not do this. You are struggling. In the center of the ancient city, Mount Pagos (modern name: Kadifekale) stood 500 ft. high and was encircled by a garland of architecturally impressive buildings and templeswhich was probably why the hill was known as The Crown of Smyrna.. What does it mean to be faithful until death? from A.D. c. 100-316; Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17), 'where Satan dwells' is suggestive of the church mixing with the world . How does this ruin a church? Into Thy Word Ministries. They were a synagogue of Satan because they were attacking the church. Also, death is mentioned three times in these four verses. Allow it to deepen your relationship with Christ, not push you away from Him. In fact, transactions in the world have never fruits and to lose belly been completely equal. 2. 1. Be thankful that He did this that He died for us. We need to look beyond the pain and look for that purpose that He wants to accomplish in our life. It is not for you to carry around and have them saying, wow, look at my crown! Your crown is a little small there. Look how many I have. These crowns are not for the purpose of making you feel good about your life on this earth because we are told in Revelation 4:10 that we will go before the throne of God and we will go on our knees and our faces before Him and we will cast our crowns at his feet. We Were Created to Inhabit This Earth Part 1, We Were Created to Inhabit This Earth Part 2, Kingdom 102: The Kingdom of God is Relevant, Kingdom 102: Knowing How to Apply the Kingdom Concept, Kingdom 103: He Needs No Assistance in Keeping His Promise, Kingdom 103: Seven Last Days Churches and Their Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Reconsidering the End Times, Kingdom 104: Misrepresenting the Kingdom Gospel. 19:39). Fruits And Vegetables To Lose Belly Fat - The largest student-run Pt 1, Kingdom 104: What Profit Has Righteousness in the Kingdom? Some suffered the Roman crucifixion, a horrible way to die. Ironically, our sufferings are far less of a venture and sentence than our poor choices. What are the 7 Churches in Revelations? Bible Meaning Explained Judaism Second, in a lesson especially relevant for todays Western Christians, Jesus praised the church at Smyrna for choosing poverty over compromise. 3. Smyrna -- The Suffering Church | Bible.org Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Kingdom 103: The Governor is Meant For All, Kingdom 103: The Holy Spirit is Your Guide and Teacher, Kingdom 103: Your Legacy and the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: The Misrepresentation of the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: Earthly Holidays Misrepresent the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: His Name is All Authority and Power, Kingdom 104: His Law, the Source of All His Principles and Truth, Kingdom 104: Failing to Know Your Kingdom Assignment Brings Boredom, Kingdom 104: The Purpose of the Sabbath--Rest and Teach, Kingdom 104: The Sabbath or Seventh Day God's Way, Kingdom 104: The Sabbath or Seventh Day God's Way Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Living in the Kingdom Culture, Kingdom 104: Your Eternal Foundation Will Sustain You, Kingdom 104: The Diluting of the Kingdom Message, Kingdom 104: Being Deceived From Your True Identity Pt 1, Kingdom 104: Being Deceived From Your True Identity Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Being Deceived Without a Solid Foundation, Kingdom 104: What Profit Has Righteousness in the Kingdom? The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. I had not ever said anything about the Lord to her. 2 Corinthians 4:4, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=43133&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=43139&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=43138&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=43137&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0. The Church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) That is a way of worshipping Him, showing honor to Him. Pt 2, The Unchanging Individual and the Unshakable Kingdom, In God's Kingdom, We Are Sons and Daughters, Not Servants, The Returning of the King and His Kingdom, The Birth of the Kingdom--Dominion Authority, The Experience of Living Under a Lord--Part 1, The Experience of Living Under a Lord--Part 2, The Lord's Motivation for His Divine Creation, God's Priority and Assignment for Mankind, It is Just What it is, the Good News of the Kingdom Pt 1, It is Just What it is, the Good News of the Kingdom Pt 2, Kings, Prophets--All Are Representatives of the Kingdom, Keys to the Kingdom, Understanding Its Concept, The Bible is the Constitution of God's Kingdom, Kingdom Perspective: The Eternal Message Pt 2, Christianity, a Religion, vs Kingdom Government, The Government of Man Vs the Kingdom of God Pt 1, The Government of Man Vs the Kingdom of God Pt 2, The Government of Man Vs the Kingdom of God Pt 3, Condemning is Not Our Responsibility Pt 2, Diluting the Kingdom Message While Being Deceived, Believers Who Are Blinded, Distracted and Deceived, Believers Who Are Blinded, Distracted and Deceived Pt 2, He Rules and Reigns: Citizenship in Kingdom Government, Only One Culture, One Mindset and One Spirit, The World Loves its Own, But We Belong to Him, Your Eternal Future Hinges on His Promise, Mankind's Refusal to Answer to His Creator, Kingdom 101: The Spirit of Dominion Part 1, Kingdom 101: The Spirit of Dominion Pt 2, Kingdom 101: Disobedience Is an Act of Treason, Kingdom 101: The Lord God Promised a Kingdom, Kingdom 101: His Intent of the Original Kingdom, Kingdom 101: We Are Government Citizens, Not Religious Members, Kingdom 101: Your Relationship or Your Religion, Kingdom 101: He Rules the Visible World From the Invisible Realm, Kingdom 101: He is the King of the Invisible and Visible Worlds, Kingdom 101: You--Mankind--Were Created to Rule, Kingdom 101: The Lord God's Contract with Man, Kingdom 101: Born to Rule, Not to be Ruled or Controlled, Kingdom 101: Man Shall Manage Earth, It's the King's Law, Kingdom 101: Man Shall Manage Earth, It's the King's Law Pt 2, Kingdom 101: The Lord God Requires a Body, Kingdom 101: Building a Kingdom Mentality, Kingdom 101: New Birth, But Not Converted, Kingdom 101: A Complete Change of Mentality, Kingdom 101: Making Preparations for the King, Kingdom 101: Making Preparation for the King Pt 2, Kingdom 101: Making Preparation for the King Pt 3, Kingdom 101: The Essence of a Kingdom and Its King, Kingdom 102: Honoring His Son in the Kingdom, Kingdom 102: A Kingdom Focus on the Beatitudes, Kingdom 102: Staying Focused on His Word in Time of Conflict, Kingdom 102: Setting Priorities While Living in Two Kingdoms, Kingdom 102: Characteristic of Kingdom Culture, Kingdom 102: Citizens Represent Their Kingdom and Culture, Kingdom 102: Kingdom Government Principles, Kingdom 102: The Kingdom Government and the Republic, Kingdom 102: Carrying Out the King's Policies and Principles, Kingdom 102: Fusing a Kingdom With a Democracy, Kingdom 102: Information: Knowledge From the King, Kingdom 102: Information--Knowledge From the King Pt 2, Kingdom 102: Knowledge is Very Important, Kingdom 102: Seek the Kingdom, Encourage One Another, Kingdom 102: Seek the Kingdom, A Divine Command. The term may also refer to anyone who sacrifices their life or something of great value for the sake of principle. I will tell you that I do not want to stand there before the throne of God empty-handed. How did you handle the situation? God is very much aware of all that is going on in your life and is not surprised by anything. Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8 tells us that the second death is the lake of fire and brimstone. The fourth thing we need to remember is that the ultimate solution is trust. 5. Appreciation for this transcription work goes to Marilyn Fine. Do you fear God more than people? We cannot do that as a church of Satan! He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. My entire senior year was spent at the hospital as we would rotate through labs. I have felt it in my life whether it is just things that people say right before I get ready to teach or whether it is something that happens in preparation. This is a church under persecution yet denounced every false pretension of Jews who were (Synagogue of Satan) abode of Satan. The application is that a dead or dying church with faithful, Christ-empowered people can be resurrected. She hated Christians. After college (the first time), Crickett was on staff with C More. I think it is a way to deal with stress in the operating room. There was no rebuke for this church and because they were faithful until death, their candlestick has never been removed. These actions would have given the believers could a measure of favor with the government and secured a much easier life. It would be fine if they just left me alone. John is grabbing their attention by reminding them (and us) who Christ is and what He has done. How Are the End Times Described in 2 Timothy? You know, none of us will probably be persecuted for our faith any worse than that. Second death. The ultimate enemy is Satan and that is pointed out in these verses. 1.2 Name. So, I would go to these dinners hating it because all they would do was just drink and drink. In Jesus name, amen. The first way they are suffering is through pressure. As I said in your study this week that fear and trust are opposites. Even though He died, He conquered death and He rose again. There are two words used in the New Testament for poverty and one just kind of means poor. In 1 Peter 4:12-19, what are some lessons for life concerning suffering? Smyrna, an ancient city now surrounded by the modern city of Izmir, was originally established around 1000 BC by Aeolian Greek settlers in "Old Smyrna" (Bayrakl Hy) on a small peninsula jutting out from Asia Minor into the Aegean Sea, similar to Old Tyre. Perhaps there are people in the church who are just trying to make life hard for you, but they are not really your enemy. c. Slanderings. She went on and on and on about my faith in Jesus Christ. Their businesses were shut down. Among them, 347 clergymen of the Smyrna region and Metropolitan of Smyrna Chrysostomos were tortured and martyred. But, we are going to experience suffering on this earth without doubt. The Seven Churches of Revelation: Why They | Zondervan Academic I had just started walking with the Lord that year before and I had gone on a beach project with Campus Crusade that summer. Throughout history, Smyrna has suffered its fair share of hardship. I was going in the next morning and I was going to tell this lady that she was going to hell and I was going to celebrate that she was going. Most American Christians today will not be called to die a martyrs death. He looks for people who oh, lets see, boy, shes always critical. She is always a gossip. She is always kind of stirring up the pot about one of the leaders saying I do not like the way he is doing this or I do not think they should. Be careful, because he is looking for someone he can just grab and go, yeah, build on that, talk that up in your church, yeah, talk about that leader. Smyrna was a hotbed for pagan worship. Revelation 2:11a - "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.". All rights reserved. Just say Caesar is lord to save your life. And he would not do it. (1 Corinthians 15:50-57). Smyrna was a church where people's agendas were in opposition to Christ's. They had sufferings to overcome and learn from, but most chose to run the course their way and tarnish His Way. Specific Messages to 7 Churches of Revelation Some of these seven churches kept closer to the gospel than others. The problem was that it bugged them that I did not drink. From the message to Smyrna, Christians today can glean several important truths. John was then to send the divine dictation to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. (Revelation 1:11). Is there anything in your life that is causing you to be fearful? It can be seen that Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7), though a local church in the apostle's day, is typical of the first century as a whole; Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) characterizes the church under persecution, e.g. The name of Smyrna was equated with myrrh. The devil may harm their physical body, but he can not do them any spiritual harm. If someone slanders you, what do you do? He knows what you are feeling. Well, Smyrna lay 40 miles almost due north of Ephesus. Kingdom 103: On What Foundation Does Your Faith Stand? He knows exactly what you are going through. He knows the suffering that you are going through. Be thou our vision. Then, they would want to pray with us. But, maybe there are some of you who are in a very difficult season of life. As we look at this letter to Smyrna, this letter gives us insight into suffering. So, I opened the door and walked through the lab. I believe it exists. It may seem like they are the enemy. What was Jesus message to the church in Smyrna in Revelation? What was Jesus message to the church in Philadelphia in Revelation? Hope-Full: Revelation 2:1-7. I cannot remember all the things said, but I do remember pieces of it that I was a weak little wimp who cannot stand on your own two feet. So with that context in mind, let's take a look at Revelation 2: 8-11. Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Christianity Misrepresents the Kingdom Pt 1, Kingdom 104: Christianity Misrepresents the Kingdom Pt 2, Kingdom 104: A Focused Representative of the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: Where Are the Masculine-Thinking Men? Smyrna was a seaport city about 35 miles north of Ephesus. I came back that fall and I was so on fire for the Lord. May I be accepted this day before you as an acceptable sacrifice. They lit the fire, but strangely enough, the wind blew the fire away from his body so it would not touch him. They are for us to give back to Him. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Before they lit the fire, he prayed, Oh Lord, almighty God, I thank you for counting me worthy of sharing the cup of Christ among the number of your martyrs. Rest in His presence. Rev. Why do we do it?
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