Revelation: The Message To The Church-2

Subject - The Church at Smyrna
By Rick Welborne 

Revelation 2:8-11 (NKJV) 
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." '
–To the angel, messenger, or pastor...God has chosen to speak to pastors and it is the responsibility of pastors to speak to the people...in a church setting.
–God also speaks to any individual who is willing to seek His face and hear His voice.
–The pastor’s responsibility is to preach whatever God speaks to Him and to do it un -apologetically and with authority...fearing God more than people.
–To the church in Smyrna...a beautiful city located on the shores of the Aegean Sea...it was only beautiful by its outward appearance...spiritually one of the darkest cities in Asia Minor
–Idols lined the streets of the city and smoke continually rose above from the many altars where sacrifices were made to pagan gods.
–The huge stadium constructed on the slopes of Mount Pagos was the site of multiple massacre of believers dying for their faith. Gladiators and lions brought entertainment.
–Salacious (lewd and obscene) acts were done at the Theater of Smyrna (possibly the largest theater in Asia Minor).
–Because it was a port city...many sailors, solders, and merchants were there seeking out the services of prostitutes (one of their thriving industries). Many bathhouses.
–Many of the Jews in Smyrna stirred up the government against the Christians leading to mass riots with believers being viciously killed.
–Because of this many of the Christians decided to withdraw from being a part of the social aspects of the city which caused more opposition...what are they doing in secret?
–Smyrna was known to be a city where the most severe persecution happened during the First Century in Asia Minor.
–There were many pagan cults in the city but none as bad as Cybele...they would have a ritual called the Day of Blood.
–Cybele’s priest and worshipers would slash themselves and mutilate their bodies splashing their blood on the altars, walls, and floors of the temple dedicated to their goddess.
–There was loud music that accompanied their worship designed to get the people into a trance like state until it reached its peak where many would cut themselves severely.
–As horrible as this sounds many would later testify that during the Day of Blood they would experience holy encounters with their goddess. How Satan deceives.
–You would think that with all this slaughter of believers, idolatry, and just pure evil that the Christians would be taking the next boat out of the city but they stayed.
–The church in Smyrna although it was a small congregation was strong and it remained steadfast despite horrendous and unrelenting persecution. So what’s our problem?
–With this small overview of Smyrna let’s look at our text and see what Jesus was saying to them and to us:
1. To the pastor and to the church at Smyrna Jesus says I am the resurrection and the life!
Revelation 2:8 (NKJV) 
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:
–In the words "the First and the Last" Jesus does not depict Himself merely as a beginning..He is the beginning...He is not just the ending...He is the end.
–The wonderful message here is that Jesus is the beginning, the conclusion, and everything in between. He is everything from A-Z. He is the Alpha and the Omega.
–Therefore He knows the past, the present, and the future...a message that would have meant so much to the believers at Smyrna.
–Nothing happens to them that Jesus is not keenly aware of "I know" the persecution you face. America (without a revival) is headed on a fast track to major persecution.
–Sometimes we wonder if Jesus sees or if He really cares...the church at Smyrna must have wondered could He relate to them. Persecuted by those who say they are Jews...who say!
–These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:this church was constantly facing persecution and death...severe for over two hundred years.
–Jesus knows how to relate to us in crisis...How guys...I was dead...I too was killed by those who thought they were doing God a favor. He understood their situation completely.
–Jesus told them I died physically as many of you are doing here in Smyrna:
Philippians 2:7-8 (NKJV) 
7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
–I was dead but now I am alive...I have experienced the resurrection power of God and you will too...keep your faith even in the face of death.
Romans 8:11 (NKJV) 
11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
–What words of comfort from the Master to those who were facing death daily.
John 11:25-26 (NKJV) 
25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
Albert Barnes speaking about Rev.2:8 says: As He (Christ) had Himself triumphed over death in all its forms, and was now alive forever, it was appropriate that He should promise to His true friends the same protection from the second death. He Who was wholly beyond the reach of death could give the assurance that they who put their trust in Him should come off victorious.
–Many times I wonder if believers really grasp the resurrection and the life we have in Christ...we all hurt when we lose loved ones but we must keep in mind it is temporary!
2. To the pastor and to the church at Symrna Jesus says I know what you are doing, I know what you are going through, and I know what you need.
Revelation 2:9 (NKJV) 
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.
–I know...I see...Jesus says I know and I see because I am the One Who is walking among the seven candlesticks (7 churches)...they may not see Him but He sees them...and us!
–Jesus goes on and says...I know your works...I know specific details about what you are doing or what you are not doing.
–Satan has a way of convincing us to believe that even though Jesus knows our personal actions or even sin...He overlooks it because of the unique circumstances we are in.
–God knows I am lonely, God wants me to be happy, God knows I have been faithful all these years so now He understands my heart, God knows my heart...Yes, He does!
　
–This key: Jesus will never give you a pass to sin or to do anything that is contrary to His Word. Just because something feels good or feels right does not make it right!
–Jesus says I know...I see your tribulation...I see what you are going thru...Smyrna was going thru unique persecution and abuse...similar to Christians in the Middle East with Isis.
–This tribulation is the same word Paul used over and over again as he faced persecution...
Being beaten, stoned, left for dead, chained, imprisoned...Jesus sees all that.
–Jesus sees your situation...your marriage, your kids, your broken dysfunctional family, your job situation, your broken heart, He sees all of it and He loves you!
Luke 4:18 (NKJV) 
18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 
–Jesus goes on to say I see your poverty...not just poor...but deprived of basic needs. Much of their poverty was brought on them because of their choice to serve Christ.
–Smyrna was such a pagan and social driven city that they had their own clubs and worker guilds...much of which was built around being extremely worldly...drinking and lust.
–Back then, Christians could not be part of the party world and mess around sexually but we have evolved to the place that it is OK...we think! We need the attitude Moses had:
Hebrews 11:24-26 (NKJV) 
24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
–Jesus said...I know your poverty (but you are rich)...the word rich here means someone who is extremely rich...having a super abundance.
–Jesus was saying wealth is not always measured in dollars and cents but it is measured in being rich in God’s mercy and grace.
–The pagans of Smyrna knew the pleasures of sin and wealth for a time but the believers there who were dying for their faith were finding riches untold for eternity.
3. To the pastor and to the church at Symrna Jesus says I know what you will be suffering but do not be afraid.
　
　
　
Revelation 2:10 (NKJV) 
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. 
–Ok, Church, Jesus was saying..You are about to suffer, some of you will be cast into prison,you will be tested severely, tribulation will be great, you will die but don’t be afraid! Ok
–Is there anyone else up there Who has better news than this? Hello, anyone else.
–In the strongest language that could be used at that time Jesus said do not fear anything that is about to happen to you.
–Obviously Jesus had not heard of the latest greatest gospel that says you do not have to suffer, you do not have to do without anything...all you have to do is say it or command it!
–I heard one of these preachers on the radio say...If Paul had the revelation I have he would not have had to suffer...he would have been blessed and free! Really? Paul’s calling!
Acts 9:15-16 (NKJV) 
15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."
–Our calling today seems to be a calling of prosperity and fame...no sacrifice...no pain!
–But Jesus said "Be faithful unto death!" That is a hard gospel to swallow...good news!
–The implication here is someone who is in a race...train hard, keep running, and get to that finish line whatever it takes even if you die after crossing that line!
–Jesus says I will give you the crown of life...I will personally put the crown on your head!
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NKJV) 
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Quote: I am not sure we have the kind of faith that would encourage us to lay down our lives for Christ. It would be hard to die for Jesus if we struggle to live for Him.