I shut the door and I stood there. You are struggling. In 1 Peter 4:12-19, what are some lessons for life concerning suffering? 8. They were poor. How can you better realize the fact that our trials will be limited and temporary? I went home that night and I got angrier the more I thought about it. He casts us in the fires of trial in order to refine us and strengthen our character. We will throw you into prison until you do. Whether you interpret these ten days as referring to a literal 10 days (I take that view), or whether you interpret it as referring to just a brief period of time, or whether you interpret those 10 days as referring to 10 periods of persecution under 10 Roman emperors, the point being made is the same. I do not agree with that. Also, death is mentioned three times in these four verses. Jesus is passionately concerned with how and what we do in our churches, and wants to be intimately involved. From the message to Smyrna, Christians today can glean several important truths. Fruits And Vegetables To Lose Belly Fat - The largest student-run He will do anything to stop good things that God is doing. The first death means when we physically die and then go into eternity for rewards and to wait for the resurrection and the everlasting life. One of the instructors of one particular lab was a well-known atheist there at the hospital. John was then to send the divine dictation to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. (Revelation 1:11). I was ready to share Christ with anybody and, you know, I could handle this lady. 1. . My human flesh cries out and I will do everything I can to avoid it. The ultimate enemy is Satan and that is pointed out in these verses. What do these verses imply about persecution and the believer? He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. Kingdom 103: What Gospel Are You Preaching? Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. You know, I was just going to let her know and express that I am glad you are going to hell. Ask what you dare if you will let me. Be on guard. If not, talk to your small group leader or myself, and we will be glad to answer any questions. They were boycotted. The use of the strong term, blasphemy, here indicates how evil, how wicked, how intense this slander was. These churches were seven real churches at the time, and some believe they represent seven church ages, while others argue they represent seven church types that have existed since the church began, and will exist until Christ returns. Much of Smyrnas social life revolved around pagan worship. Seldom has a decade gone by without a significant event ravishing the city. I believe it exists. They could not advance in jobs. It has been described as the most beautiful of the seven cities. Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) Perhaps the most well-known of the seven letters addresses the church in Laodicea. Some of the first schools of science and medicine were founded in Smyrna, and on the beautiful slopes of Mount Pagos, the city erected a theater that sat twenty thousand people; the ruins of the theatre are still visible today. What was Jesus message to the church in Thyatira in Revelation? We try to go it alone when Christ is beckoning us to trust in Him, go His Way, and give our fears to Him. It was probably only 15 minutes, but it seemed like hours. Ask God to strengthen your faith so that you can endure the suffering in your own life more victoriously. Its association with death perfectly pictures the suffering church at Smyrna. 1.3 Orthodoxy. The Church of Smyrna - Church Leadership 2. They had no love for God. Christ not only knew their hearts, but He spoke to this flock using language and terms that held deep personal meaning for them. That is a way of worshipping Him, showing honor to Him. At first, the emperors did not want anything to do with it, but by the time Domitian became the Roman emperor, he made it mandatory that all citizens would worship the emperor or face death. It was like the Word just pierced my heart. If you are only born once, you will die twice. If you are only born physically, you will die physically and you will die spiritually. I walked out and thank goodness it was 3:30 which was the time to go home. I do not think I can be like You. I went into that lab and got there before she did. What will I do about it? WEALTHY WITHOUT WEALTH In the church Ephesus, the Lords finds a decay of first love, in Smyrna, we see Him voiding Satan's malice to restore the former freshness. How does this apply to me? It is because the soul is no longer there. In between were the temples of Apollo, Asklepios, and Aphrodite. We cannot do that as a church of Satan! We know from historical records that the church at Smyrna persevered in its faithfulness. 7 Churches of Revelation: What Do They Signify? - Learn Religions Even if these believers face death at the hand of the persecutors, it is not the end for them. All rights reserved. (NASB). I want that kind of prayer life. But then we would always say, I dont want to go through what they went through. You see, the road to getting there is through suffering. He mentions four ways that this church is suffering because He knows exactly how they are suffering. The crown of life is one of several crowns mentioned in Scripture. How did you handle the situation? 4. Smyrna is still a large seaport with the present population of about 275,000 people. What does He mean when he refers to their being rich in the midst of poverty? This approval will take place when we as believers will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and He will evaluate us for all the works that we have done on this earth. 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. These actions would have given the believers could a measure of favor with the government and secured a much easier life. Is there anything in your life that is causing you to be fearful? Specific Messages to 7 Churches of Revelation Some of these seven churches kept closer to the gospel than others. Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author and speaker who has managed and directed childrens and youth programs for more than 20 years. The city rivaled Ephesus in grandeur and influence. If you have ever gone to a funeral or to a visitation and you have looked in a coffin to view the body, you see that physical body, but you know something is missing. 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. They were a synagogue of Satan because they were attacking the church. They had no way to make a living. It was celebrated for its schools of science and medicine, and for its handsome buildings. 4. If this was your church, what could be done to make sure it did not die but be revived to its formerly healthy and vibrant ways? He was faithful until death and he lost his physical life, but he gained so much more which brings us to the fifth reminder to help us suffer well. She went on and on and on about my faith in Jesus Christ. Why do we do it? Yet, we tend to fill His call with the void of our stubbornness, recklessness, and selfishness. My time came to rotate through that lab. She read, He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. (NIV). Give it to the Lord, trust His hand, and look ahead to the blessings that await you eternally. Olympian games were held in Smyrna. Seven churches of Asia - Wikipedia 5. Do you fear God more than people? You cant associated with us in these festivities to our gods. He is not referring to eternal life here because you do not work for eternal life. Seven Churches of Revelation Bible Study - David Jeremiah Blog These Jews were being used by him to carry out the works of Satan. In fact, transactions in the world have never fruits and to lose belly been completely equal. Kingdom 103: Your Goals, His Purposeand Then What? Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. My exhortation for us with this is that we should be thankful. So, I caught all kinds of grief, you know, comments made like: oh, you would fit well into grandmothers generation. You are really out of touch with reality today. Just cruel comments. How do our stubbornness, recklessness, and selfishness contribute to a church's dysfunction? Scripture does not record the founding of the church of Smyrna. Another warning for us is do not let him use you. 7. He does not want you to know that Jesus wins and that he loses. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Many believe that this church represents the martyrs of all the ages and the sweet-smelling fragrance of their faithfulness until death. John addresses the Church in Smyrna. Oh, I do not think she should be doing that or I do not think he should be. Be careful. Most scholars agree that the name Smyrna was a reference to the myrrh, which was the chief export of the area. 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. Unlike Ephesus, which today is uninhabited, Smyrna is still a large city (modern Izmir in Turkey). This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. What the Bible says about Smyrna, Church of - Bible Tools Many were placed on the rack where they were stretched so far that their legs and their arms were pulled out of their sockets. The third thing we need to remember is that the ultimate enemy is Satan. Explain your answer. I was just going through my mind of what I was going to say. Why is Smyrna being praised? Today, we look at the letter to the church at Smyrna, a church known for suffering. If they sought praise from menif they wanted to please the people around themthey would not be so readily targeted for persecution. She began to just blast me for my faith. But, the second type they were dealing with was poverty. Then, I got my purse and I drove home. Most of us will never die for our faith and I hope we do not. The words of Jesus to the church in Smyrna in Revelation 2:8-11 offer insight into the life of a first-century congregation, and there are many applications for today's believers. Of course, all the other med techs are sitting there pretending like they were not listening. Ask God to strengthen your faith so that you can endure the suffering in your own life more victoriously. The second death is spending eternity in hell, separated from God forever. Located just 35 miles north of Ephesus, at the head of the Aegean Sea, the thriving city of Smyrna was known for its beauty, wealth, and achievement. They made up whatever they could and went to the government and they were persecuted. But believers need not to fear death, because it will only result in their receiving a crown of life. Called: Jude 1-4. How is Satan described in this passage and how does he work against believers? I know your afflictions and your povertyyet you are rich!Followers of Jesus living in Smyrna were seen as a cult and persecuted by the hostile Roman empire. It was mighty. She said, Janene, lets just get down on our knees. While there, the Holy Spirit spoke to John and instructed him to record everything Jesus was about to reveal via a vision. Very few of us today know that kind of pressure, but they refused to worship Caesar. What three things did Jesus mention that He was aware of concerning the church at Smyrna? Finally, one of the soldiers took his sword and he ended the life of this great martyr, Polycarp. The Essential Inductive Questions (for more Inductive questions see Inductive Bible Study): 1. I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. The second instruction He gives them is to be faithful until death. She went on and on and on and I was dumbfounded. People did not want to buy from them because they were Christians. I will be the first to admit to you that I do not like to suffer. What does God want me to share with someone? They did not look at my life and go, wow, I love her life! They were looking at my life going, what a loser, you know, she cannot even get drunk. It was hard, but that still is not the kind of pressure that these Smyrna Christians went through. 4 MacArthur, New Testament Commentary, 71. It reads, You will not in any way be hurt by the second death. As a believer, you do have eternal life and He is saying you may suffer the first death, you may die physically, but you will never die again. I noticed it and after a few weeks I thought you know I think I need to say something to her. The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. Smyrna - Life, Hope & Truth How does this compare with the strong terminology Jesus uses in Rev 2:9? Right now, I hate this woman. So, I got up the next morning before dawn and I took a walk. Jun 21, 2021 42:17. They had no food. First, we serve a God who knows, sees, and is with us through every fiery trial and dark night (Isaiah 43:2). He wants to discourage us. How does knowing that Christ, the Creator and Lord of the universe, approves you help you cope with "feeble mortals" telling you dishonorable things? Description. 6. It was probably six weeks. 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.. Smyrna was a seaport city about 35 miles north of Ephesus. This is true of the Evangelistic and . Also, death is mentioned three times in these four verses. The Apostle John was arrested for preaching the Gospel and exiled to Romes penal colony on the island of Patmos, near Asia Minor. Because I was on staff here and was one of the instructors, I had to go to all the parties, all the festivities, and all the graduation dinners. 1. 1. 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. They already were in the midst of tribulation (v. 9) and Jesus had no rebuke or condemnation for them. I had not ever said anything about the Lord to her. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. What similarities to Revelation 2:8-11 do you see in this passage? The name of Smyrna was equated with myrrh. We may not be worshipping Satan, but when we run the church by our ways and agendas, we are, in fact, worshipping Satan, because Christ is not only ignored, He is being opposed! When fear grips the human heart, and our very life is threatened, nothing can bring tranquility like faith in Him who is both the first and the last.3. Even though He died, He conquered death and He rose again. Whether it is because of our faith or whether it is because He wants to deepen our faith, we will suffer. Every day there is just a wonderful surprise and you are just in a great season of life. The substance was used to make fragrant perfumes and anointing oils (Exodus 30:23) and was used in ancient burial preparations (John 19:39). And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. In Jesus name, amen. When we suffer, we may think that Christ is absent, but He is not. Life is hard. Kingdom 103: Student or Disciple of the Kingdom? 7 Richards, L., The Teacher's Commentary (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1987), 1075. Kingdom 103: What Gospel Are You Preaching? How do these verses help us understand the meaning of Christ as He who was dead, and has come to life? Their enemies can only take their lives once. 19:20; 20:10-15). He has always existed. They had absolutely nothing. (Ephesians 1 is a good reminder of our riches in Christ.). If I am trusting God then I should not be afraid. Throughout the history of the Church the more that the Church has been persecuted the greater its purity and strength. The second thing He promises is eternal life. Revelation 2:8-11 - The Church in Smyrna - Ministrymaker Oct 04, 2021 41:20. (Notice the similarities to the description of Christ in 1:17-18). Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victors crown.(Revelation 2:8-10). Why would this promise be especially encouraging for the church at Smyrna? Satan had plans to cast some of the Smyrna church into prison. How can this give you hope for your church? They will suffer and be tormented for a period of time, but it will not be for eternity because it says the second death. I know what it is like to face death at their hands. Why does God allow Satan to bring tribulation in our lives if God is ultimately in control? The problem was that it bugged them that I did not drink. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. They would be thrown into prison probably for the purpose of forcing them to worship the Roman emperor. It is a gift. But instead, through their surrendered lives, the Holy Spirit empowered the Smyrnaean Christians to choose spiritual wealth over worldly gain. . Thank you for being that ultimate victor who won victory over death so we might have life eternal. Jesus wanted to encourage them to stand strong, even if it meant physical death. I had the opportunity while I lived there to visit in the homes of some Chinese believers who had undergone some serious persecution for their faith during the years of the Cultural Revolution. We would always leave and say, you know I want that kind of relationship with God! I believe it is something so horrible that it is hard to describe in words. He wants to stop us. Christians are not exempt from suffering. They might face death. The only place the Bible mentions the Church at Smyrna is in Jesus letters to the churches: To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. Another kind of pressure they were under was a pressure to worship the pagan gods and goddesses. The Church of Smyrna: The Church that Remains Faithful Amidst Persecution (Revelation 2:8-11) Summary and Explanation: Smyrna was home to a large Jewish community hostile to Christians. Because they did they were considered to be unpatriotic traitors: you do not love Rome. Thus they were tortured. 10. The Seven Churches of Revelation - Bible Meaning Explained Jesus gives them two instructions in verse 10 as to how to handle this impending suffering. Oh, youre too good for us. Suffering either gives me my self or it destroys my self. They will only last for a moment in life of the blessings that you will have for eternity. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Jesus thus says in effect, you know what, I know what it is like to be persecuted by your enemies. A fourth form of suffering that they were not facing yet, but would soon be facing (as if these first three were not enough to kill them). So, I went into her office, which was at the back of the lab. After repeatedly just not doing it, he said for 86 years I have served Him and He has done me no wrong. Be hopeful. So, there will be attacks on us to not study this Word, to not do this. He assures His people that their continued faithfulness, even to the point of death, will earn them a reward that far outweighs their earthly trialsa victors crown. Rev. She finally said, do you have anything you want to say? I said nope. I did not know what to say because I thought I knew I was going to cry. Jesus has no censure for the church Be encouraged as you study the message sent to this church. 5. What was Jesus message to the church in Ephesus in Revelation? It is a synagogue of Satan. That is according to I Corinthians 3:13-14 which talks about that approval, that standing before him, to be evaluated for our works. She never came to the Lord, but I thank God for that roommate who kept me from making a huge mistake in my flesh and my anger. And finally, Smyrna was the only congregation besides Philadelphia that did not receive admonishment from Jesus. As with all Jesuss letters to the seven churches, His letter to Smyrna ends on a note that invites every Believer, in every age, to hear and receive these important messages. But, if we are really serious about going deeper, suffering is part of that process. They cannot coexist. Kingdom 102: Kingdom of Light or Darkness? Christians were viewed as antisocial elitists for refusing to participate in it. . Smyrna: The Suffering Church Revelation 2:8-11. Is the Apocalypse Mentioned in the Bible? It is eternal torment. She was saying you know Crickett God has lain on my heart that because things are going so well right now that we are going to be right in the middle of some spiritual warfare soon, because Satan is not going to like what God is doing. What is in the way of my listening to God? Then, they would want to pray with us. The first thing He tells them is be fearless. In verse nine, Jesus praises and affirms the church by recognizing their material poverty in contrast to their vast spiritual prosperity. This article is part of our larger End Times Resource Library. 6 Stott, What Christ Thinks of the Church, 43. I was so bitter. The fourth thing we need to remember is that the ultimate solution is trust. We are called to be faithful, even if it means death. He knows exactly what you are going through. As believers, we should expect persecution and suffering in this life. Second death. . Kingdom 103: Trusting in Mankind While Believing in God's Word? I was on staff at Texas Heart as one of the instructors through the University of Texas. How wonderful it would be if our church received an encouraging letter from Jesus, especially if it contained no criticism. It is like Sally and I were saying this morning. If we are going to suffer well, the first thing we have to remember is that Jesus Christ is the ultimate victor. Well, they were under pressure from several forces. Smyrna was a church where people's agendas were in opposition to Christ's. The period 1923-1924 was followed by the . The Church in its "Ephesian Period" having lost its "First Love," the Lord is now about to "chastise" it, so as to cause it to return to Him. But every born-again Christian is called to die to the things of this world (Galatians 2:20, Luke 9:23), become a bondservant of Christ (1 Corinthians 7:22; Ephesians 6:6; 2 Timothy 2:24), and to consider all earthly things loss compared to the worth of knowing Jesus as Lord (Philippians 3:8). After introducing the first vision, John is commanded to write a letter to seven churches. I had no choice. 19:39). Ch 1 pt 3, Kingdom 104: Masculine-Minded Men of the Kingdom Government Pt 1, Kingdom 104: Masculine-Minded Men of the Kingdom Government Pt 2, Kingdom 104: The Benefits of Understanding the Simplicity of the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: The Benefits of Discernment, The Kingdom Is the Crux of the Problem Pt 1, The Kingdom Is the Crux of the Problem Pt 2. How have you seen God use trials and suffering in your life? That is physical death. I had just started walking with the Lord that year before and I had gone on a beach project with Campus Crusade that summer. In verses 10 and 11, he makes two promises. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
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