Messages To The Church Part 3

Message to the Church at Smyrna

The Church at Smyrna was known for being rich in God’s grace and favor in the midst of terrible tribulation and persecution that caused some to be cast into prison.  Satan only takes notice of those who are a real threat to his plans of deceit and destruction.  Here it is the devil who is the enemy of Smyrna.  God’s message is one of encourage; to hold fast because a crown awaits the faithful conqueror.

Revelation 2:8-11 ESV "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.'

1.     They had tribulation

2.     Were poor financially and materially

3.     But rich in the grace and favor of God

4.     Not exempt from suffering

5.     Some would be cast into prison

6.     Encouraged to be faithful unto death

7.     A crown of life awaits the faithful conqueror (will not be hurt by the second death).

This message, like the message to Ephesus is also a warning to all of the church eras and specific congregations through the ages.  The warning of the enemy’s wiles needs to be heeded; and the crown of life is a promise to all who conqueror evil.  No Christian is ever exempt from suffering; in fact all Christians will have suffering; it is how God stretches us and helps us to become like Him.  In the moment of a fiery trial, we can be drawn away from God if we are not prepared.  However, if we are anticipating that we will have trials and if we believe that we suffer for our eternal good; then we can count it all joy when we are being tried in the fire.  It is a joy to know that we do not suffer needlessly, but do so for an eternal benefit; under the watchful and caring eye of the LORD who will not try us more than we can bear.  Many times He does stretch us a little beyond and gives us the ability to bear more so that we can grow.  We must always be going forward.  Lot’s wife looked back and was destroyed because she was not convinced of the LORD’s way; she yearned for the world of sin.  Once we have set our eyes on the Kingdom of God, we must not look back.

Luke 9:62 KJV And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

We are called to overcome the ways of the world and to follow Jesus Christ; called to a new life in Christ.  Our efforts will be rewarded beyond our comprehension.  Stay the course and be transformed for an eternity in the Kingdom of God.