Also, death is mentioned three times in these four verses. 6. It is eternal torment. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In Him, we are more than overcomers. 11. She prayed and asked God to give me strength to go in the next day and to handle this the way that Jesus would. Myrrh represents mortal death, and the title of the "suffering church" is often ascribed the . 1. Go ahead and turn with me to Revelation 2. If they kill you, they just ended your physical life. It was exceptionally wealthy. Is there anything in your life that is causing you to be fearful? What additional insight do these verses give concerning the crown of life? 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. I think it is a way to deal with stress in the operating room. Of the seven churches, Smyrna is one of two that received no reproof from Jesus, and it is the only church of the seven that still exists today, After His ascension, Rome became increasingly hostile toward Jesuss followers. Kingdom 103: Student or Disciple of the Kingdom? Look at Revelation 2:8 with me, And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: (NASB). If so, how is that evident in your life? Specific Messages to 7 Churches of Revelation Some of these seven churches kept closer to the gospel than others. Be encouraged as you study the message sent to this church. by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 2, 2009 . The city rivaled Ephesus in grandeur and influence. Faith and fear are opposites. They will eventually die and they will eventually be put out of their misery. 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. Kingdom 103: Honoring the Father Through the Son, Kingdom 103: Living in the Kingdom Culture, Kingdom 103: Power and Authority in His Name, Kingdom 103: Many Little Kingdoms, But Only One is True, Kingdom 103: Kingdom Citizens Are Examples. It would protect them. They were reporting false allegations to the government about these believers, saying things which were not true about them. Smyrna is still a large seaport with the present population of about 275,000 people. Jesus had a reason for mentioning this fact. Why would this description of Christ be especially encouraging for this church? Well, Smyrna lay 40 miles almost due north of Ephesus. This second death means that those who fail to accept Christ will also be resurrected, only to die again in the "lake of fire." Whatever it is, it is a hard season of life. The letter to the church at Smyrna is unique for several reasons. My exhortation to you on this one is to be ready, to be ready for the suffering that will come into your life. What is your Motivation for Moving Forward? How can this give you hope for your church? Smyrna was a large, important city on the western coast of Asia Minor, famed for its schools of medicine and science. Like myrrh, produced by crushing a fragrant plant, the church at Smyrna, crushed by persecution, gave off a fragrant aroma of faithfulness to God.2. I went into the bathroom and I sat down and I cried. Even though the people would throw them into prison, it says the devil is about to cast some of you into prison. He is the ultimate enemy and we need to be on guard. Explain your answer. Many were placed on the rack where they were stretched so far that their legs and their arms were pulled out of their sockets. Why would there be a need to be tested further? Well, you know, God never promises us as a believer that life is going to always be fun. Death is that separation of the soul and the physical body. It may seem like they are the enemy. Do not fear. Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History). 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. 4. As I said in your study this week that fear and trust are opposites. Second death. The name of Smyrna was equated with myrrh. Second, in a lesson especially relevant for todays Western Christians, Jesus praised the church at Smyrna for choosing poverty over compromise. We need to look beyond the trial. What it tells us about Smyrna and its Christians has big implications for us today. What three things did Jesus mention that He was aware of concerning the church at Smyrna? In Revelation 2:9 He says, , 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. They were dirt poor. 3. He does not want you to go deeper in Gods Word. Thus, it is not that much of a stretch or even a job relocation to be a church of Satan, since we are already such a place. 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). SmyrnaThe Suffering Church (Revelation 2:8-11) Christians in developed countries today think little about being persecuted for their faith, but there are churches in the world where oppression is a daily reality. 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? She went on and on and on about my faith in Jesus Christ. She and her husband have five childrenthree who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at homeplus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock. Why are they treading on dangerous ground? He is an enemy who will stop at nothing. 7. Toggle Name and characteristics subsection 1.1 Definition. 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. They were doing Satans will and not Gods. List reasons why those Jews were not considered real Jews in Jesus eyes. (1 Corinthians 15:50-57). When we work our lives and church with our corrupt personal power we are in fact abandoning His power and Fruit. I do believe that hell is a literal place. Mailing address: Kingdom Citizens, 1027 S Pendleton St Suite B-242 Easley, SC 29642, Kingdom Concepts: Understanding Religion Part 1, Kingdom Concepts: Understanding Religion Part 2, Past Tragedies In History While Seeking the Kingdom, The Contrasts Between a Kingdom and a Democracy, Christ's Message Was on His Kingdom, It's What He Preached, The Kingdom of God Versus The Government of Man, Understanding the Kingdom Concept of Territory, The Name Christian Is Neither God Sent Nor God Given, The Unshakable Kingdom and Unchanging Person, Everything That God Created Has Potential, Being Obedient, Is Much More Important Than Sacrifice, How Did We Lose the Gospel of the Kingdom? Even though He died, He conquered death and He rose again. Of course, all the other med techs are sitting there pretending like they were not listening. 7 Churches of Revelation: What Do They Signify? - Learn Religions 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. They already were in the midst of tribulation (v. 9) and Jesus had no rebuke or condemnation for them. It was celebrated for its schools of science and medicine, and for its handsome buildings. It is like Sally and I were saying this morning. Q. Smyrna: The Suffering Church Revelation 2:8-11. He has witnessed their continual affliction and the slander theyve suffered from those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. The fact that these hardships have not escaped their Saviors attention surely would have strengthened the Body and served as a loving reminder of Jesuss abiding presence. What season of life are you in today? You would listen to these believers pray and you would just think they are on a different level than we are. Or they could have agreed to call Caesar Lord, knowing they could later repent. 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! Such was the case for the ancient church at Smyrna. It was probably only 15 minutes, but it seemed like hours. How does knowing that Christ, the Creator and Lord of the universe, approves you help you cope with "feeble mortals" telling you dishonorable things? 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. After repeatedly just not doing it, he said for 86 years I have served Him and He has done me no wrong. They just put a rope around his hands. It is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible other than these four verses, but it is believed it is with the other churches that were founded while Paul spent two years in Ephesus on his third missionary journey. So I kept my guard there, but I said, have I done something? She told me to shut the door. Jesus gave each one a short "report card." Ephesus had "abandoned the love it had at first," (Revelation 2:4, ESV ). 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. Jesus is upfront about the fact that we will experience trouble in this world, but He has also promised that His peace, grace, and abiding presence are our refuge during our trials (Matthew 28:20). 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. Perhaps there are people in the church who are just trying to make life hard for you, but they are not really your enemy. He never promises us that life is just going to be great. Do you fear God more than people? He wants to discourage us. What Does God Say about the Church at Smyrna? - Christianity.com Ch 1 Pt 1, Kingdom 104: Where Are the Masculine-Thinking Men? Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 1. The church in Smyrna faced bitter persecution and death, yet it emitted a fragrant testimony of faithful commitment to . Pt 1, Kingdom 104: What Profit Has Righteousness in the Kingdom? I have heard it said and I put this up on the screen to help you, If you are born twice, you will only die once. If you are born physically and then later you are born spiritually, you will only die once and that will be when you die physically, (unless the Lord comes back, in which case you would not die at all). 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). He is not just a Savior and/or best Friend; He gives us life, holds our lives, and will judge our lives. Father, I just thank you for the privilege of knowing you personally. With the warning comes the exhortation that they should not succumb to fear. There are two words used in the New Testament for poverty and one just kind of means poor. I was on staff at Texas Heart as one of the instructors through the University of Texas. They, and the zealot Jewish leaders, hated Christians and prohibited them from working, buying, or selling, any time they got a chance. We will suffer in this life. The crown of life is a special reward for endurance in your persecution. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? 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. The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25). Smyrna is the Greek word for myrrha sap-like substance extracted from tree bark. I wanted to hurt her and I wanted her to go to hell. Is the Apocalypse Mentioned in the Bible? Its streets were wide and paved. The church at Smyrna was to undergo some intense persecution and tribulation. I need strength. She started and began by reading from Isaiah 53 about Jesus the suffering servant. We need to look for that end result. For example, the letter to Ephesus . 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. Hope-Full: Revelation 4 by Calvary Bible Church- Flagstaff We will become lifesavers, thrown to those who are drowning. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 1-5). The Seven Churches of Revelation: Why They | Zondervan Academic They were Jews by race and that is it. I was not Crickett then. If we are going to suffer well we need to remember these five things: Probably the closest that I have ever come to being persecuted for my faith was as a senior in college at LSU. in Christian Education with a focus on Women's Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. 2. 19:39). That is according to I Corinthians 3:13-14 which talks about that approval, that standing before him, to be evaluated for our works. What was Jesus message to the church in Ephesus in Revelation? What does He promise to the one who overcomes? 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. 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. John addresses the Church in Smyrna. 4. As we look at this letter to Smyrna, this letter gives us insight into suffering. 2007 - 2023 ChurchLeadership.Org - All Rights Reserved. Why do we do it? In fact, transactions in the world have never fruits and to lose belly been completely equal. Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? It may seem as if people were the enemy, the Jews in the synagogue of Satan, or the government that wants you to worship its emperor. 9. 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. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. - Psalm 37:7. 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 members of the Smyrna church, though, are facing persecution because they are more focused on what God thinks than what man thinks. The Apostle John was arrested for preaching the Gospel and exiled to Romes penal colony on the island of Patmos, near Asia Minor. martyr, one who voluntarily suffers death rather than deny their religion by words or deeds; such action is afforded special, institutionalized recognition in most major religions of the world. How does this ruin a church? The devil may harm their physical body, but he can not do them any spiritual harm. Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Student or Disciple of the Kingdom? Jesuss short correspondence with His people in Smyrna gives us incredible insight into this group of believers way of life and faith. It's incumbent on us to listen up and give heed to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches. That is the doctrine or the view of annihilation of hell. Even Jesuss greeting to the church reveals His loving, personal care. 12. Consider this: when we are independent from Christ in our personal lives and in running our churches, we are forsaking and opposing Him. 3. The substance was used to make fragrant perfumes and anointing oils (Exodus 30:23) and was used in ancient burial preparations (John 19:39). Be thou our vision. They had no food. The church in Smyrna and the church in Laodicea stand in stark contrast to each other (Rev. Nor will we suffer hardships like imprisonment for our faith, and very few of us will face the choice between our livelihood or a life with Christ. Why are these blaspheming Jews referred to as a synagogue of Satan? 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. It is a synagogue of Satan. Finally, Jesus warns His people to expect more suffering, persecution, and testing. They could not advance in jobs. An aspect of maturity is being slow to respond to accusation-as our Lord did. Pt 3. It would be fine if they just left me alone. And whenever we do, the vision of Jesus standing among us in all His glory, and the words of promise He speaks, will sustain and guide us.7, I hope you all have had a great week studying about suffering. Absolutely nothing is hidden from our all-knowing, all-seeing God. Jesus Christ is the eternal God. And finally, Smyrna was the only congregation besides Philadelphia that did not receive admonishment from Jesus. Jesus lived life in purity and sinlessness for our benefit, to enable us to have eternal life and partake in His fellowship. I had decided how I was going to handle this. What do these verses imply about persecution and the believer? What does He mean when he refers to their being rich in the midst of poverty? Kingdom 103: Trusting in Mankind While Believing in God's Word? So, I opened the door and walked through the lab. from A.D. c. 100-316; Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17), 'where Satan dwells' is suggestive of the church mixing with the world . ATTOM AVM; Home Equity Data . 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. Fruits And Vegetables To Lose Belly Fat - The largest student-run Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. And just like myrrh requires crushing to release the sweet perfume of its fragrance, the church at Smyrna would continue to be crushed through adversity. It was mighty. 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. I know your afflictions and your povertyyet you are rich! Unlike Ephesus, which today is uninhabited, Smyrna is still a large city (modern Izmir in Turkey). I noticed it and after a few weeks I thought you know I think I need to say something to her. A person spends 35 pence from a small stall. I wish I had more time to go into detail of his story. Others roasted alive. Description. 6. In verses 10 and 11, he makes two promises. The second death will be eternal separation from God in torment. But, if we are not faithful, there is no outstretched hand, only missed opportunities and an infamy to a community, a life wasted, a church of dysfunction, and a crown of shame instead of a crown of life. 6. He fled briefly and then they caught him and he did not run that time. The term may also refer to anyone who sacrifices their life or something of great value for the sake of principle. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Ch 1 Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Where Are the Masculine-Thinking Men? If I am trusting God then I should not be afraid. But, the word used here means absolute poverty, possessing absolutely nothing. They were not poor. Maybe someone in your family is causing you some grief. Jun 21, 2021 42:17. Do you want a cup of coffee? I am thinking, I do not know where that came from! I will tell you it was turning point because she did not say one more word to me negatively. While there, the Holy Spirit spoke to John and instructed him to record everything Jesus was about to reveal via a vision. Kingdom 102: Kingdom of Light or Darkness? The Seven Churches of Revelation - Bible Meaning Explained Smyrna was a hotbed for pagan worship. Maybe you have a financial issue. She read, He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. (NIV). John was then to send the divine dictation to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. (Revelation 1:11). Are you secure concerning your eternal destiny? 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. It was used to embalm the dead in the first century (Jn. The second thing He promises is eternal life. Hand over those difficult and overwhelming situations to the One who knows and cares. My challenge is that we need to be on guard. I know what it is like to face death at their hands. Time and time again, wars, massacres, earthquakes, and plagues have threatened to destroy Smyrna, but the city has always bounced back and rebuilt. Some were boiled alive in oil. As believers, we should expect persecution and suffering in this life. 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. A third form of suffering for them was persecution in verse 9. After college (the first time), Crickett was on staff with C More. Its system of coinage was old, and now about the city coins of every period are found. She would not teach me. (NASB). They might face death. Let me tell you one other thing. Most of us will never die for our faith and I hope we do not. 3:12). 1. Each of the letters to the churches is directly from Jesus and includes a piece of the description about Jesus from Revelation 1. Jesus thus says in effect, you know what, I know what it is like to be persecuted by your enemies. Life was hard for these Christians. What does it mean to be faithful until death? 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. 4. I just thought, you have no idea.. That is how bad I felt. 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. 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. Jesus wanted to encourage them to stand strong, even if it meant physical death. How do these verses help us understand the meaning of Christ as He who was dead, and has come to life? Christianity has never completely left this city. 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. That is physical death. There were a lot of gods and goddesses, in addition to the emperor worship. What Is the Abomination of Desolation in the End Times? 1.3 Orthodoxy. Property Characteristics; Geocodes; Building Permits; Real Estate Valuation. Seven Churches of Revelation Bible Study - David Jeremiah Blog The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. As much as I want to believe that, I do not believe the Bible backs that up. 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. They said you make light of that then we will burn you at the stake! The Jews who hated him gathered the wood for the fire. She said, Janene, lets just get down on our knees. How do you respond to suffering and tribulation?