Scripture Passage: Rev 2:8-11

 

SMYRNA THE CITY (known as Izmir, today)

•Only city to exist today of the 7
•~ 70 km from Ephesus
•The city was known for its buildings and architecture
•A free city just like Ephesus
•Also had a harbor like Ephesus
•Known for Myrrh
•Temples to Zeus and Apollos and others, Emperor Worship
Current State Of Affairs (vv. 8-9)

•Jesus introduces himself  (1:7; 17 b, 22:13)
•Dead and back to life again
•In contrast to the wealth of the city the church was poor
•No promise to change that state, but they are assured they are rich!
•Synagogue of Satan…Num 16:3; 20:4

Assurance to the Church (v. 10a)
•Persecution is coming your way, but be strong
•Satan is going to operate through authorities and systems
•The duration will be for a certain amount of time…10 days
A CALL TO BE FAITHFUL (v. 10b-11)

•Be faithful to the point of death, for what awaits is a victors crown
•The heed to hear again corresponds with something of the final judgement and the eternal life to come.

CALL TO THE CHURCH TODAY

•The call even today is for the disciple of Christ and the church to be faithful even to the point of death
•The NT explores the glorious riches in Christ through the lens of a church that suffers for Christ. A church that suffers rightly for the Gospel.  (Mt 5:10; Rom 8:16-17; Phil 1:29; Js 1:12;1 Peter 4:12-17)

Take Away: STAND FIRM FOR THE FAITH-FOR THE PRICE TO PAY COMPARES FAINTLY WITH THE GLORY OF ETERNITY