THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA
(REVELATION 2:8-11)
David R. Mc Donald Carrizo Springs, Texas 78834
INTRODUCTION:
A. An old saying.
1. "Life is hard, and then you die."
2. Most of us know life is no bed of roses.
B. Churches in the first century
faced many trials.
1. Smyrna is an example of a church that faced many trials.
2. How will we face trials when they come our way?
1. TRIBULATIONS IN SMYRNA (REVELATION 2:8-9).
A. The one who is speaking to Smyrna
(Revelation 2:8).
1. Jesus, the Son of God (Revelation 1:1).
2. A description of Jesus (Revelation 2:8).
a. The first and the last --- the beginning and end of all God's work.
b. The one who was dead and is now alive --- the eternal one who ever
lives.
B. The problems faced by the church
in Smyrna (Revelation 2:9).
1. Tribulation --- troubles and anguish.
2. Poverty --- denied the necessities of life.
3. Blasphemed against --- spoken ill of by those around them.
4. Imprisoned --- thrown in jail because of their belief in Jesus.
5. Death --- many would lose their lives for being faithful to Jesus.
2. THE LORD'S ADMONITION TO SMYRNA (REVELATION 2:10-11).
A. Don't fear what may happen.
1. Suffering for Jesus is part of Christian living (Revelation 2:10).
2. Some would suffer, but only for a little while (Revelation 2:10).
B. Remain faithful till death.
1. Be faithful till death.
2. Hear what the Spirit has to say (Revelation 2:11).
CONCLUSION:
A. We cannot let the pressures of
this world take us away from Jesus.
1. In this world we will have trials and tribulations.
2. Do not be moved away from Jesus.
B. How do you need to respond to
Jesus?