Be Faithful, Smyrna

A Church Approved by God: Be Faithful
Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11

2 Timothy 3:16-4:1 - “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: to preach the word…”

Hebrews 13:3-4 - “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”

I. The Church – Smyrna (vs 8)
     1. Economically thriving and beautiful city
     2. Flourishing with false religions
     3. Church was under heavy persecution
     4. Only encouragement - no critique

Psalm 119:67 - "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees."

II. The Lord - Eternal and victorious over death (vs 8)

III. The Encouragement - They are rich in what matters. (vs 9)

IV. The Forewarning - Greater difficulty will come (vs 10)
     1. God in His Sovereignty allows His children to suffer.
     2. God does not allow all of his children to suffer the same.

Ephesians 2:19-20 - “…pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

     3. The purpose of their suffering was testing.
     4. The source of suffering is Satan.
     5. Fear keeps us from abiding in Christ during suffering.
     6. Faithfulness is the key to overcoming.
     7. Hope fuels our faith.

 V. The Promise - The Crown of Life (vs 10)

Faith Sheet

Transformation verse – “In Christ you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.”   Colossians 2:10

Main Themes:
~God encourages, instructs, and gives hope to His people who face
   opposition and suffering for their faith.
~Jesus is eternal and victorious over death. Reflecting on who He is fuels
   our faith in difficult times.
~God encourages His church by reminding them that despite their
   circumstances in this life they are rich because they have Christ, the true
   treasure of life.
~God allows all His children to suffer. He promises though that as we abide
   in Him we will faithfully endure and receive an eternal crown of life in
   return.

#1 - Reviewing this Past Sunday
A Church Approved by God: Be Faithful
Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11

1. Read Revelation 2:8-11. Discuss the message with someone.
2. Reflect on what verse 8 says about who Christ is and what He has done.
    How does understanding these truths about Christ fuel our faith in
    suffering?
3. Discuss the differences between what God says makes us rich and what
    the world says makes us rich. What would someone who observed your
    life say you treasure?
4. Pray for believers who are suffering for their faith today.

#2 - Preparing for Next Sunday
A Church Approved by God: Be Holy
Pergamum
Revelation 2:12-17

1. How does the Lord describe Himself? (12)
2. Read Hebrews 4:12-13. What does this show us about Him and His
    Word?
3. Where were the Christian’s living? (13)
4. What does the Lord know about them? (13)
5. What does the Lord have against some in the church? (14-15)
6. What is He commanding them to do?   What if they do not obey Him?
    (16)
7. What is His promise to the true believers and to us? (17)
8. What would you say to a friend who professes to follow Christ but is living
    in immorality (sex outside of marriage)?   (Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
    and Ephesians 5:1-5)
9. Pray for us to live lives that exalt Him as our Lord.