September 4, 2022

The Dependable Church #

Revelation 2:8-11

Introduction

This is the shortest of the letters to the churches.

Nothing negative is mentioned in the letter to the church of Smyrna. Smyrna was also a wealthy commercial city. Perhaps not as great as Ephesus, but still a wealthy city.

The message is that of encouragement through persecution. Persecution, is not an enjoyable topic, and yet, it is given by Christ himself, who know more about persecution, and suffering than anyone else! Jesus lived an absolutely SINLESS life, and didn’t deserve not even one lash of punishment, yet he took it, for our sakes. It is he, “which was dead, and is alive;”

I. The Victor (8) Death’s Conqueror #

There is no more encouraging message than from someone who has been there and done that!

A. Personal Experience (8) #

1. Died #

Is. 53:4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

He didn’t die because of His own sins, He had NONE!
He was the greatest Sacrifice ever offered!

2. Rose victorious (1 Cor 15:55-57) #

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

3. Is Alive!!! #

B. Personal Knowledge (9) #

1. Knows all about us! #

Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

2. Knows what we go through! #

II. Valor - Devotion through persecution (10) #

2Cor. 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

A. Suffer - Fear not (10) (2 Tim 3:10-14) 12* #

1. tribulation #

2Tim. 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

People in Asia have been suffering persecution for years, and when things start to get bad here, we start to cry it is the end of the world.
- People in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, have been persecuted for years!

2. Trust that the Lord is with you! #

When you live for the Lord, you can trust, He is with you, and will help you!

B. Stand Strong “faithful unto death” #

1. Many have been killed for their faith. #

2Tim. 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2. Trust if that day comes, you will be strong enough, and the Lord will help you! #

III. Vow of Safety (11) #

A. Second Death (Revelation 20:14) #

1. The first death is a physical death #

Heb. 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

There is an appointment with death, the first death. However, it is not necessary to suffer the second death.

2. Second death - #

Rev. 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

B. Salvation #

What is an overcomer? A Conqueror, a victor yes…

1. Through Jesus! #

1John 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

2. Born of God! #

1John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

C. Security! #

1. Secured! #

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.