Letter to Smyrna Pt.2
Letters from Jesus • Sermon • Submitted
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Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Do not fear what you are about to suffer.
Do not fear what you are about to suffer.
Do not fear what you are about to suffer.
Do not fear what you are about to suffer.
What were they about to suffer?
What were they about to suffer?
Imprisonment and death.
Do not fear?!
Do not fear?!
How is it possible to not fear death?
How is it possible to not fear death?
Because Jesus has conquered the grave.
Because the Risen Lord has conquered the grave.
All die, but not all fear death. Death is inevitable, but fear is a choice.
All die, but not all fear death. Death is inevitable, but fear is a choice. When you see Jesus who was dead but has come to life, faith rises and fear diminishes.
When you see Jesus who was dead but has come to life, faith rises and fear diminishes.
Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. ()
Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. ()
Is “Do not fear” a command that must be obeyed?
Is “Do not fear” a command that must be obeyed?
It’s an invitation to walk by faith.
It’s an invitation to walk by faith.
A law mindset interprets Christ’s words as commands to be obeyed, but Jesus is dispensing grace.
A law mindset interprets Christ’s words as commands to be obeyed, but Jesus is dispensing grace.
He’s giving a timely word of encouragement.
He’s giving a timely word of encouragement.
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Indeed, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days.
Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days.
Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days.
The devil, not the Jews, was ultimately responsible for this crime.
The devil, not the Jews, was ultimately responsible for this crime.
The devil, not the Jews, was ultimately responsible for this crime.
Those who do the devil’s work are but lost souls in need of salvation, just like the rest of us.
Those who do the devil’s work are but lost souls in need of salvation, just like the rest of us.
When we go through trials and tribulations, the accuser of our souls may whisper, “This is God’s judgment for your mistakes and failures.”
When we go through trials and tribulations, the accuser of our souls may whisper, “This is God’s judgment for your mistakes and failures.”
But Jesus would say, “Don’t blame God for the devil’s work.
It is the thief who robs, steals, and kills.” We are supposed to resist the devil (), but we won’t if we think God is behind our suffering.
It is the thief who robs, steals, and kills.” We are supposed to resist the devil (), but we won’t if we think God is behind our suffering.
In what sense were they tested?
In what sense were they tested?
The devil’s intent was to test the saints’ allegiance to Christ and force them to renounce the Lord.
The devil’s intent was to test the saints’ allegiance to Christ and force them to renounce the Lord.
This test involved pressure from the state authorities, undeserved prison sentences, and in some cases torture and the threat of execution.
This test involved pressure from the state authorities, undeserved prison sentences, and in some cases torture and the threat of execution.
In Roman times, legal proceedings typically commenced with a loyalty oath.
In Roman times, legal proceedings typically commenced with a loyalty oath.
This oath was intended to test a citizen’s allegiance to the emperor.
Despite the threats imposed upon them, many Christians refused to take the oath.
Despite the threats imposed upon them, many Christians refused to take the oath.
“I will not give the title of god to the emperor,” said the second-century Christian author Tertullian.
“I will not give the title of god to the emperor,” said the second-century Christian author Tertullian.
Polycarp. On the day of his execution, he was offered freedom if he would but declare Caesar to be lord. Polycarp refused and was martyred.
Neither would Polycarp. On the day of his execution, he was offered freedom if he would but declare Caesar to be lord. Polycarp refused and was martyred.
What is tribulation?
What is tribulation?
Trouble.
What is the significance of ten days?
What is the significance of ten days?
What is the significance of ten days?
The time of testing will be short.
Jesus is giving the saints some perspective to help them endure what is coming.
Jesus is giving the saints some perspective to help them endure what is coming.
Trials are temporary; eternity is forever. There will be trouble, but it will only be for a brief time.
Trials are temporary; eternity is forever. There will be trouble, but it will only be for a brief time.
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Rev 2:10c
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Who’s faithful?
Who’s faithful?
Smyrna
Smyrna was faithful.
The Smyrneans were proud that their city had been among the first cities in the region to back an emerging power called Rome.
Among the Smyrneans, it was a matter of civic pride that their city had been among the first cities in the region to back an emerging power called Rome.
The Smyrneans literally worshipped Rome.
The Smyrneans literally worshipped Rome.
They were famously faithful, but in an unhealthy direction.
Telling a Smyrnean to be faithful was like telling a fish to be wet. They were famously faithful, but in an unhealthy direction.
Their loyalty was misplaced, for Rome would let them down. Their false god would minister persecution and death.
Their loyalty was misplaced, for Rome would let them down. Their false god would minister persecution and death.
Far better to put their faith in Jesus who crowns the dead with resurrection life.
Far better to put their faith in Jesus who crowns the dead with resurrection life.
Is Jesus saying they’re going to be martyred?
Is Jesus saying they’re going to be martyred?
Yes, some of them are going to be executed.
Yes, some of them are going to be executed.
Smyrna was not the only church where the saints were persecuted for their faith, but no church suffered more.
Smyrna was not the only church where the saints were persecuted for their faith, but no church suffered more.
The believers were bullied into poverty, their reputations were damaged, and some of them were burned at the stake.
The believers were bullied into poverty, their reputations were besmirched, and some of them were burned at the stake. They paid the ultimate price.
Jesus forewarned them to prepare them. He wanted them to know that he, not death, has the last word. “After death, life!”
Jesus forewarned them to prepare them. He wanted them to know that he, not death, has the last word. “After death, life!”
What is the crown of life?
What is the crown of life?
Resurrection life.
Resurrection life.
When Lazarus died, Jesus comforted his sister Martha with a hope-filled promise. “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live even if he dies” ().
When Lazarus died, Jesus comforted his sister Martha with a hope-filled promise. “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live even if he dies” ().
“The Crown of Smyrna” was a well-known phrase among the Smyrneans.
It referred to Mount Pagos and the circle of buildings that rose above the city, a crown that “had been before their eyes and minds from childhood.”
Jesus echoes that promise here, and he does so in the language of his readers. “The Crown of Smyrna” was a well-known phrase among the Smyrneans. It referred to Mount Pagos and the circlet of buildings that rose above the city, a crown that “had been before their eyes and minds from childhood.”
Crowns or garlands of flowers were also worn in the ritual worship of local idols.
The Jesus who meets us where we are adopts yet another local reference to illustrate a gospel truth. “Let those fading crowns remind you of the lasting crown of life.”
To receive the crown of life is to be resurrected to new life. Jesus is promising resurrection to believers who are about to be condemned to die.
To receive the crown of life is to be resurrected to new life. Jesus is promising resurrection to believers who are about to be condemned to die.
And since we are all condemned to die one way or another, this promise is for all of us.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
And since we are all condemned to die one way or another, this promise is for all of us. “If we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his” ().
What is the condition for a resurrection like Christ’s?
What is the condition for a resurrection like Christ’s?
What is the condition for a resurrection like Christ’s? It’s identifying with Christ’s death.
It’s identifying with Christ’s death.
What is the condition for a resurrection like Christ’s? It’s identifying with Christ’s death.
It’s believing, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…” ().
It’s believing, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…” ().
Those who have died with Christ will be raised with Christ.
Those who have died with Christ will be raised with Christ.
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
You became a brand new creation the moment you were placed in Christ, but your body is still subject to decay and death.
You were made new, but your earth suit was not.
You became a brand new creation the moment you were placed in Christ, but your body is still subject to decay and death. You were made new, but your earth suit was not.
The good news is that Jesus is in the business of making all things new.
The good news is that Jesus is in the business of making all things new.
One day he will transform our lowly bodies “so that they will be like his glorious body” ().
One day he will transform our lowly bodies “so that they will be like his glorious body” (). For those who die before the Lord returns, this is called a resurrection.
For those who die before the Lord returns, this is called a resurrection.
Who gets the crown of life?
Who gets the crown of life?
Who gets the crown of life?
Those who love Jesus.
Those who love Jesus.
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
The crown of life is given to those who love the Lord, regardless of what trials we face and how well we face them.
The crown of life is given to those who love the Lord, regardless of what trials we face and how well we face them.
Those who insist we must show ourselves approved to earn the crown, forget that we have already been tested and approved in Christ.
Those who insist we must show ourselves approved to earn the crown, perhaps by putting on a brave face and saying positive things as our world crashes around us, forget that we have already been tested and approved in Christ
Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
He whom the Lord approves has nothing to prove.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Paul did not earn this crown by being faithful.
Paul did not earn this crown by being faithful.
Rather the crown is given to all who long for Christ’s appearing.
Rather the crown is given to all who long for Christ’s appearing
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
The crown of life is for those who love the Author of Life. The crown is for the children of the King.
The crown of life is for those who love the Author of Life. The crown is for the children of the King.
What if I’m not faithful until death?
What if I’m not faithful until death?
What if I’m not faithful until death?
Jesus remains faithful; you still get a crown.
Jesus remains faithful; you still get a crown.
A mind untouched by grace twists the promises of Jesus into tests that must be passed and commands that must be obeyed. “Jesus was faithful unto death; you’d better be faithful too.”
A mind untouched by grace twists the promises of Jesus into tests that must be passed and commands that must be obeyed. “Jesus was faithful unto death; you’d better be faithful too.”
“Be faithful and you’ll get a crown. Be unfaithful and you won’t.”
“Be faithful and you’ll get a crown. Be unfaithful and you won’t.” This is surely bad news for the saint who stumbles at the eleventh hour.
The temptation to view life as a test comes naturally to those of us who have been raised in a world that glorifies achievement, but Jesus doesn’t speak that language.
The temptation to view life as a test comes naturally to those of us who have been raised in a world that glorifies achievement, but Jesus doesn’t speak that language.
He does not dispense gold stars or crowns for good performance, but he crowns the undeserving and justifies the sinner.
He does not dispense gold stars or crowns for good performance, but he crowns the undeserving and justifies the sinner.
But what about this scripture that comes later in John’s book?
But what about this scripture that comes later in John’s book?
He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
This scripture has been used to terrorize the saints. “If someone put a gun to your head and said, ‘Deny Jesus,’ would you prove cowardly? If so, you’re going to hell.”
This scripture has been used to terrorize the saints. “If someone put a gun to your head and said, ‘Deny Jesus,’ would you prove cowardly? If so, you’re going to hell.”
Admissions made under duress carry no weight in a court of law, so why do we think a just God would take them seriously?
Admissions made under duress carry no weight in a court of law, so why do we think a just God would take them seriously?
We may disown the Lord, but he will never disown us because he cannot disown himself.
We may disown the Lord, but he will never disown us because he cannot disown himself.
Eternal life is a gift of grace. It is not a reward given to those who pass the torture test.
Eternal life is a gift of grace. It is not a reward given to those who pass the torture test.
as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So why be faithful?
So why be faithful?
So why be faithful?
It’s the life-giving choice.
It’s the life-giving choice.
Jesus is offering us a choice. You can be fearful or faithful, and faithful is better.
Jesus is offering us a choice. You can be fearful or faithful, and faithful is better.
Fearful is what you get when you lean on your own resources; faithful is what you are when you hold on to Jesus.
Fearful is what you get when you lean on your own resources; faithful is what you are when you hold on to Jesus.
Fix your eyes on the source of your suffering and you will fear.
Fix your eyes on the source of your suffering and you will fear.
But see the Savior who died but lives forevermore, and you will endure.
But see the Savior who died but lives forevermore, and you will endure.
Polycarp made the latter choice and this is why he was able to endure a brutal death.
Polycarp made the latter choice and this is why he was able to endure a brutal death.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’
What is the second death?
What is the second death?
What is the second death?
It’s the one that comes after the first or physical death. It’s the ultimate outcome for those who reject the gift of life (see , ).
It’s the one that comes after the first or physical death. It’s the ultimate outcome for those who reject the gift of life (see , ).
Jesus is the Living One () and those who have been united with him in his death shall live with him forever more.
Jesus is the Living One () and those who have been united with him in his death shall live with him forever more. The hope of eternal life appears in the seven letters as a tree of life (), a crown of life (), and a book of life ().
The hope of eternal life appears in the seven letters as a tree of life (), a crown of life (), and a book of life ().
What was Christ’s message for the Smyrneans?
What was Christ’s message for the Smyrneans?
“Some of you are going to be mistreated on my account and some of you may die.
“Some of you are going to be mistreated on my account and some of you may die.
Don’t be afraid, but fix your eyes on me. I was dead but have come to life.
We’ll go through this trial together, and you’ll be amazed at how well your God-given faith bears up under pressure.
This test will only be for a short time and then we will meet face to face.
I can’t wait to see you and hug you and give you your crown.”
What is Christ’s message for us?
What is Christ’s message for us?
Fear not, for Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
Fear not, for Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
If you have received the sentence of death, perhaps in the form of a bad medical report. Even if your healing doesn’t manifest, death does not have the final word.
If you have received the sentence of death, perhaps in the form of a bad medical report. Even if your healing doesn’t manifest, death does not have the final word.
The Alpha and Omega is the beginning and the end.
The One who was raised to life invites you to see beyond that curtain to the realm of the everlasting.
As a dearly loved child of the Most High, you have nothing to fear for nothing can separate you from his love.
No matter how bad it gets, even if your heart stops beating and they bury your body in the ground, there is hope.
Put your trust in Jesus for he will never let you go.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ()
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ()