Victory Ahead

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Smyrna

INTRODUCTION: OUT OF SUFFERING

John predicted that the church in Smyrna would be persecuted (2:10). Pain is part of life, but it is never easy to suffer, regardless of the reason. Jesus commended the church at Smyrna for its faith in suffering. He then encouraged the believers that they did not need to fear the future—if they remained faithful. Don’t let difficult times turn you away from God. Remember that when you suffer, Christ suffers with you because you belong to him (Philippians 3:10). Allow your suffering to draw you toward greater faithfulness. Trust God, and remember your heavenly reward (see also 22:12–14). Out of suffering will come the crown of life.

He is the Eternal Son of God.

He died for our sins.

He rose again for our Salvation.

VICTORY IN HIS SALVATION

Revelation 2:9 NKJV

“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 2:9–10a NKJV

“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 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.

Deliverance from persecution

Persecution from the government/pagans and the religious/false brethren.

[Life Application Commentary Bible by Bruce Barton: The church in Smyrna was suffering because of persecution, and believers faced poverty even in this wealthy city. This probably refers to material poverty because Christ immediately assured them that despite their poverty, they were rich—referring to their heavenly riches (see James 2:5). These Christians’ poverty may have come from sanctions against them as part of the persecution they faced.}

Deliverance from fear

Revelation 2:10 NKJV

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.

revelation 2:10

Fear of prison and death.

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill you. They can only kill your body; they cannot touch your soul” ( nlt).

VICTORY IN HIS PROMISES

Crown of Life

Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 2:10

Reve 2:9-10a

[Barton] The message to the Smyrna church was to remain faithful during their suffering because God is in control and because his promises are reliable. Jesus never taught that by being faithful to him, believers would avoid troubles, suffering, and persecution. Rather, believers must be faithful to Christ even when suffering. Only then will their faith prove genuine. Believers remain faithful by keeping their eyes on Christ and on what he promises for now and for the future (see Philippians 3:13–14; 2 Timothy 4:8).

Eternal Life

Revelation 2:11 NKJV

“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.” ’

Whoever is victorious—that is, whoever stands strong for the faith despite persecution and suffering—will not be hurt by the second death. The Greek negative is emphatic—they will not in any way be hurt. Believers and unbelievers alike experience physical death. The first death for those in Smyrna might well be martyrdom. But even then they would be victorious because they would not face the second death. All people will be resurrected, but believers will be resurrected to eternal life with God, while unbelievers will be resurrected to be punished with a second death—eternal separation from God (see also 20:14; 21:8, 27; 22:15). [Life Application Commentary Bible by Bruce Barton]