A study in Revelation

Message 9

The church at Smyrna

Revelation 2:8-11

Introduction: Before we look at the church of Smyrna we again need to know some things about the city and people. Smyrna was the second largest and some believed the most beautiful city in the Roman province of Asia. This city is known today as Izmir and like Ephesus located in modern Turkey. Smyrna (Izmir) is the only church of the seven still in existence today. In John’s day this city was one that had truly been resurrected, you see about 700 years earlier it had been totally destroyed and laid in ruins for about 300 years. Smyrna was the first city to build a temple to Roma, the spirit of Rome, in 195 B.C. Here John addresses a church that was soon to face the bitter hatred of the world. Domitian was leading Rome; he was a suspicious and blasphemous tyrant the church would never forget.

I. Smyrna was a church with a false trend (2:8-9)

Smyrna was a tormented church, tormented for the cause of Christ. However they were guilty of following false doctrine and accepting those who taught without question.

A. That was favorably accepted (2:8)

The Lord tells us “I know thy works and tribulations” what comforting words these are, especially to the Christians who suffer because of their faith. Persecution was common to the church at Smyrna. The Lord shares persecution with you and I, there is no sob, tear, heartache, pain or fear that the Lord doesn’t share.

The Lord knows the poverty of His people, yes poverty; Gods people have a heritage of poverty. He says “I know thy poverty (but thou art rich)” Jesus is no stranger to poverty; remember He was born in a manger. He was rich, but for our sakes He became poor to save the poorest of all, you and I.

B. That was foolishly accepted (2:9)

The Lord says “I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” The basic error of the folks at Smyrna was the failure to distinguish believer from unbelievers. Some of Smyrna’s biggest troublemakers were the Jews, those who wanted to intermingle Judaism with Christianity. For the sake of what we today call tolerance, Smyrna went along.

II. Smyrna was a church with a fiery trial (2:10a)

The fiery trial soon to be felt by those as Smyrna can be view in three perspectives: the human, the satanic and the divine.

A. That held misery for the human level

The Lord tells them to “fear none of those things thou shalt suffer” you and I tend to shy away from suffering, avoid it whenever possible. The Lord encourages us to face boldly the suffering brought about by our faith and Christians.

B. That held mystery for the satanic level

“Behold the devil shall cast some of you into prison” Satan hates the church, we might as well get that through our heads, he will do anything he can to disrupt it and discredit it. The devil will not give us a hint about what his plans are, that’s where the mystery comes in. But praise God we can celebrate a God who is all knowing and all powerful when it comes to the matters of Satan.

C. That held ministry for the divine level

God never allows His people to suffer without cause. Notice two comforting factors for suffering

1. Divine reason “that ye may be tried”

There is separation of the chaff from the wheat.

2. Divine restriction “ye shall have tribulation ten days”

There is a marked period of time; God will not permit suffering indefinitely.

III. Smyrna was a church with a final triumph (2:10b-11)

This is a war Satan cannot win, there is a triumph and it is two fold.

A. By sharing in Christ’s cross

“be thou faithful unto death” The Lord reminds this church that He once suffered physical death as well. Contrary to popular belief ease and prosperity are nowhere promised the Christian.

B. By sharing in Christ’s crown

“Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life” Satan and the world offer only death to the Christian, whether it is physical, social or emotional and the list goes on and on. It can come to us through finances, careers, relationships or many others, but rest assured the devil is trying to kill us.

Conclusion: The Lord has shown us through Smyrna that the believer can endure and the Lord will bless those who do endure. We may have to make corrections along the way but if we will the victory is ours. Our lives today have an abundance of Smyrna in them; we can look around and see it everywhere. There is murder of Christians all over the world by Muslims and there is no outcry. There is legal and social persecution and still no outcry. There is a lesson to be learned from Smyrna, endurance for the blessing that will come.