Title: When Suffering Approaches/Rev 2:8-11
Content 1. Music and suffering are very closely related. Music and suffering are
They come to us without a word. They come to us without a word, but at least
It penetrates deeper into our souls.
2. But music is also popular with tired people.
I am not happy with anyone.
3. If there is a way to avoid suffering, we will do whatever it takes
won't do it I hate suffering that much. But I avoid suffering.
The road is not so easy.
4. Anyone who passes by without listening to a single song in their lifetime
There may be, but no one will pass without suffering.
All.
5. Then, how should we deal with the hardships we face?
We can hear the answer through the Smyrna Church.
I. Smyrna was an unsuitable place for Christians to live (8-10).
A. The letter of Christ
1. Jesus wrote his second letter “to the messenger of the church in Smyrna”
(v. 8). The seven cities Jesus mentioned in his letter were
However, only Smyrna still exists.
2. Today, Smyrna is called "Izmir".
The district has a population of 500,000 and is one of Turkey's largest cities. Smyrna is in export.
It was the second largest city after Ephesus.
A stadium was available.
3. Politically, Smyrna was loyal to Rome. So
It became a center of worship for the Roman emperors.
Refusing to admit publicly was executed.
4. Citizens' interest in politics was passive, but severely Christian
Anti-religious Jews, along with imperial worshipers, led Christians
It was a very bad place to live because of the persecution.
5. Jesus is a Christian living in this very dangerous place.
wrote a letter to The Lord gave them courage and comfort.
B. Description of their plight
1. Jesus gave three facts about the situation of the church in Smyrna.
was in a hurry
1) In verse 9, he said that he knew about the tribulation of the church.
He knew that the church members in Smyrna were going through unbearable hardships.
2) He was aware of their severe poverty. They were materially poor.
It was economic pressure because they refused to worship the emperor.
because I was receiving Nevertheless, their faith did not change
Rather, the spiritual state toward God was very rich.
All.
3) The Lord knew the persecution they were enduring.
It was from the church members. Yes, because their persecution was so severe.
Jesus called these synagogues of Satan.
C. Comfort for those who are suffering
1. He said, "Do not be afraid of the sufferings you are about to suffer."
It steals peace from the heart. Fear creates a wave of insecurity.
stir
2. The way to get rid of fear is to be active and loyal
If we are faithful to the Lord with all zeal, all fear
Um disappears as if washed away.
D. A promise to remember
1. Those who are faithful to death are given the crown of life.
For these people, martyrdom was not a business. At that time, in Smyrna, "
There was an award system called "The Crown of Smyrna. Loyalty of this city."
It was an honor bestowed upon a fortune official. Likewise, the people of Christ
is given this crown of life.
2. He promised that he would not be harmed by the second death.
The world is physical. But the second death is spiritual. This death
is eternal torment for fallen angels and unbelievers.
I, as a Christian, no one experiences this second death.
II. There is a secret to overcoming hardship.
A. The Lord knows all my circumstances.
1. The thought of being marginalized or abandoned makes us even more desperate.
let it go
2. The Lord never forsakes me under any circumstances.
B. Christ is our city.
1. There is no need to be afraid. Let's trust Christ completely.
2. The Lord gives you strength as much as you believe.
C. The Lord frees me from suffering.
1. According to our common sense, the better the faith, the more material prosperity and social
It looks like it will get fame, but it really isn't.
Church members are witnesses.
2. The Lord made this advantage clear to them. The reward of faith is material.
It is not of this world. The Lord speaks of the sufferings of the saints,
He gives you a strong power to win. This is the reward.
and later the crown of life.
3. Let us remember the martyrdom of Polycarp. He was the leader of Smyrna.
Around AD 155, Polycarp was an angry citizen of Smyrna.
He was brought out before the field. They told him that he was loyal to the Roman emperor.
He forced me to take an oath, but he said, "I have known him for 86 years.
I served, and he never did anything wrong to me. But I
How can I blaspheme the king who saved me?"
4. Even in the face of death, the saints say, “The light of our temporary tribulation
to accomplish for us an exceedingly great and eternal weight of glory
We must remember the words of the Lord (2 Corinthians 4:17).