SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA

CHURCH AT SMYRNA: “THE POOR LITTLE RICH

CHURCH”

Smyrna

Courtesy of:www.holylandphotos.org

THE TEXT

“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.”REVELATION 2:8,9

THE TEXT

“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

THE TEXT

“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.”

REVELATION 2:11

BACKGROUND

• 40 miles north of Ephesus. The “Ornament of Asia.”

• Favored as a Greek colony as far back as 1000 B.C.

• Destroyed in 600 B.C., rebuilt in 200 B.C.

• Well planned city with straight and broad roads.

• Seaport and trading center

BACKGROUND

• Some consider it the most brilliant city in Asia Minor

• Claimed to be the first in beauty, literature and loyalty to Rome

• First to erect a temple to the goddess Roma and to the spirit of Rome

• Center of Caesar worship—began to be strictly enforced. Real problem for the Christians in Smyrna.

BACKGROUND

• Famous for majestic buildings, schools of science and medicine

• Polycarp, a disciple of John, was martyred there in 155 A.D.

• “Golden Line Palace” a citadel stood on the mountain guarding the city.

• Temples of Cybele and Acropolis adjoined the palace.

BACKGROUND

• Center to worship of DIONYSUS originally a nature god of fruitfulness and vegetation who eventually became god of wine.

• Mock death, burial and resurrection of DIONYSUS celebrated annually.

• Chosen by Roman senate in 26 AD as site for new temple for the worship of Roman Emperor Tiberius

BACKGROUND

• Contained a large population of influential Jews who were hostile to the church.

• Jews got laws passed that forbade Christians to belong to labor unions—contributed to material poverty.

“FIRST AND THE LAST—DEAD CAME TO LIFE.”

• Eternal being— John 8:15; John 8:58

• He did die—John 19:30• Return from the grave—

Romans 1:4• The atonement for sin.• Philippians 2:6-8• Mocking false worship

COMMENDATIONS

• “I know thy works.”

• True and accurate accounting

• Take notes and inventory of all of our works!– Hebrews 4:13

“And there is no creature hidden from

His sight, but all things are

naked and open to the

eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

COMMENDATIONS

• “Tribulation and poverty.”

• Oppression and distress

• God knows our problems– 2 Timothy 3:12

“Yes, and all who desire

to live godly in Christ Jesus will

suffer persecution.”

COMMENDATIONS

• “Tribulation and poverty.”

• Oppression and distress

• God knows our problems– 1 Peter 4:16

“Yet if anyone suffers as a

Christian, let him not be

ashamed, but let him glorify

God in this matter.”

COMMENDATIONS

• “But you are rich.”

• Amazing paradox• Materially—poor• Spiritually—rich – Ephesians 1:3

“Blessed be the God and Father of

our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the

heavenly places in Christ.”

COMMENDATIONS

• “But you are rich.”

• Amazing paradox• Materially—poor• Spiritually—rich – Proverbs 13:7

“There is one who makes

himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes

himself poor, yet has great riches.”

COMMENDATIONS

• “But you are rich.”

• Amazing paradox• Materially—poor• Spiritually—rich – Luke 12:15

“And He said to them, Take heed and beware of

covetousness, for one's life does

not consist in the abundance of the

things he possesses.”

COMMENDATIONS

• “Blasphemy.”• False

accusations• Disloyalty to

Caesar• Jews by race—

not by works!– Romans 2:28,29

“For he is not a Jew who is one

outwardly, nor is circumcision that

which is outward in the flesh; but he is a

Jew who is one inwardly; and

circumcision is that of the heart, in the

Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but

from God.”

COMMENDATIONS

• “Blasphemy.”• Jews by race—

not by works!• Synagogue of

Satan!– Romans 4:12

“And the father of circumcision to

those who not only are of the

circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still

uncircumcised.”

WORDS OF CONSOLATION

• “Fear none of the things which thou shall suffer.”

• More is coming!• God will see

them through every ordeal– 1 Peter 5:7,8

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for

you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks

about like a roaring lion,

seeking whom he may devour.”

WORDS OF CONSOLATION

• “Fear none of the things which thou shall suffer.”

• More is coming!• God will see

them through every ordeal– Matthew 10:28

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to

destroy both soul and body in hell.”

WORDS OF CONSOLATION

• “Fear none of the things which thou shall suffer.”

• More is coming!• God will see

them through every ordeal– Romans 8:31

“What then shall we say to these things?

If God is for us, who can be against us?”

SOME THROWN INTO PRISON

• Satan’s influence will cause us to be tested!

• Must resist• 10 days—limited

duration– James 4:6,7

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He

says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS

• “Be faithful until death.”

• Martyrdom is possible

• Will it be worth it?– 1 Peter 5:4

“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you

will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS

• “Be faithful until death.”

• Martyrdom is possible

• Will it be worth it?– 1 Peter 1:3,4

“…begotten us again to a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

to an inheritance incorruptible and

undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven

for you.”

PROMISE

• “Not be overcome by the second death.”

• Never quit—not be indifferent

• 2nd death=eternal punishment!– Matthew 25:46

“And these will go away into everlasting

punishment, but the

righteous into eternal life.”

PROMISE

• “Not be overcome by the second death.”

• Never quit—not be indifferent

• 2nd death=eternal punishment!– Revelation 20:14

“Then Death and Hades

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.”

To Church at Harrodsburg…

• I Know thy works…• You have a name…