FAITHFULNESS WHILE IN THE FIRE
Revelation 2: 8-11 

Introduction:     Smyrna , called the “ Crown City ” was located 40 miles from Ephesus . It was a famous port city. Its main export was myrrh, a spice used in embalming.  Smyrna was also a famous religious center. There were temples to Zeus, Dianna, Aphrodite, and Apollo there. There was a street paved with gold running through town connecting the temple of Zeus with the temple of Dianna . The city was famous also for its theater and music center. It was a city of great wealth and culture. It was also a city that hated Christians. This church represents the period from 100 A.D. to 312 A.D. It is the Martyr Church . What does Jesus have to say to this church as it faces the fire?

I.          THE CHURCH’S COMFORT   (VV.8-9)

            A.        In The Person Of Christ (v.8)

·        “The first and the last” -- Jesus had already been there! He is in charge and nothing can happen to them unless He allows it to! (Rom.8:28)

·        “Was dead and am alive” -- Jesus has already conquered death! He can identify with suffering! Jesus can help us through anything! (Heb 4:15-16) "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. {16} Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

            B.         In The Perception Of Christ (v.9)

Jesus knows all about His own (Heb 4:13) “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."

·        Their Pressure -- “Tribulation”

·        Their Poverty   -- Totally sold out for Jesus!

Lost their possessions but gained Christ. We are poor materially but rich spiritually. We are rich in things the world cannot touch (Mat 6:19-20) "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: {20} But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:"

·        Their Provocation   --   “The Synagogue of Satan”

The Jews who were trying to destroy the Christian Church in Smyrna . Satan is an imitator. He has never had an original thought! Jesus was provoked and so shall we be. He was not liked by everyone and the Godly Church will never be liked by everyone (2 Tim 3:12) “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

II.         THE CHURCH’S COMMOTION (V.10a)

            A.        The Misery Of It

·        Suffering is sure!

·        Suffered some, but more is on the way.

            B.         The Mystery Of It       

·        Not that Satan does it, but that God allows it!

·        He has a plan -- (Isa 55:8-9) “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. {9} For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

            C.        The Ministry Of It

·        Our faith being tried comes out more perfect! (1 Pet 1:6-7) "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: {7} That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"

·        We may suffer but Jesus has put a limit on it.  (10 days)

III.       THE CHURCH’S CONQUEST (VV.10b-11)

            A.        The Secret Of It (Faithfulness)

Sharing In His Cross! You may not be able to be many things, but you can be faithful (1 Cor 4:2) “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." (Illus: There are many gifted Christians that will never be used by God because they are not faithful!) How long are we to be faithful? Until death!

            B.         The Sweetness Of It (Fulfillment)

Sharing In His Crown! Over comers are the truly saved!

·        A Crown Of Life

·        No Second Death

We can face the fire of trails in our lives with confidence if we are assured of our salvation and the eternal nature of it!  (Born once -- die twice, Hell forever; Born twice -- die once, Heaven forever!)

Conclusion:       Suffering will come! We can be assured that Jesus knows, cares, and understands. Most of all, we have the blessing of knowing He is right there in the trial with us and afterward will take us home to glory!

Victory over the fiery trials of this life is promised in Jesus. The world offers only death in the end, but Jesus offers to all who will believe a crown of life that will outlast the universe itself.