January 24, 2010 Pastor Scott Snowden
On the one hand, … but on the other…
A Progress Report from Jesus…
#3. To the angel of the church in Smyrna write…
Revelation 2:8
In his address to the church in Smyrna, Jesus has no words of commendation. This is not due to any failure on their part. In fact, just the opposite. They are so faithful to Him and the work of the Gospel that they have “naturally” made enemies and are being persecuted and slandered for their devotion to the Truth. While believers in 21 st century America may not be imprisoned or martyred, we do get insulted by those who do not (or choose not to) understand what grace is all about.
“These are the words of Him who is the First and the Last,
who died and came to life.”
Revelation 2:8
- The phrase “First and Last” echoes God’s self-identification to the Prophet Isaiah.
“This is what the Lord says-
Israel’s King and Redeemer; the Lord Almighty;
I am the first and I am the last; apart from Me there is no God.”
Isaiah 44:6
“Listen to Me, O Jacob, Israel, whom I have called:
I am He, I am the first and I am the last.
My own hand laid the foundations of the earth,
and My right hand spread out the heavens.”
Isaiah 48:12, 13
- He reminds the church that He Himself has experienced, and triumphed over, death.
…Who being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-
even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:6, 7
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead,
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
1 st Corinthians 15:20
I know your afflictions and poverty- yet you are rich!
I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not,
but are a synagogue of Satan.”
Revelation 2:9
- Jesus knows we are an _EASY_TARGET_ for the godless.
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.
As it is, you do not belong to the world,
but I have chosen you out of the world.
That is why the world hates you.”
John 15:18, 19
- Jesus knows we may be _SLANDERED_, _INSULTED_, and _DEFAMED_.
“Blessed are you when people insult you
and say all kinds of evil against you because of Me…”
Matthew 5:11
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.
I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you,
and you will suffer persecution for ten days.”
Revelation 2:10
- Re _JOICE_ that I am worthy of the Name.
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed,
for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you…
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed,
but praise God that you bear that name.
1 st Peter 4:14, 16
- Re _SIST_ the urge to be afraid.
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.”
Revelation 2:10
- Re _MEMBER_ that this, too, shall pass..
“…and you will suffer persecution for ten days”
Revelation 2:10
- Re _MAIN_ true to God and His will.
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will
should commit themselves to their faithful Creator
and continue to do good.
1 st Peter 4:19
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing,
because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 st Peter 3:9
“Be faithful, even to the point of death,
and I will give you the crown of life.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.”
Revelation 2:10, 11
- The “crown” is the laurel wreath given to the winner.
I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-
and not just to me, but to all who have longed for His appearing.
2 nd Timothy 4:7, 8
- _GOD’S_ life forever in exchange for _MY_ life now.
- The “second death” refers to the judgment of the unforgiven.
“If anyone would come after Me,
he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for Me will find it.
What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world,
yet forfeits his soul?”
Matthew 16:24-26 |
