THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA #2

Rev. 2:8-11 - Smyrna (The Poor-Rich Church)

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. We continue our study on the seven churches of Asia.
      1. In this lesson we examine the church at Smyrna (The Poor
         Rich Church).  Rev. 2:8-11
   B. A study of the letters to the seven churches reveals
      congregational obligations.
      1. Congregations are obligated to the Lord just as individuals
         are obligated.
   C. A study of letters shows us where we stand as a church of the
      Lord.
      1. Studying them reveals our weak and strong points.
      2. Application of the principles found in the letters are
         necessary for us to be pleasing to the Lord.
   D. Chart #1 - Conditions of the Churches:
      1. Four had a mixture of good and bad:
         a. Ephesus - Loyal, but lacking church: had left its first
            love.
         b. Pergamum - The compromising church: Balaam.
         c. Thyatira - Another compromising church: Jezebel.
         d. Sardis - Had a name, but was dead: works not
            perfected.
      2. Two of which no criticism was made:
         a. Smyrna - The poor rich church.
         b. Philadelphia - The church of the open door.
      3. One of which nothing good was said:
         a. Laodicea - The rich poor church: lukewarm.

I. SALUTATION AND DESIGNATION.
   A. Christ gives a brief designation of Himself in every epistle.
   B. Verses 8 - Rev. 1:8, 17-18; 22:13
      1. John 2:19-22 - He arose from the dead and is alive
         forevermore.

II. COMMENDATION.
   A. Christ possessed a complete and perfect knowledge of their:
      1. Works - He refers to their spiritual accomplishments and
         deeds.  James 1:25
         a. He knew the works of all His churches (whether good
            or bad).  "I know your works" is mentioned in every
            epistle.
         b. No church anywhere deceives the Lord. He knows us.
         c. Christ not only has complete and perfect knowledge of
            the disease (if there is any), but of the remedy as well.
         d. The church which follows his instructions cannot fail.
      2. Tribulation - Living the Christian life and serving the Lord
         had brought them under many difficulties.  2 Tim. 3:12
         a. Smyrna was a populous city about forty miles North of
            Ephesus.  Chart #2 - Map (Note: Obtain a map which       
            includes the seven churches of Asia).
            (1) It possessed a fine harbor and was a great
                commercial city.
            (2) Idiolatry was prevalent.
            (3) It had a strong Jewish element and since it was
                also a city under Roman rule, living the Christian
                life was beset with many problems.
         b. Verse 9 - The Jews blasphemed (reviled, railed, showed
            contempt) against the religion of the Christians in
            Smyrna.
            (1) Other examples are found in Acts 13:45; 18:5-6.
         c. The Jews considered themselves as the synagogue of
            God, but were actually the synagogue of Satan.
            (1) They turned the Christians over to the Romans
                because they would not confess Caesar as lord.
            (2) This would cause some of them to be cast into
                prison.
                (a) The "devil" would do it through his servants
                    executing his will.
            (3) Many denominational churches think they are the
                church of God, but are actually the church of
                Satan.
      3. Poverty - They were extremely poor in this world's goods,
         but were rich in spiritual goods.
         a. All of us can be spiritually rich, though we may be poor
            in other ways.
         b. Contrast Laodicea - Rev. 3:17.
         c. Better is a little with righteousness. Eccl. 4:6; Prov.
            15:16-17; 16:8; 17:1; Psalm 37:16-17
            (1) A quiet and peaceful life is good and acceptable in
                the sight of God.  1 Tim. 2:1-4
                (a) A quiet and peaceful life suggests trust and
                    dependence upon God. 
                (b) To be overly interested in the things of this
                    world can do us much harm.  Luke 8:14 ;
                    21:33-36

III. CHRIST'S EXHORTATION, ENCOURAGEMENT AND PROMISES TO THEM.
   A. He encourages them to not be afraid.
      1. In this instance, they would have to face tribulation only  
         for a short time--ten days.  Vs. 10
      2. Christians are not to be afraid of other men.  Matt. 10:28
      3. Christians are not to think it strange when fiery trials    
         come.  1 Pet. 4:12-16
   B. The Lord promises the crown.
      1. If they were faithful "unto" death (KJV); "until" (NKJV).
         a. We must be faithful to the point of death (even if it    
            costs our lives).  Rev. 12:11; John 12:25
         b. We must be faithful "until" death (enduring to the end). 
            Matt. 10:22; 24:12-13
      2. The "crown" is described as the "crown of righteousness."  2
         Tim. 4:7-8
         a. Peter called it "the crown of glory."  1 Pet. 5:4
         b. James described it as "the crown of life."  James 1:12
         c. Paul labeled it as "the imperishable crown."  1 Cor. 9:25
   C. The Lord also promises they would not be hurt of the second
      death.  Vs. 11
      1. For explanation of the second death, see Rev. 20:13-15; 21:8
      2. The negative of all of these promises is also true.  In     
         other words, the one who fails to overcome will be hurt of  
         the second death.

IV. WE MUST BE WILLING TO LISTEN.  Vs. 11
   A. This is also mentioned to every church.
   B. Again, those who have the disposition to hear, let them hear.
   C. Those who do not have an open mind, who close their minds to
      the truth, will never learn the truth.
      1. "If you don't use it, you'll loose it."  Matt. 13:12
      2. Without diligence, it will happen to us exactly as Isaiah
         prophesied.  Matt. 13:14-15
         a. Dullness of heart prevented them from: (1)
            understanding God's will; (2) Turning from sin; (3)
            being healed by God.
      3. Sometimes brethren can be "dull" of hearing.  Heb. 5:11
         a. "Dull" means literally, "lazy, slothful, sluggish."
         b. Dull hearing makes teaching very difficult.
      4. Let us keep our hearts and ears open and attentive to truth.

Concl.
   A. Let us summarize a few things we have learned from a study of
      the short epistle to Smyrna.
      1. Persecutions and tribulations will come.  Let us remain
         faithful.
         a. We can't let persecutions and hardships destroy us.
      2. As long as we have the spiritual blessings, we are rich.    
         Let us rejoice.
      3. Let us strive to overcome (remain faithful, come out
         victorious in trials and temptations), for we will be       
         greatly rewarded.

Chart #3 - Lessons To Be Learned:
      1. Persecutions and tribulations will come - Remain faithful.
      2. As long as we have the spiritual blessings, we are rich -
         Rejoice.
      3. Strive to overcome -- Gain the Reward.