The Suffering but Rich Church – Part 2

Sermons

Text: Revelation 2:8-11

Unfortunately this morning’s message was not recorded; however, we hope to see you next week at 10AM for our worship time!

The Church at Smyrna was being persecuted because it refused to bow to the pressure to worship Caesar. In the same way we can face various “persecutions”, physical or otherwise, for refusing to conform to ungodly societal expectations. The good news is that Christ offers His strength to sustain us through such trials.

Today’s message focuses on the appeal to the church of Smyrna to be faithful and not be afraid. There are at least seven reasons why Christ is worthy of our trust.

  1. He is eternal ( Rev. 2:8 ,Rev. 1:8 ). He has no beginning nor end. He is unchanging (Hebrews 13:8 ).
  2. He is victorious. Jesus not just experienced death but He conquered death therefore He is the one who has power over death itself. (Rev. 2:8, Phillipians 2:8, , Hebrews 2:14-15 ).
  3. He is all knowing, omniscient. It is a comfort when someone knows our afflictions. (Rev. 2:9)
  4. He is “balanced”, He has perspective. (Rev. 2:9)
  5. He is sovereign, He has the power to say to Satan “you may go this far and no more!”. (Rev. 2:10)
  6. He is purposeful. Satan wants to use suffering to drive us away from God; however, God uses it to strengthen our faith in Him as well as our dependence upon Him. (James 1:2-4)
  7. He is generous, we will be awarded the victors crown as a result of our faithfulness to Him. ( Rev. 2:10)

Let us never forget that Christ cares for us in times of trial and will bring us through it all. ( Psalm 66:10, Psalm 34:19) More so, that our tested faith will result in an increased faith to the glory of God. (1 Peter 1:7, 2 Timothy 4:7)

As we go about our week let us not forget the word of God from Hebrews, “let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” ( Hebrews 12:1-3)