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Letter to Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) A church should be faithful in persecution. This congregation receives no criticism but is encouraged and reminded of the need for faithfulness in spite of trial. |
Letter to Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11)
A church should be faithful in persecution.
This congregation receives no criticism but is encouraged and reminded of the need for faithfulness in spite of trial.
- God Knows Our Hardships (v9) – He knew of their tribulation, poverty, and the blasphemies of others. But they could take comfort in knowing that God knew the hardships they faced for the cause of Christ (Heb. 2:18, 4:15), that their earthly riches were not important spiritually (Matt. 6:20; 1 Tim. 6:6ff), and that they were God’s chosen people (Rom. 2:28-29; Gal. 3:29; 1 Pet. 2:4-5, 9).
- God Knows Our Future (v10) – He warns them of things that are to come, a reminder that earthly hardships will not last forever and that God remains in control (1 Pet. 5:8; 2 Tim. 3:12; Dan. 4:25; Matt. 10:28; Rom. 8:18; Rev. 6:9-11; 2 Thess. 1:6-7).
- God Will Reward The Faithful (v10) – Yes, they will face hard times, but if they remain faithful, even to the point of death, they will be rewarded—they could trust the faithfulness of God. (1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Cor. 4:17, 5:1; 1 Pet. 1:3-9, 5:4; 1 Cor. 9:25; Rev. 21-22).
