8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. 9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’  Revelation 2:8-11

A. The Head of the Church in Smyrna

1. The Sovereignty of the Lord Jesus: Rev. 2:8; Rev. 1:8

2. The Eternality of the Lord Jesus: Rev. 2:8; Rev. 1:4-5; 1 Cor. 15:12-19

B. His commendations to the church at Smyrna

1. Awareness of their burdens: Rev. 2:9; John 16:33

2. Awareness of their needs: Rev. 2:9b; 2 Cor. 8:2, 9

3. Awareness of their persecution

– Verbal: Rev. 2:9c

– Physical: Rev. 2:10

C. His commands to the church at Smyrna

1. Be Fearless: Rev. 2:10b; Josh 1:1-9

2. Be Faithful: Rev. 2:10c; 1 Cor. 4:1-2

D. His promise to the church at Smyrna

1. Fullness of Eternal Life (knowing God and Christ): Rev. 2:10; John 17:1-3

2. Deliverance from Eternal Separation from God: Rev. 2:11; Rev. 20:6, 11-15; Rev. 21:8

Lessons Learned from the Suffering Church at Smyrna

1. We are called to share in Christ’s sufferings: Phil. 1:29; Phil. 3:10

2. We are called to persecution: 2 Timothy 3:12

3. We learn invaluable lessons through sufferings: Psalm 119:67, 71

4. We lean on God’s promises with greater dependency: 2 Cor. 1:8-10

5. We live for Christ embracing death as gain: Phil. 1:21