When a Church is Suffering

When a Church is Suffering Rev 2:8-11 | Letters for Churches

Revelation 2:8-9 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.�

Revelation 2:10 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.�

Revelation 2:11 10

“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.�

When a Church is Suffering (Rev. 2:8-11) • The Reality of Suffering for God’s People • God’s Encouragement in the midst of Suffering

Revelation 2:9 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.�

Revelation 2:10 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.�

John 15:20 If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.

2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Revelation 2:9 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.�

Revelation 2:10 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.�

Hebrews 10:34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.

Revelation 2:10 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.�

1 Peter 4:12-13 12

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Revelation 2:9 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.�

Revelation 2:10 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.�

1 Peter 5:8-9 8

Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

When a Church is Suffering (Rev. 2:8-11) • The Reality of Suffering for God’s People • God’s Encouragement in the midst of Suffering

Revelation 2:8 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.� [see 1:17-18]

When a Church is Suffering (Rev. 2:8-11) God encourages a suffering church by:

When a Church is Suffering (Rev. 2:8-11) God encourages a suffering church by: - Opening our eyes to His present grace

Revelation 2:9 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.�

Revelation 2:10 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.�

1 Peter 1:6 for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

Revelation 2:9 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.�

When a Church is Suffering (Rev. 2:8-11) God encourages a suffering church by: - Opening our eyes to His present grace - Lifting our perspective to our eternal hope

Revelation 2:10b,11b 10b

Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

11b

The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.�

Revelation 2:10 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.�

Romans 8:13 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Revelation 2:10 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.�