Message Notes

SSS 4
Book of Revelation 3 November 2024

8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:

9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until 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. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’

Revelation 2:8-11

1. Asia Minor

a) The Romans called it “Asia Minor”

b) It was part of the Greek empire once

c) It was also called Anatolia (Eastern part)

d) Modern name is Turkey (Türkiye)

2. The Church of Smyrna

a) The name was drawn from the word “myrrh”

b) Myrrh is bittersweet in smell

c) Smyrna (modern day Izmir) was a busy seaport (also today)

d) It had a good harbour and enjoyed much trade in those days

3. The Lord Jesus described

“The First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life”

Revelation 2:8b

a) The First and the Last

b) Who was dead, and came to life

EVALUATION BY THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 2:9

1. Works

2. Tribulation

3. Poverty

a) Material wealth

b) Spiritual wealth

4. The blasphemy of those who call themselves Jews

a) The term “Jews”

b) It speaks of “praise”

i) Praise from God

ii) But this was not true

c) Their assembly

i) It is a synagogue of Satan

ii) God’s presence is not there

A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:10

1. Smyrna was one of 2 churches that did not receive a word of admonition

2. Encouragement given

a) Not to fear suffering

b) Forewarning that the Devil was going to cause suffering

i) Imprisonment

ii) Tribulation for 10 days (a short period of time)

iii) A time of testing

c) To be faithful until death

d) The promise of a crown of life

HEARING THE SPIRIIT OF THE LORD

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’

Revelation 2:11

1. He who has an ear, let him hear

2. The admonition of the Lord Jesus Christ

He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Matthew 13:9

3. Attuning our ears to hear what the Spirit of God says to the churches
(Not just Smyrna)

a) He who overcomes

b) He shall not be hurt by the second death

c) There will be no second death to the true believer (overcomer)

d) Those who reject faith in the Lord because of:

i) The fear of suffering

ii) The fear of imprisonment

iii) The fear of death

e) They will suffer “the second death”

i) They will be denied entry into heaven

ii) No crown of life would be given