"Three Prongs of Persecution" Revelation Part 8 -- 1-8-23 GTC CoMo

Book of Revelation - Part 8 - The Church of Smyrna

Revelation 2:8-11“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of 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 will not be hurt at all by the second death. (NIV)

***The Three Prongs of Persecution***

- SLANDER
Revelation 2:9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
- FEAR
Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days.
- DOUBT
Revelation 2:10 Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. (NIV)

***What do we do?***

- REMEMBER THAT JESUS IS IN CONTROL!
Revelation 2:8 These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. (NIV)
Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. (NIV)
The implication here is that Jesus permitted Satan to place them in prison. JESUS IS IN CONTROL!

- EXPERIENCE JOY!
Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (NIV)

- ACTIVATE GOD’S TRUTH IN OUR LIVES
1 Peter 4:12-18 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” (NIV)
2 Timothy 3:12 "Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand].” (AMP)
"True Christianity will cost a man the favor of the world. He must be content to be thought ill of my man if he pleases God. He must count it no strange thing to be mopped, ridiculed, slandered, persecuted and even hated." JC Ryle

- DETERMINE TO NEVER GIVE UP!
Revelation 2:10 Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. (NIV)
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.