To the Church at Smyrna

Letters to the Seven Churches - Message 4 - To the Church at Smyrna - Rev. 2:8-11

Outline:

I. Introduction to Smyrna
A. Smyrna means “Myrrh”
B. Crown of Asia, presently Izmir, Turkey

II. The Presentation of Christ – vs. 8
A. The First and Last – Isa 41:4; 43:10; 44:6; Heb 7:16
B. Who was Dead and Came to Life – Heb 10:5-7, 19-23

III. The Praiseworthy Commendation – vs. 9
A. I Know Your Works – faithful obedience
B. I Know Your Tribulation – crushing pressure – Heb 11:34, 37; 2 Cor 4:8
C. I Know Your Poverty – destitute, even lacking necessities
D. I Know You are Rich – Luke 12:29-34
E. I Know Your Accusers

IV. The Proposed Correction – vs. 10
A. No Rebuke
B. Do Not Fear – Isa 44:8; 51:7; Matt 10:28
C. You are about to Suffer – Acts 5:41; Rom 8:18; 2 Cor 1:7; Phil 1:29; 2 Tim 3:12
D. The Devil (Accuser) will Imprison You – 1 Peter 5:8; Rev 12:12
E. Be Faithful unto Death – Matt 24:12-13; Mark 13:13; 2 Tim 2:3; James 5:11
F. I Will Give You the Crown of Life – James 1:12; 1 Cor 9:25
G. The Example of Polycarp

V. The Potential Consequences – none

VI. The Promise for Conquerors – vs. 11
A. Hear
B. Not Hurt by the Second Death – 1 John 5:4; Rev 20:6, 14; 21:8