Rich or Poor

675.  "  Rich or Poor"                      January 16, 2013
Revelation 2-Part 2
I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Rev. 2:9 NAS


Background:
City of Smyrna
*located 35 miles north of Ephesus
*modern name is Izmir
*was a thriving city that had a famous stadium, library, and theater
*had a diverse population of around one-half million
*religious Gentiles worshiped the emperor and the Jews were committed to their Old Testament
  religion
Church of Smyrna
*Though Jew in the Roman Empire were legally excused from sacrificing to the emperor, Christians
   were not after being cast out of the synagogues.
*Believers face physical, emotional, and economic pressures from both Jew and Gentiles.

LET IT GLOW

During our college years, my family was poor financially. However we were rich in faith, trusting God to provide for our needs as we did His will, preparing for the ministry. He was so faithful through those four years. Truly, He is Jehovah Jire, the Lord Provides.

Jesus knew about the works, tribulation, and poverty of the Christians in the Church of Smyrna. However, in the midst of their suffering, Jesus gives hope. God gives strength to those who suffer.
Also, God rewards those who endure. He knew firsthand the kind of suffering and pain they endured as rejected outcasts.
Due to their refusal to worship the emperor, the Smyrneans suffered economic poverty. Christian owned business were avoided, vandalized, and looted. this church was spiritually rich, while being earthly poor. They were slandered verbally. What a warning-some would be put into prison, tested, have tribulation for ten days. Good news-the faithful would be given a crown of life.

Am I rich in faith?

LET IT GROW

Overcome and come over to the promised land. True believers in Christ will not be hurt by the second death. We will have everlasting life, immortal bodies. for those who endure persecution unto death, a crown of life is awaiting.

What can I learn from this church?

• Our Lord know every detail of our circumstances. He knows us inside and out.
• If our hurtful situations remain or intensify, we have no reason to fear of flee. Regardless of the journey, Christ will be with us through our trials.
• Take comfort as I experience personal pain, suffering, trials, or hardships. Christ is with me through it all.  

Do I turn to Him during my time of need?

[Resource: Swindoll's New Testament Insights on Revelation] 

LET IT GO

Endure whatever for the glory of Jesus.

Suffer for doing good, not bad.

Trust Jesus.