THEME: It Is Written
SERIES: Seven
TITLE: Hang in There!
Scripture: Revelation 2: 8-11
“Dance with the one that brung ya’”
“You don’t change horses in midstream.”
“You stay with that got you here in the first place.”
I. THE COUNSEL
Smyrna was a hotbed of (emperor) worship.
It was located on the gulf of the Aegean Sea, which gave it a good harbor. It even had what was the called “The Street of Gold.”
Christians in Smyrna paying high price for their faith:
1. He commends them for their (tribulation).
2. He commends them for their (poverty).
3. He commends them for their (steadfastness).
“Discipleship means allegiance to the suffering Christ, and it is therefore not at all surprising that Christians should be called upon to suffer.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
II. THE CHALLENGE
After all this He warns them (more is coming).
Notice words “do not fear.”
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33 (HCSB)
“In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” David in Psalm 56:11
What was coming?
1. Some would be (thrown into prison).
2. Some would be (tested).
SERIES: Seven
NEXT WEEK: The Ugly Word- Rev.2: 12-17
