The Church That Was Willing To Suffer
Revelation 2:8–11 (NLT) — (8) “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna. This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive: (9) “I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. (10) Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. (11) “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.
John 16:33 (NLT) — (33) I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT) — (12) Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
I) We Need To See The __________Of Jesus.
Philippians 2:10–11 (NLT) — (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (11) and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Isaiah 44:6 (NLT) — (6) This is what the LORD says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies: “I am the First and the Last; there is no other God.
Acts 2:24 (NLT) — (24) But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.
Acts 2:32 (NLT) — (32) “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this.
Acts 3:26 (NLT) — (26) When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.”
II) Notice The __________ From Jesus.
Revelation 2:9 (NLT) — (9) “I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan.
James 2:26 (NLT) — (26) Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
III) Jesus ___________ Them And Us For What Lies Ahead.
Isaiah 44:8 (NLT) — (8) Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one!”
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT) — (6) So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
IV) Remember The ___________ Of Jesus.