Revelation 2:8-11 And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things said the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;… It often happens that people do not know how rich they are. So it appears to have been with the Smyrnian Church. Let us consider some of the elements of these spiritual riches possessed by this Church with which Jesus has no fault to find. I. It was RICH IN FAITH (James 2:5). Do you know why faith enriches its possessor? It is because he is justified by faith. There is not a more impoverishing thing than a consciousness of sin. II. This Church was RICH TOWARD GOD (Luke 12:21). This phrase is used by our Saviour in contrast with laying up treasure for one's self. Wealth, when well gotten, is a trust from God, and ought to be administered for Him. But this Church was not rich, and had no opportunities to speak of laying the treasures of earth upon God's altar; and yet it was rich toward God; for the principle of complete consecration was well honoured in the observance of the brethren. III. This Church was "RICH IN GOOD WORKS" (1 Timothy 6:18). Good works are the current coin of the heavenly kingdom; happy he who has his spiritual coffers full of them. And as all the coin of the realm must have its origin in the royal mint, so all good works to be genuine must spring from faith in God, and bear the image and superscription of King Jesus. IV. THE POWER OF MAKING OTHERS RICH was another source of spiritual wealth to this Church. He is truly wealthy who can describe himself, like Paul, "as poor, yet making many rich." (J. Cameron.) Parallel Verses KJV: And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; |
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