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;… I. CHRISTIAN FAITHFULNESS implies — 1. Sincerity, in opposition to hypocrisy. 2. Fidelity, in opposition to fraud or peculation. 3. Diligence, in opposition to indolence. 4. Courage in the time of danger or suffering. 5. Perseverance. II. THE REWARD OF CHRISTIAN FAITHFULNESS. 1. The firstfruits of that glorious harvest, which is included in the future reward, are enjoyed upon earth. (1) There is a present reward in the enjoyment of the testimony of a good conscience. (2) The consciousness of the approbation of God is worth a thousand worlds to a man in the present life. (3) And there is, then, the great luxury of doing good, relieving misery. 2. The Lord not only gives us grace and strength and support and comfort in our work, but He has reserved for us "a crown of life." (T. Entwistle.) 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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