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. THE TRIAL TO WHICH THIS CHURCH WAS SUBJECTED. 1. The persecution of inveterate enemies. 2. Temporal poverty. 3. The bigotry and reproach of embittered co-religionists. 4. The anticipation of future afflictions and imprisonment. (1) The nature of this future suffering. In the hands of enemies. (2) The instigator. Satan is the primary agent of all persecution. (3) The duration. Determined by God. Brief at the longest. (4) The design. The moral elevation of the pure. II. THE WEALTH BY WHICH THIS CHURCH WAS CHARACTERISED. 1. The worth of a Church cannot always be estimated by its temporal circumstances. 2. The worth of a Church cannot always be estimated by the opinions of men regarding it. 3. Moral considerations alone determine the true value of the Church. III. THE FIDELITY TO WHICH THIS CHURCH WAS EXHORTED. 1. This exhortation indicates danger. 2. This exhortation requires steadfastness.Lessons: 1. That the Church of Christ is often exposed to many trials and fierce persecutions. 2. That the Church of Christ is often persecuted by men who ought to know better. 3. That sectarian strife is the occasion of much persecution. 4. That the consolations of heaven are richly given to a tried Church. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) 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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