SERMON SUMMARY

As we walk through Revelation 2:8-11 today, ask the Spirit of God to speak to you through the Word of God. Feel free to write down any thoughts and notes that you sense the Spirit through the Word is laying on your heart and mind, and then intentionally share those things with someone this week. May this intentionality grow you in hearing from the Spirit through the Word, and may it be an encouragement to your brothers and sisters in Christ as we equip one another towards maturing in Christ.

SERMON SCREENSHOTS & KEY POINTS

• “Corporate worship is designed to confront you with a view that has at its center a dead man’s cross and a living man’s empty tomb.” Paul Tripp
• Suffer well in light of what awaits you and what does not await you… because of Jesus.

Revelation 2:8-11 (ESV)

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.” Revelation 2:8

“I, Yahweh, am the first, and with the last, I am he.” Isaiah 41:4 

“Before me there was no God formed, and there will be none after me.” Isaiah 43:10 

“I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides me.” Isaiah 44:6 

“I am he, I am the first, and I am the last.” Isaiah 48:12 

“I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander[a] of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” Revelation 2:9

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death…” Revelation 2:10 

• “The ugly truth is that we tend to avoid suffering by compromise. Our moral standards are often not noticeably higher than the standards of the world. Our lives do not challenge and rebuke unbelievers by their integrity, or purity or love. The world sees in us nothing to hate.” John Stott

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.” Revelation 2:10-11

*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.

SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS                

1. Read Revelation 2:8-11
2. What words best describe your typical response when you suffer for following Jesus? Can you share any specific examples of when you have been ostracized or minimized or suffered for being a Christ follower?
3. How did Christ followers in Smyrna avoid disillusionment when poverty, slander, and potential imprisonment and death were their reality?
4. When Jesus says they, the Church of Smyrna, are rich even though they are in poverty… what is He saying?
5. How would you have fared in Smyrna as a follower of Jesus?
6. How does the fact that Satan has divinely imposed limits on how far his efforts go to destroy us encourage or challenge you?
7. How does the reality of the crown of life that awaits you and the reality of no second death for you… encourage you as you walk with Jesus in the midst of difficulties?