Smyrna: The Continuing Church

Play Audio

Revelation 2:8-11

Following Jesus means suffering for Him.

Introduction:  Voice of the Martyrs, www.persecution.org

Five Biblical exhortations about persecution…

1. ______________ up!  I will be persecuted, 2 Tim. 3:12.
2. ______________ up!  I will be persecuted by loved ones, Matt. 10:21-22.
3. ______________ up!  I am blessed when persecuted, Matt. 5:10-12
4. ______________ up!  It is an honor to be persecuted, Acts 5:18, 40-41; Phil. 1:29.
5. ______________ up!  Jesus feels it when I am persecuted, Acts 9:3-5

Jesus has three words of encouragement for His persecuted Church:

I.  “I_____________ your suffering,” 2:8-9.

A.  I know your suffering.

B.  I know your enemies.

II.  “Don’t ____________ your suffering,” 2:10.

A.  The Devil.

B.  Prison.

C.  Death.

D.  Prayer for the persecuted church, Rev. 2:10; Matt. 5:44

III.  “Be ________________ through your suffering,” 2:10-11.

A.  The crown of life.

B.  Never harmed by the second death, Rev. 20:6, 14; 21:8.

Monthly Memory Verse:  John 10:28-29