Smyrna; To Suffer Well

Revelation 2:8-9 (NASB) “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: 9 ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the slander by those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.”

• Smyrna = “Myrrh”; a fragrant sap that releases it’s sweetness when crushed. Was present at Jesus’ birth, and His death.

Revelation 2:10 NASB “Do not fear what you are about to suffer.  Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. 

Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

• To suffer well is to have the to face our .

“Heroes and cowards both feel the same fear. They just react to it differently.”—Constantine D’Amato, trainer for Mike Tyson

• We suffer well by building

James 1:12 (NASB) “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

• Redefining suffering means the is worth any .

Philippians 1:29 (NLT) “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him.”

Revelation 2:11 (NASB) “The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  The one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.”