That is the mark of a disciple of Christ. Continuing with our series through the seven letters to the seven churches, this morning to the church in Smyrna. Our reward is not here, it is there [Matthew 5:12]. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Rev. Number one pray for the persecuted Church. But look at Jesus (John 1:10-11, Mark 5:40, [Matthew 27:57]. New American Bible Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. There is nothing but praise from our Lord for the church in Smyrna [Revelation 2:8-11]. He knows your tribulation. He lived to be 86 years old, and for the second half of his life he served as the bishop of Smyrna, which we just read is the second city in Revelation, today the modern city of Izmir in Turkey. Thats what it is. There is one surviving document we know that came from Polycarp. Well, we are all like that. WebFAITHFUL EVEN UNTO DEATH II Kings 2:1-12 For the child of God, heaven is our ultimate destination. What was important to them in the beginning was no longer important. A long time ago, in the 1700s in a little town in Yorkshire, a county in northern England, there was a very, very poor family. There will be a temptation to want to raise your flag as well and say, Here I am, you can count on me. Or to wear the sort of clothes that everyone would wear. It is a sermon in the series on the Great Doctrines of the Bible. And in this section, composed of about five sermons, the messages are addressed to us who are Christians. take up his cross, and follow Me. The cross is an instrument of death. 6:9). But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important way stations that Supreme love for Jesus our Lord(Luke 14:25-26), A. When I was a youth growing up, Clarence Darrow, the great agnostic and atheist, literally covered the horizon in the legal profession. A pathway deliberately chosen death to the deepest desires of the flesh, Let me finish, then, where we started. Christian Life, Faith, Love, Loyalty, Self-Denial, Great Doctrines of the Bible: Practical Theology, 1983, Revelation. But after thirty-nine years, standing here in this pulpit, there are thousands and thousands who come every Lords day listening to what? If we are faithful, God will save us and glorify us in the life to come. Certainly under all of the rules of logic the one who assumes that an apparently dead person is still alive should be able to produce substantial proof. Many of us would say that murder is worthy of the death penalty; and if any of us had a child that were raped, we would probably believe the person who [My Glorious Victor, Prince Divine, Handley C.G. And anchoring every one of these commands, I said this to the leadership training on Friday night, theres a reason that chapters 4 and 5 come after chapter 2 and 3, because it is the vision of the One who sits on the throne that is the antidote for everything that challenges the churches in chapters 2 through 3. After the resurrection Money causes individuals to work long hours and thus neglect their families. Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world (2 Tim. Its marking out the date and time of his death. So, what is this sin? 21:25). Thats loving Jesus. I started with the story of Polycarp. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The governor said, Swear the genius of Caesar. In broad, open daylight where everyone could see, he knelt down before the Lord, the Prophet from Nazareth saying, Agathai didaskai [Mark 10:17]. There are some men who are incorrect, who use that verse to say like this: Be faithful to your deathbed, and if you are, you will be saved. There is no thoughtthere is not an approach of a thought like that. read more, Scripture: They worship every now and then but not with any kind of regularity. 1 Corinthians 15:1-58, Denomination: Suffering. In Mark 5, in Matthew 9, and Luke 8, they laughed Him to scorn at Capernaum [Mark 5:40; Matthew 9:24; Luke 8:53]. That number of about 0.8% of Christians throughout history, in fact, has been constant over many centuries. John 12:42-43 writes: Among the chief rulers, many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than they loved the praise of God.. Free Sermons and Sermon Outlines for Preaching : Three Important Looks Or Paul's Last Testimony. Hebrews 9:24-27. today we want to focus our attention on John. A fifth characteristic of the true servant of Christhe possesses a continuing and undying faith in our victorious Lord Christ. Tempted to disbelieve the Word of God. 4:2). Deuteronomy 2:1-15, Denomination: Fearing death is natural, but Jesus means to set us free. This morning, we want to examine the biblical teachings concerning our faithfulness and call us to faithfulness to God. Most of us fear death, but as a Christian were called to hope. When His salary was less than two hundred dollars a year. WebUnto death! The clouds are boiling and the face of the heaven is angry. In many parts of the West, though not facing yet death, are facing increasing hostility and discrimination, not the likes of which our brothers and sisters may see in Afghanistan or North Korea or parts of northern Africa, but yet facing opposition, persecution. approved we fear repudiation, censure, 2. Probably dates to around 108 A.D., that is shortly after the death of Ignatius. Methodist. Its a very human response to fear death. After their conversion, they stop using alcohol but after a while they begin using it again. Pentecostal. Pastor Wayne Tindale The fourth characteristic, the fourth mark of a true disciple of our Lordone who continues unswervingly in the Word of God. And yet, my God, keep me from turning back. 2:10). Romans 10:17: Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the word of God. If someone loved Jesus, he never tires of hearing about Him. Suppose I were to stand in this pulpitI majored in English in college, and I love English literature. But the Jews had been given a special exemption. Could you imagine it? Paul takes a look around as he gives his last testimony. So they didnt have the same protection. And a youngster wants to belong to the group. He told the disciples do not worry about what you will say in that day. It continues to the last stitch. But to be repudiated and to be censored and to be disliked is a terrible thing to bear. Web10/ 9/ 94 FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH REVELATION 2: 10 (PAGE 1785 COME ALIVE BIBLE) JESUS CHRIST is appropriately spoken of as "the faithful witness" (Rev. But we also know that suffering brings with it many temptations. In the fifteenth chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy is one of the most unusual parabolic instances of devotion that you could ever think for or find in all literature. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Instead of worshipping as they should, they play golf on Sunday mornings or they go the race track or they go fishing. Most people dont consider that they will die. Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and Hymn, I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, C. Faith [John 13:34-35, 15:12-13, 15:7; 1 John 3:14, 4:7, 4:11, 4:21], Great Doctrines of the Bible: Practical Theology, And an unswerving continuance in the Word of God, A continuing living faith in a victorious Christ, And the last one that I mentioned: a devout, fervent love for Gods people. Because if were reading Scripture, well have the power to overcome temptation. And unbelief will ask, How can such a thing be? Hold fast to what you have, that no one may take your crown (Rev. We can remember the great examples of Scripture. B. The second death is. Come do what you wish. Polycarp was then found guilty of confessing to being a Christian. He never knows a turning back or an ultimate defeat. And a man who preaches the word of the Lord is someone people love to listen to. He motioned toward them with his hand and then groaning as he looked up to heaven said, Away with the atheists. Meaning the atheists. Not some physical anguish or personal disappointment, 2. Verse 10: Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. And Nathan Hale volunteered as a spy to bring back the needed information. Roman subjects were required to offer sacrifice to Caesar as a god. It is on the Aegean Sea; it is in Turkey on the western shore of Asia Minor. Genesis 49 And in the second chapter of the Book of the Revelation, in the tenth verse, in the address of our Lord to the church, He says, be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life [Revelation 2:10]. 5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. 5:17)-His point is that Elijah was a human being just like everyone else, yet his prayers accomplished much. If only everyone could live knowing deeply this one true fact. Jesus is not going to lose. You can understand how this might happen. 6:4 ), in which he is to set aside those things of his old way of life ( 2 Cor. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions [Matthew 19:21-22; Mark 10:21, 22]. 23127). The tragic and terrible civil war he was fighting in his heart registered in his countenance, stugnaz; and he lost the battle. 10:39). They were hated, they were harassed, they faced the prospect of persecution and even death in this city of Smyrna. Heres the key-those men and women were just like we are. [He] went inside the house and sat down and wrote what I think is the most preciously beautiful hymn in the English language. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He wants to be acclaimed and accepted and praised by them. For the child of God, heaven is our ultimate destination. That is what the Bible said about Jesus: Jesus, looking upon him, loved him [Mark 10:21]. Give it up. However fate or providence may assail us, our commitment to our Lord is, first, and supreme. We cannot be defeated. II Kings 2:1-12 Of those 70 million that scholars estimate, 70 million Christian martyrs in the history of the Church, 45 million were killed in the 20th century, in the last 100 years. 119:11). When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, It is a great vast city, today called Izmir. We will suffer. I read in the Book of Hebrews beginning at the eleventh chapter beginning at verse 9: By faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange countryFor he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. What does it mean for us? I would never think to say, Away with the atheists. I would Would I stand fast? [Matthew 19:20; Mark 10:20]. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me? There proconsul continue to press him to recant Christ and swear by Caesar and Polycarp refused. 2:20). This lesson examines the Rev. The Pharisees did that (Matt. And the world passeth away . The author of Hebrews had just finished writing about great men and women of faith-He wrote about how they obeyed God out of their faith. Selfishness prevents people from being faithful. He uses these reminders as an example to us of how we, too, can accomplish great things through our faith. Certainly Christians in many places are relatively free from that threat, but at all times there will be part of the Church that will be called upon to make the good confession in the midst of danger, hostility, and death. They think theres a way to avoid death and they dont have to think because everyone just goes to heaven and consequently most people spend more time trying to avoid death than they do spending time preparing and making sure theyre on the path to heaven. The same thing is true of those in Hebrews 11. THREE IMPORTANT LOOKS OR PAUL'S LAST TESTIMONY In the little city of Bethany, they plotted His death. There was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in me sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up (1 Ki. Whatever the church is facing, and here in Smyrna it was persecution, hatred, opposition, suffering, what they need to see more than anything is not a 12-step plan, not a 3 steps to their better life now, they need to know ultimate reality of the One who sits on the throne and they need to know the ultimate reality that will be theirs should they be faithful unto death. WebFaithfulness unto death is Gods standard for human life. I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Smyrna won the special privilege to build a temple to Emperor Tiberius. Give to Him life, home, family, business He will give it back to you Then, they feel they dont need God, because theyve succeeded in life. Job said, My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go (Job 27:6). I have never heard an exception to this in my life, and it is always false, it is always untrue. Revelation 2:8-11, Denomination: Text: 8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: "The First and the Last, the One who was dead and came to life, says: 9 I know your tribulation and poverty, yet you are rich. We all love to be praised. Paul said, None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself so that I may finish my race with joy (Acts 20:24). But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important way stations that become a part of our pilgrimage. He knows your broken heart in a way that no one else does. 2:4). Christ delivered man out of death to the promise of the gift of eternal life yet man thinking he is in the perfection of God's love, sins. 6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he 1: 5). Any psychologist, any psychologist, will tell you that one of the driving forces in human life is to be acceptableespecially to be acclaimed among our peers. To us, we use the word cross to refer to some handicap or some suffering or some disappointment, I have an incorrigible child, an obstreperous child, and it is a cross for me to bear. Or, I have some physical ailment, I have a cross to bear. Or, I have a frustration or a disappointment in my life; it is my cross. There is no such idea of that in the Bible; in the Scriptures a cross is something to die on. And when the young man asked, Master, all of these commandments have I kept from my youth, but my heart is still hungry and empty, what lack I yet that I might obtain eternal life? And worse than strange, is thought hateful. While we stand and while we pray. He dressed like a Tory schoolmaster. Matthew 16:24-25: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. The things of this world prevent people from being faithful. You could not help but love him. It is used twice in the Bible. Centuries earlier, during the period when Rome was struggling with Carthage for supremacy, Smyrna sided with the Romans. We can remember the love that God has for us. . read more, Scripture: Behold the These things I command you, that you love one another [John 15:17]. Will God reward you? An appeal for faithfulness in an era when WebSermons by Bible: Sermons by Category: Sermons by Topic: Sermons by Speaker: Sermons by Language: Sermons by Date: Staff Picks: Comments, ALL -1 sec: Top Sermons: Online Bible: Hymnal: Daily Reading: Our This was the problem with the Ephesian church-I have this against you, that you have left your first love (Rev. read more, Scripture: read more, Scripture: When our Lord was on the way to Jerusalem to die, in Perea on the other side of Jordan, He was met, accosted in a town over there by a rich young ruler [Mark 10:17-22]. It appears that some 65 years earlier the Christian church in Smyrna was facing many of the same trials. Of those 36 billion who have lived in the past 2000 years, by a very generous estimate, 12 billion were evangelized, had some access to the Gospel. Why didnt the Lord say that to him? False doctrine leads many astray. Isa 38:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. He was a friend of Ignatius and he was a mentor to Irenaeus. He famously died a martyrs death in 155 or 156, and when he died the church at Smyrna sent out a letter, To tell the story of those who have suffered martyrdom, especially blessed Polycarp, who as though he had set his seal by his martyrdom brought the persecution to an end.. To Him be the glory, honor, majesty, and eternal throne, from generation to generation. I would love to be a professor of English literature. An outline from the book The Bumps Are What You Climb On "Three Important Looks" by Warren Wiersbe pg 17 1980 Remember Paul said to the letter in Romans that those are Jews truly who are ones inwardly, written on the heart. So this letter is saying these are not spiritual Jews as we would understand the people of God, but they are people who have stirred up trouble. Do not be afraid. WebTrue faithfulness to God is maintained to the end. WebTo know Me is to have life! Psychologist They were poor, but Jesus says, Youre rich. They were persecuted by Jews who Jesus says were not really Jews. Maybe take a half hour to read it. And if the challenge in Ephesus was lovelessness, here it is the hatred of those who do not love Christ, or love the truth. But in this context, in Smyrna, apparently, it was some of the Jews, whether because they felt like the Christians had sold them out or because they were worshiping another god, or they claimed to have had the Messiah, they would sometimes rat them out and be the informers that would then bring upon the Romans to these Christians in Smyrna. Give us ears, give us courage, no matter the time, no matter the opposition, no matter the circumstances. Preacher, just stand up there and tell us what God says. The Bible tells us that there is a sin that leads unto death - one single sin - and it might not be what we expect. self in my heart and enthrone the Lord Jesus, 1. We come to see that the thing of value is not speed but endurance. Revelation chapter 2, beginning at verse 8. As we begin the New Year, I felt compelled to preach a series that deals with the foundational element of our faith the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But faith has ten thousand answers for every how. 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