October 14, 2014
ENCOURAGED IN THE MIDST OF TRIBULATION
Revelation 2:8–11
Antoinette Davis
Central Truth
Do you wonder if your struggles and pain will ever end? We can be certain that trials and suffering will come -- and we can be certain that through Christ we will overcome them (John 16:33). Be encouraged, the best is yet to come!
Key Verse | Revelation 2:9
"'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) . . . .'" (Revelation 2:9)
Revelation 2:8–11
To the Church in Smyrna
8 And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.
9 ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander 1 2:9 Greek blasphemy of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 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, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 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.’
Dive Deeper | Revelation 2:8–11
In the midst of their suffering, the Smyrnan church was reminded that God gives strength to those who suffer, and He rewards those who endure, "'Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.'" (verse 2:10c)
The Lord came to the church of Smyrna with a message of hope. Why? Because even though Christ is holy, perfect, and heavenly, He came to earth fully human and was crucified on the cross to purchase the forgiveness of our sins and our salvation. Christ could personally relate to the suffering of the Smyrnans.
Whatever your personal experience of pain, suffering, and hardships, be encouraged that Christ is with you through it all. Christ doesn't just stare at your pain and suffering, He shares your pain and suffering.
I love that Christ shows His tender care and compassion for the Smyrnan church by taking time to encourage them. Christians know that God is always there, but sometimes in the midst of our suffering we grow tired, weary, and discouraged. This passage is a sweet reminder that all believers need encouragement. We need to be reminded that our hope is in Christ, be encouraged to be strong in our weakness, be spurred on in times of trials, and to hear, "'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) . . . . '" (verse 2:9)
Our spiritual riches far exceed any pain and suffering we may endure. Christ warned the Smyrnans that the worst was yet to come (verse 2:10). That may be true for me as well, but I rejoice in trusting that I have nothing to fear because Christ is with me, and I can endure by believing His promise, "'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'" (verse 2:11)
Discussion Questions
1. Most of us would say we don't get too much encouragement and we don't give enough encouragement. Focus on encouraging others today at school, at the office, at the grocery store. What needs to change for you to become more encouraging of others?
2. What is the crown of life (Revelation 2:10)?
3. When you feel pain or hardship, what are things you typically run to other than Christ? What trigger can you identify that will help you turn to Christ rather than other forms of escape or comfort when times get stressful?
4. What people in your life are in a season of pain and suffering? Pray now for those people and then text or call them to let them know you are praying for them!