Pastor Dan Southern 6/13/04

Centreville Community Church

Text: Revelation 2: 8- 11

Title: The Lord Knows

Sub Title: It is never as bad as you think

Notice that the Lord said to every church “I know”

To the church at Ephesus, Revelation 2:2

To the church at Smyrna, Revelation 2:9

To the church at Pergamos, Revelation 2:13

To the church at Thyatira, Revelation 2:19

To the church at Sardis, Revelation 3: 1

To the church at Philadelphia, Revelation 3:8

To the church at Loadicea, Revelation 3:17

1 Corinthians 13:12 Matthew 6:32

2 Timothy 2:19 2 Peter 2:9

Job 9:10

“the church at Ephesus was a careless church (Revelation 2:1-7), whereas the church at Smyrna was a crowned church”. Revelation 2:10”. ………. Warren Wiersbe, Be Victorious,

Commentary on Revelation, Victor Books

l. THE ASSESSMENT OF THE SITUATION

A. The city was patriotic.

“each year every Roman citizen had to burn a pinch of incense on the altar to Caesar and say ‘Caesar is Lord”

….. Journey Into the Heavenlies, Tommy C. Higle, Higle

publishing

B. The Christians refused to participate in Emperor worship.

C. Their situation was bitter.

Smyrna means bitter or Myrrh.

Revelation 2:8

The word Myrrh was used in Christ’s life three times

1. His birth: Matthew 2:11,

2. His Cross: Mark 15:23,

3. His burial: John 19:39

D. The Savior could make things better.

ll. THE APPROVAL OF THE SAVIOR.

A. They were persecuted. Vs 9

B. They were in poverty. Vs. 9

C. They had the right priority. Vs. 10

lll. THERE WAS NO ACCUSATION OF SIN

A. There was no call for penitence.

B. There was a pretence among the Jews.

C. It was the seat of Satan’s power.

D. They had not been passive.

Ephesians 5:27

lV. THE ADMONITION TO THE SAINTS.

A. They did not seek the approval of men.

B. They were not to be afraid. Vs. 10

C. They had the assurance of Jesus. Vs. 10

1. They would be tried.

2. They were to be true.

3. They would triumph.

James 1:12