(9)
By Abraham Eli
This study was first taught on January 20, 2019
Topic: The Assessment of the Churches (7): The Church of Smyrna (Proving the Church of God)
(use the audio to study)
Background
In our meeting last week, we saw that there were two assemblies in Smyrna—one was the church of God, and the other, which also made a claim to be the church of God, was really, a synagogue of Satan. And even though this synagogue of Satan made claims to be ‘Jews’, that is, worshippers of God, they were really worshippers of Satan, doing his bidding, and really only having an outward appearance of godliness!
We noted that generally, there are two groups of people—the true church of God and the synagogue of Satan—in most localities where the church of God exists. Put differently, whenever people make a claim to being children of God, they are either truly children of God or a synagogue of Satan. We noted that a synagogue of Satan is of a people who outwardly, seem to be godly, but they are spiritually shallow, superficial, and even artificial. Those who make up the synagogue of Satan are worldly and heavy on church rituals but have no relationship with God through Jesus Christ. They are heavy on programs, but extremely low on the word of God; they have lots of ‘leaves’ (activities) but no ‘fruit’ (character/nature of God). In the synagogue of Satan, sin thrives, and iniquity abounds—there really is no difference between them and the world. Everything they do is by human effort and demonic manipulation and powers. The church of God on the other hand, is essentially known for its purity, humility, charity, and capacity to weather adversity well.
We concluded by asking which of the two you belong, bearing in mind that God knows those who are His; and that His own will depart from iniquity and have crucified the flesh along with its desires and affections. Indeed, the church of God is not just saved, but more importantly, they are sanctified!
Scripture Text(s)
Revelation 2:8-10
For all the tribulation and poverty (albeit natural) of the church in Smyrna, the Lord goes on to warn them to prepare for more severe tribulations which will be directed by Satan himself. May the Lord help us to appreciate and accept His ways, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
The language of the Lord in speaking to the church in Smyrna may be considered offensive to the fleshly and those of the synagogue of Satan, but to the church of God, it is an encouragement, and a comfort, being forewarned of the challenges ahead—moreso, in this age of ‘feel-good’ prophecies! And herein lies the true test of the church of God.
Proverbs 24:10; Isaiah 28:16; Hebrews 12:6; 1 Peter 1:3-7; 4:12-19; Deuteronomy 8:2-3; Psalms 105:19; Genesis 39:6bff; 1 Corinthians 10:7-13; James 1:2-4, 12-16; Acts 14:22b; 2 Timothy 2:11-12; 3:12; Hebrews 4:15; Matthew 3:17; 4:1-3; Luke 4:13; Matthew 17:5; Genesis 3:1-7ff; Matthew 26:31-35, 40-41; Isaiah 6:1-8.
Conclusion
Job 1:6ff; Luke 16:10-13
The true church of God is not one that is set up for the enjoyment of this world, nor is it for the entertainment of those attending its meetings. On the contrary, the true church is an ambassage of the most High God, therefore, as representatives of the most High, the church, like its Head, the Lord Jesus Christ, must be tested in all points and proven to be faithful and loyal to God, no matter what!
The approach has been the same through the ages:
• God has a man He wants to represent Him on the earth.
• But before this man can be given the true power of God, he must be sorely tested in every point and proven to be without sin!
• The agent of such testing is Satan.
• The man, or in our case, the church, must overcome his antiques.
• To be able to overcome, we have been ‘defleshed’, tested by God (Romans 5:3-4), announced by God, and then sent into the ‘wilderness’ for testing by the tempter—who shows no mercy!
This is what happened in the Garden of Eden where Adam failed. Satan did it to King Saul who also failed. He did it to King David, but each time David fell, he was quick to repent and return to God, and eventually Satan failed. Satan tried Job, He tried the Lord Jesus, He tried Peter, and indeed, all the apostles. We, the church today, are not exempt from Satan’s examination, investigation, and scrutiny! Unfortunately, because of the worldly manner of the church today, it is unable to withstand Satan’s onslaught (1 Peter 5:8-9; Matthew 26:40-41). Satan has, sadly, been successful at turning the gaze of most of the church away from God, His word, and prayer; and has turned the church to chasing after minors like, miracles, signs and wonders (some of which are lying wonders), deliverance (which really comes from obeying the word of God), pleasures, worldly possessions, and even persecution (to which many are averse).
God’s way out for the church is one of the reasons we attend church meetings—to learn how to overcome Satan. It is what we have the bible for; and, it is what we have the weapon of prayer for. But for the most part, rather than focus on the real essence of the church—learning the bible (knowledge and application), and prayer (fortification against falling into temptation), we have turned these weapons into something else, and have turned away from God unto idols—fulfilling Satan’s goal. Today, God wants to send out His representatives and like He did with Isaiah, we must first see Him, and then we shall see how sinful we are, and then we can repent and be sanctified and prepared for every good work! We must then be ready for Satan’s examination, and overcome it by remaining faithful and loyal, even onto death!
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