This study was first taught on February 3, 2019

Topic: The Assessment of the Churches (9): The Church of Smyrna (The Church: Whose View?)

(use the audio to study)

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Background
In our last meeting, we saw what is at stake in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. We noted that what is at stake in the gospel is not properties, possessions, popularity, personality; neither is it even spiritual gifts and ministry; rather, what is at stake is eternal—things above, things that endure beyond earthly living, things that do matter to God! The Lord Jesus Christ said, “… what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” What matters to God is your soul, and where it will be in eternity! God is interested also in what you do while on earth, as per what He will reward you with, based on your righteous deeds!

Thus, what is at stake in the gospel is life eternal and the rewards that will be given for righteous living while here on the earth. We would, therefore, do well to ensure that not only is our names written in the Book of Life, but that they remain therein unto eternity, because, all those whose names never were written in the Book of Life, as well as those whose names have been blotted out of it shall not escape the second death in the Lake of fire (Hell)! Therefore, let us be temperate, focused on doing the Will of God, and remain faithful, no matter the challenges or temptation.

Scripture Text(s)
Revelation 2:8-11
In our study today, we want to focus on the early assessment of the church in Smyrna, “I know your works, tribulation and poverty (but you are rich) …” as we discuss how the church is viewed.
Looking closely at the church in Smyrna reveals a suffering, persecuted, poor, ridiculed church. Yet the Lord tells them that despite their poverty, they are rich! He also encourages them to brace up for more trouble from Satan, whose goal is to prove to God that they don’t love Him but just want to obtain something from Him! So, in discussing whose view, we want to see who the church should respond to—men or God!
1 John 2:15-17; 2 Corinthians 10:12; John 15:18-25; Matthew 16:13-26; 5:3-12; Romans 8:17-18; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; 1 Peter 3:18; 4:1-7; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 1 Timothy 6:1-10, 17-19; Philippians 4:10-19.

Conclusion
• We live in an approval-seeking world. We, thus, tend to do the bidding of those whose approval we seek—either men or God (Galatians 1:10; Romans 6:16-23).
• If your aim is to please men, then you will disdain God’s criteria for the church; and vice versa (Hebrews 11:6).
• So, the question for us, today’s church/Christian, is, “Whose view is shaping your lifestyle, your attitude, your conduct, your doctrine?” It is either the world’s view or God’s view, but never both (Galatians 5:16-17)!
• You can be troubled but, be in God’s Book of Life (John 16:33b; 14:1; 2 Corinthians 4:8-16)!

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