Revelation – Lesson 8

  

Daniel 1 – Daniel’s Faithfulness

In the 3^rd year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Jerusalem was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon.  God allowed the people to be delivered into Babylon’s hands along with some of the articles from the temple.  King Nebuchadnezzar chose the brightest young men from the Israelite families to serve in his palace.  Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.  They were given new names.  Daniel given the name Belteshazzar; Hananiah was given Shadrach; Mishael was given Meshach; Azariah was given Abednego. (Dan. 1-7)  Daniel was a teenager, about 17 years old.

Daniel faced challenges.  He didn’t want to defile himself with the king’s rich food and wine so he asked the guard if they would eat only vegetables and water.  He ask to let them do this for 10 days and then compare their appearance with the others who at the rich food.  The guard agreed.  At the end of the ten days Daniel and his friends looked healthier that the others.  Since they were so faithful to God by not defiling themselves, God blessed the four and gave them knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.  Daniel was able to understand dreams and visions.  The king was pleased and they entered into the service of the king. (Dan. 8-21)

Daniel’s life changed when he was captured, because God had a bigger purpose for him.  The king tried to change Daniel and his friend’s thinking and make them citizens of Babylon, but God’s kingdom is in every location and in every person.  Whether you believe Him or not, He is the ruler of all.  As Creator, He rules all things.  Daniel shows us what it’s like to be in the kingdom of God.  As we submit and obey Him, we are expanding His kingdom on earth.  God’s kingdom is here and now and also in the future.  God is in charge.

I am sure it was very hard to resist the charms of Babylon.  Babylon was all about self.  It was a philosophy, an attitude, and all about indulgent choices.  It was about beauty and self-absorption.  We live in a Babylonian time.  We are surrounded by a Babylon of our own.  In this day and time the world is all about ME.  As a nation we believe in luxury, culture, education and beauty.  We have everything, yet we are still not happy and satisfied.  Daniel and his friends resisted Babylon’s poisonous harms.  They are great examples for us to resist our Babylon.

Principle:  God is Creator and ruler of all things; God is in charge.

Daniel 2 – Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

King Nebuchadnezzar had a disturbing dream.  He called on all his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers to tell him what he dreamed and what it meant.  If they couldn’t, he would have them cut into pieces.  Then the astrologers remember Daniel who could interpret dreams so they call upon him.  Daniel and his friends prayed that God would reveal the dream and that night God did just that.  God revealed to Daniel the mystery of the dream.  Daniel was faithful to God and God was faithful to Daniel.  Daniel told the king what his dream was and what it meant.  He praised God for His wisdom, power, knowledge and for revealing to Daniel the meaning of the dream.  Daniel didn’t take credit for his wisdom, but told the king that the God in heaven is the one who reveals mysteries. (Dan. 2:1-28)

The dream was of an enormous statue.  The head was made of pure gold.  The chest and arms were silver.  Its belly and thighs were bronze.  Its legs were iron and its feet were part iron and baked clay.  Then a rock was cut out not by human hands, struck the statue’s feet and smashed them.  Then the rest of the status was broken into pieces.  The broken pieces were swept away without leaving a trace.  Then the rock became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth. (Dan. 2:31-45)

Each of the parts of the statue represents a world empire: 

The head was Babylon - historical fulfillment in 626-539 B.C.

The chest and arms was the Medo-Persian Empire – historical fulfillment 539-331 B.C.

The belly and thighs were the Greek Empire – historical fulfillment 331-63 B.C.

The legs were the Roman Empire – historical fulfillment 63 B.C. – A.D. 476.

The feet could be the outgrowth of the divided Roman Empire.  The toes and feet may represent a political system yet to come.  The ten horns foretell a ten kingdom confederacy that will operate jointly at the time of Christ’s return.  (Dan. 7:7, 24; Rev. 13:1; 17:12) 

The rock represents the kingdom of the Messiah, which will fill the whole earth.

History has proven Daniel’s interpretation.  We learn about God’s relationship to earthly kingdoms and rulers.  Dan. 2:29-45 tell us that earthly kingdoms come and go, but the Kingdom of God will last forever.  It will NEVER be destroyed.

Principle:  Earthly kingdoms come and go, but the Kingdom of God will last forever.

Daniel 6 – Daniel in the Lion’s Den

God continued to bless Daniel.  He was put in charge of all the king’s wise men.  He had distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps.  They became jealous of Daniel, but couldn’t find a way to discredit him.  Then they came up with a plan.  They told the king that he should order everyone to pray only to the king and not to other gods or they would be thrown to the lions.  I am sure this flattered the king so he agreed.  They knew this would finally be the end of Daniel, because they knew he would pray to God.

This didn’t stop Daniel.  He continued to pray 3 times a day to God with his windows open.  Of course he was found out and put into the lion’s den.  We all know the end of this story.  God saved Daniel.   Daniel said, “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.”  Dan. 6:21.

Dan. 6:24-28 – The men who falsely accused Daniel were thrown into the lions’ den along with their families and were overpowered by the lions.

Daniel was loyal to God and was spared.  His faith should be an encouragement to us when we face difficult choices.  But loyalty to God’s kingdom often comes at a personal cost.  He doesn’t always rescue us when persecuted.  Sometimes rescue comes with suffering or even death.  With death we are rescued from this world then we can be with Him in heaven.

Principle:  God continues to bless those who are faithful to Him.

Daniel 7 – Daniel Prophesied

Now Daniel was about 68 years old and he himself had a dream.  In his dream he saw 4 heavenly winds churning up the sea and 4 great beasts came up out of the sea.  The first was like a lion with wings of an eagle.  The second was like a bear.  The third was like a leopard with 4 heads and was given authority to rule.  The fourth beast had 4 horns and was frightening and very powerful.  Daniel then saw a little horn that came up among the others.  This horn had eyes like a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully.  (Dan. 7:1-8)

Verse 17 interprets the sea to be symbolic to the earth and the 4 beast to be 4 earthly kingdoms.  We saw these kingdoms in chapter 2 in the form of the statue.

Then Daniel saw a vision.  He saw the Ancient of Days (God) seated on His throne.  He was clothed in white and had hair like white wool.  The throne was blazing with fire.  There was a river of fire coming out from the throne.  Thousands attended Him.  The court was seated and the books were opened.  This is the Great White Throne Judgment and the books are considered to be the book of deeds.  God is about to judge the little horn, which is the Anti-Christ.  See Rev. 20.

This gives us great confidence in God and His dominion over all the earth.  God is in control and in charge and there is nothing or no one greater or more powerful.

Then Daniel saw the judgment of the beasts and little horn (Anti-Christ).  (Dan. 7:11-12)  Then he saw one like a son of man (Jesus) coming in the clouds.  The Ancient of Days gave him authority, glory and sovereign power over all people and nations.   All men worshiped Him and His dominion is everlasting and will never be destroyed.  (Dan. 7:13-14)

Daniel said he was deeply troubled by what he saw.  (Dan. 7:15; 28)  Does this trouble you or does it give you hope and encouragement?  I have mixed feelings here.  I am saddened that there will be those who will suffer, but encouraged that God is in charge and He will win in the end.

Principle:  God is in control and there is nothing or no one greater or more powerful.

Next week we will study Revelation 4 – The Heavenly Throne Room.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Revelation – Lesson 7

 

Acts 2:1-47 – The History and Purpose of God’s People

Revelation describes God’s future plan for His people.  Who are God’s people?  This lesson will remind us of who they are and trace their history as they await the glorious end of the story He has planned.

It began with Adam and Eve.  God gave them everything, but they wanted more.  They were deceived by Satan and sin entered the world.  Through their sins humanity was divided – believers and non-believers.  God still loves His people and wants all to repent and believe in Him.  He provided a way to be redeemed.  He sent His Son, Jesus to be the Savior of the world.

Jesus was rejected by men, died on the cross for our sins, and then He was raised to life.  Before He went to be with His Father, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to be with us as our counselor.  In Acts 2 this promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost as Peter spoke to the crowd.  Peter spoke to the people that day and explained the gospel in detail. 

Peter told them to repent and be baptized and their sins to be forgiven. Then they will receive the Holy Spirit.  The people heard the message and were “cut to the heart”, because they realized they had sinned and needed to repent.  The people responded and by the power of the Holy Spirit and about 3,000 became new believers that day; the church was born.

I think they realized because of their sin they were responsible for the death of Jesus.  The whole world is responsible.  If we had not sinned, He would not have had to die.  So you see, we are all responsible for His death.  We all need to repent and be baptized.  The Holy Spirit unites believers.  As believers God has set us apart giving us a unique identity.  We are His church.

Now we receive the Holy Spirit when we accept Jesus as our Savior.  He becomes the voice in our heads that tells us when we are about to do something we shouldn’t or when we should do something we should.  He’s there to guide, direct, and convict us of sin.

Principle:  Repent and be baptized and your sins will be forgiven; you will receive the Holy Spirit.

Romans 11 – Unified by the Holy Spirit

God has a special relationship with the Jews.  He sent Jesus to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles.  In Romans 11 we see that God didn’t reject the Jews.  God knew the Jews wouldn’t believe, but He had a plan.  He always has a plan.  Actually by coming to the Gentiles it made the Jews jealous so they would accept Jesus. 

Romans 11:16-17 talk about the root, the broken branches and the wild shoot.  The root is the believing Jewish ancestors like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  The broken branches are the unbelieving Jews who rejected Jesus.  The wild olive shoot is the Gentiles who are grafted in and are now included in God’s people.

Romans 11:22-23 - God displayed His grace by allowing the Gentiles to be grafted in (join in) believing Jews in salvation.  Even though some of the Jews did not believe, He didn’t cut them off, but extended mercy and grace giving them the chance to repent. 

Principle:  God has a plan to bring all people to salvation.

Ephesians 4 – The Unity of God’s People

Ephesians 4 gives us ways we are called to live in unity of the Spirit.  We are to live holy lives being humble, gentle, patient, and loving.  We are to help others, live in peace with others, and build up the body of Christ.  We are not to spread rumors or malice against others.  We are not to argue, but always offer kind words. 

We are to “put off your old self and put on the new self”.  Our old self is the old way of life we practiced before we were saved.  We put on a new self by modeling Christ.  We stop those addictive behaviors and urges like anger, bitterness, fear or whatever it is.  We refuse to give in to those desires.  We change our attitudes.  Real change happens when we change our thinking and our desires of self.

Let God change you.  We can continue renewing our minds by going to the Word daily.  We need to keep being reminded of what we are to do and how we are to act so we don’t become stagnant and complacent letting our old self sneak back in.

Principle:  We are called to live in unity of the Spirit.

Next week we will study some of Daniel before getting back to Revelation.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Revelation – Lesson 6

 

Revelation 3:7-22

Revelation 3:7-13 – Philadelphia, The Faithful Church

Philadelphia was located at the east end of the broad valley.  Its soil was rich and good for agriculture.  It was on the main road from Sardis.  They had a lot of trade and was famous for its temples.  Its name means “love of a brother”.

John wrote to the church at Philadelphia telling them that these are the words of Him who is holy and true and holds the keys of David. 

Jesus is described as holy, true, and holds the key of David.

Holy is described in Hebrews 7:26 as someone who is blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.  

True is described in 1 John 5:20.  It is exactly what it says – we know that Jesus, the Son of God has come and we have been given understanding that we may know Him who is true.

Isaiah 22:22; Matthew 16:19; Revelation 1:18 tell us that Jesus has been given key to heaven, the honor and authority that only He controls.  No one can shut and what He shuts no one can open.  The door of heaven is opened only by Jesus.  He Himself is the door.  “I am the door; if anyone enters through me, he shall be saved…” – John 10:9.  This means Jesus has great power and is in control of all that happens. 

Jesus commends the church at Philadelphia.  He knows their deeds.  He knows they have little strength, but they have kept His Word and haven’t denied His name.  They remained faithful.  Jesus will make those of the “synagogue of Satan” fall down at Philadelphia’s feet.  These were a group of unbelieving Jews who were persecuting Christians. One day our enemies and the enemies of God will be forced to bow down before Him.  They will know that Christians were right in following Jesus.

Believers can hold on to the promise that Jesus is coming soon and they are to hold on to what they have and let no one take their crown.  The crown is the crown of eternal life.  More about the crown is found in 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 timothy 4:8; James 1:12; Revelation 2:10. 

Jesus promised He will never leave those who are victorious. If we keep His commands and endure patiently, Jesus said He would keep us from the trials to come.  Jesus promised to protect His church from the time of trouble.  Some believe this implies pre-tribulation rapture.  This is what I believe.  Christians will be removed from the earth before this real trouble starts.  This great trouble is also known as the Great Tribulation.  We will learn more about this later in our study of Revelation.  This removing of the church is what is called the rapture.  But remember, Jesus does not promise that Christians won’t suffer in this world and we should not assume that we will be removed before this great trouble takes place.  We don’t know when this will happen or when Jesus will return.  Until then, Christians must continue to believe in Him and not be deceived.  Revelation 4-22 tells us the things which will happen to those who dwell on the earth during the Great Tribulation.  He will write on them His name.  “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Rev. 3:13.

Revelation 3:14-22 – Laodicea, The Lukewarm Church

Laodicea was about 40 miles southeast of Philadelphia.  It was the riches of the cities.  It was the major commercial and financial center.  They were famous for their medicines and medical school.  They had indoor plumbing, but they had no water supply so they brought water in from about 6 miles away. 

John wrote to the church at Laodicea telling them that these are the words of the Amen who is faithful and a true witness, the ruler of Gods’ creation.  The Amen acknowledges that Jesus is valid, binding, true, and trustworthy.  Jesus was there when God created all things.  Here again, Jesus knows all and sees all things.  He knows their deeds and He knows ours.  They are neither hot nor cold.  He wishes they would be one or the other, but they are lukewarm.  Because they are lukewarm, Jesus is about to spit them out of His mouth.  In other words, He is about to vomit them out. -  It sounds much worse when you say it like that.  They are rich and are proud of their wealth and think they don’t need anything.  Jesus told them they didn’t realize they are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

This describes some churches today.  Many are prideful, complacent, and indifferent.  They have become preoccupied with what they have or even the work they do.  They work for sake of working.  They just go through the motions.  They, like the Laodiceans are self-sufficient, have material comfort, and think everything is OK.  Does this describe you?  Remember if this is you, Jesus is about to vomit you out of His mouth.

Jesus talked about true riches and white clothing.  The true riches are not earthly wealth the Laodiceans had, but heavenly riches.  White clothing is a symbolic of innocence through the blood of Christ for our sins that are taken by the cross.

Those Jesus loves He rebukes and disciplines.  Jesus told them to be earnest and repent.  “Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and they with me.” – Rev. 3:20.  Discipline is always hard but it benefits the person.  Believers response to God’s corrective discipline should be – to recognize the hand of God, to repent of your sin, and rejoice in the Lord for His love us.

“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcome and sat down with my Father on his throne.  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Rev. 3:21-22.

The 7 letters in Revelation close with a promise to those who overcome.  Who are overcomers?  Overcomers are followers of Christ who successfully resist the power and temptation of the world.  They have complete dependence on God for direction, purpose, fulfillment and strength.   They are those who overcome the world, the anti-Christ, and Satan. 

God promises rewards to those who overcome:

Rev. 2:7 – will be given the right to eat from the Tree of Life.

Rev 2:11 – will not be hurt by the second death.

Rev 2:17 – will be given hidden manna, a white stone with a new name.

Rev 2:26-28 – will be given authority over nations.

Rev. 3:5 –name will not be blotted from the book of life.

Rev. 3:12 – a pillar will be made in the temple and he never will leave it and the name of God will be written on him.

Rev. 3:21 – will be granted right to sit on His throne.

Do you have any characteristics like that of the 7 churches?

Are you faithful?    

How are you true to Him Name?

In what ways do you tolerate false teaching?

Are you lukewarm?

Do you need to repent?

Next week we will study Revelation 4. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Revelation – Lesson 5

 

Revelation 2:12-17 – The Church In Pergamum, Holds to false teachings

The Lord gave the church in Pergamum positive attributes.  He said they remained true and faithful  even though Satan had his throne there (Rev. 2:13).  Pergamum was the center of the government in Asia and the people worshiped many gods.  There was an altar to the Greek god Zeus.  Caesar was the emperor and called himself a god and was worshiped by some of the people. (Note:  There are no churches in Pergamum today.)

The church was divided and the Lord had some things against them.  There were false teachings in the church; some practiced the teachings of Balaam who enticed the Israelites to eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality (Num. 22-25; 31:16).  They also obeyed the teachings of the Nicolaitans like in Ephesus. 

Jesus told them they needed to repent or He would come and fight against them with the double edged sword of His mouth.  The sword is His judgment.  Jesus will not tolerate rebellion forever; there will be consequences.  Jesus words are important and true.  They needed to change the direction of their lives.  Jesus tells us we can fight against wrong teaching by putting on the armor of God in Eph. 6:10-18.

Jesus promised rewards to those who overcome. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  To Him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna.  I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” – Rev. 2:17.  Don’t stop listening to the Holy Spirit.

In the Old Testament God sent manna from heaven to feed the Israelites.  The manna was a picture of Jesus.  He is the bread of life and the true bread from heaven.  This hidden manna probably means food for the spirit while we are on earth.  This is a promise that we will dine with the Lord in heaven.  If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever (John 6:35).

The white stone declares a person is innocent (1 Peter 2:5).  The new name represents a new person you become when you receive Christ as your Savior.  You are born again.  You are not defined by who you were or what you’ve done or what’s been done to you, but what Jesus has done for you.  You are clean.  You are loved.  You are forgiven.  Your old nature is gone.  The Holy Spirit will begin to empower your life.  You will have a change of mind.  You are a changed version of yourself.  You will get new desires.  You will want to read and study your Bible.  You will want to meet with God’s people.  You will want to stop sinning.  You will want to learn and grow.

Principle:  Jesus will not tolerate rebellion forever; there will be consequences. 

Revelation 2:18-29 –The Church In Thyatira (Holds to teachings of Jezebel)

The church in Thyatira was commended for some things.  Jesus is aware of all that his people do and He knew all the things the Christians in Thyatira did.  They believed and trusted God completely.  They had love, faith, service, perseverance, and they were doing more than they did at first.  Their faith had grown.  He is pleased for the most part.

But there were negative similarities that existed between the church of Pergamum and Thyatira.  They tolerated a woman He called Jezebel.  Jezebel in the Old Testament called herself a prophetess.  A prophetess brings a message from God, but her message was a false one.  She was the wife of King Ahab.  She was wicked and taught sexual immorality and eating of food sacrificed to idols making Israel turn from God.  You can learn more about Jezebel in 1 Kings 16, 19 and 2 Kings 9. 

Jesus said He had given her time to repent, but she was unwilling.  He said He would soon punish her.  He would cause her suffering and strike her children dead.  These children could be her children or her followers.  God is patient, but He will not tolerate sin forever.  Jesus knows the hearts and minds and will repay each according to their deeds. 

Comparing verse 19 and 23 we learn that Jesus knows everything – our deeds, our love and faith, our service and how we persevere.  He also searches our hearts and minds and will repay each of us according to our deeds.

Jesus encouraged the believers in Thyatira.  He would not put any others burdens on them.  They are to hold on to what they have until He comes.  This will be His second coming.  That will be a great and wonderful day.  There will be a great reward for all believers.  Believers will have authority over the nations and will share in His power.  True Christians will share the rule and authority with Christ and will share His glory.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Rev. 2:29.  Not only does the church at Thyatira need to listen to the Spirit, but we do as well.

Principle:  Jesus knows the hearts and minds and will repay each according to their deeds.

Revelation 3:1-6 – The Church In Sardis, The dead church

John wrote to the church at Sardis telling them that these are the words of Jesus who holds the   7 spirits of God and the 7 stars.  What are these 7 spirits?   The 7 spirits of God are the work of the Spirit in the churches.  The stars are the angels over the churches.  This all means that Jesus looks after the 7 churches. 

Jesus knew their deeds and that they had a reputation of being alive, but they were dead.  They once had strong faith, but over time their faith had become weak.  This is like some churches today.  Faith became weak over time.  It was a slow process and no one saw it coming.  The church seemed to be full of life, but Jesus knew it was dead.

Deeds are your actions or your works.  What do deeds have to do with our relationship with the Lord? 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Eph. 2:8-10.  James 2:14-26 tells us “… faith without deeds is dead.”  The Sardis church heard the Word of God, but didn’t do anything with it.

Jesus told them to “wake up” and strengthen what remains and what was about to die.  They needed to be aware of what was happening.  They needed to be ready for His return.  He commanded them to remember what they have been taught and heard.  They must come back to the Lord and obey His Word.  They must repent.  If they don’t wake up, He will come and not announce His coming.  He will deal with them and they will be judged.

People today don’t live like Christians should.   Like the church in Sardis, they only play church.  Their beliefs make no difference to their lives.  Jesus gave promises to those who stand firm and who are victorious in Him.  They would walk with Jesus dressed in white; God would never blot their names out of the book of life; Jesus would acknowledge their names before God the Father and His angels.

What is the book of life?  God has a book of life.  In it are the names of every person written before the foundation of the world.  If your name remains in the book, you will all go to heaven.  If you don’t accept Jesus as your Savior, your name will be blotted out of the book.  If your name is blotted out of this book, you cannot go to heaven.  We will see more about this book in Revelation 13, 17, and 20. 

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Rev. 3:6.

Principle:  If you don’t accept Jesus as your Savior, your name will be blotted out of the book of life.

Next week we will study about the church in Philadelphia and Laodicea.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Revelation 2:1-11 – Lesson 4

 Revelation 2:1-7 – The Church in Ephesus, Left Their First Love

Through John Jesus identified Himself to the church at Ephesus.  He said He held the seven stars in His right hand and walked among the seven golden lampstands.  This emphasized His authority and presence in the church.  He knew all about the church; nothing was a mystery to Him.  He knew their deeds, hard work, patience, and perseverance. 

He encouraged them by telling them He knew how patient they were and that they couldn’t tolerate wicked men.  Nevertheless He had something against them.  They had forsaken their first love.  They once had the love they didn’t have anymore.  He wanted them to remember where they used to be in their love for God and one another.  They were to remember how they used to spend time in the Word and praying; remember how excited they were telling others about Jesus.  He told them to repent meaning to change direction before it was too late or He would remove His presence from the church. 

Remember from Revelation 1:20 the seven stars represent seven angels who watch over the churches and the seven golden lampstands represent the seven churches.  If they didn’t change direction, His presence would be removed.

Ways you can discern between true and false teaching are found in these passages...

Acts 17:11 – know and examine the Scriptures.

Romans 12:2 – don’t conform to the worlds pattern, but renew your mind to what is good and pleasing to God.

1 Corinthians 12:3 – if a person is specking by the Holy Spirit, they will not say Jesus is cursed but will say Jesus is Lord.

2 Timothy 3:16 – all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training.

Jesus said in Matt. 22:36-40 that the first and greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”  If you have forsaken your first love, then you might have stopped reading and studying the Word because you were too busy with life. God isn’t in the center of your life as He once was.  You put others things before Him.  You become self-absorbed and think only of yourself before the welfare of others. 

Ways to express your love for God is by praying, studying the Bible, loving those around you, tithing, fasting, and being encouraging and hopeful.  Show it in your words and your actions.

Repent means to stop doing what you are doing and turn around and do the opposite with the intention of never doing it again.  It’s a change of heart and mind that brings you closer to God.  It’s turning from sin and turning to God for forgiveness.

Genesis and Revelation talk about the Tree of Life.  Genesis tells us that God planted a garden with all kinds of trees and in the center of the garden He put the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  He told Adam and Eve to eat from any tree except the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  We know they disobeyed and ate from it anyway.  They were cursed and banished from the garden.  Now because of Jesus and the salvation He gives to those who believe and trust in Him, we can once again have access to the Tree of Life – the reward of eternal life in heaven.

Revelation 2:8-11 – The Church in Smyrna, The Suffering Church

Jesus describes Himself as the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.  He knew the church’s afflictions and poverty – yet they were rich.  He knew the slander of those who say they are Jews but are a synagogue of Satan.

He encouraged them by saying to not be afraid of what they are about to suffer.  They are to be faithful and He will give them the crown of life.

I think when Jesus said they were in poverty but rich, He meant they were in material poverty but they were rich in spirit.  They were storing up treasure in heaven instead of here on earth (Matt. 5:3; 6:19-20).  Jesus willingly became poor in suffering and died on the cross, yet He was rich and secure in the glory of heaven (2 Cor. 8:9).

Jesus faced slander and persecution and suffering; Smyrna too will face what He faced.  All believers will face persecution (John 15:19-20; 16:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:12).  The Apostles faced persecution; they were arrested and jailed and even killed for their performing miracles.  Christians today face the same persecution.  They’re mocked, thrown in jail, tortured, and some even killed for their faith.

Jesus told the Smyrna believers not to fear suffering.  Matt. 10:28-33 tell us “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”

Knowing Christ equips believers to be faithful in suffering.  Suffering and trials are part of our journey; it’s what makes us stronger, gives us endurance, and builds up our faith.  It causes us to turn to Him bringing us closer to Him.  Sufferings and tribulations don’t break our faith; it strengthens it.

Next week we will continue the study in Revelation.  –  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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