I Know Your Works: Be Faithful Till Death

Text: Revelation 2:8-11
20 August 2017

THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA MINOR

1. Church of Ephesus   (Revelation 2:1-7)

2. Church of Smyrna   (Revelation 2:8-11)

3. Church of Pergamos   (Revelation 2:12-17)

4. Church of Thyatira   (Revelation 2:18-29)

5. Church of Sardis   (Revelation 3:1-6)

6. Church of Philadelphia   (Revelation 3:7-13)

7. Church of Laodicea   (Revelation 3:14-22)

THE CHURCHES AS THE LORD DESIGNED THEM

1. Golden Lampstands= Churches   (Revelation 1:20)

2. Stars= The messengers (“angels”)   (Revelation 1:20)

THE EXAMINATION OF THE CHURCHES

1. All churches were inspected and examined by the Lord Jesus

2. Their works were evaluated

3. Five churches were found wanting

4. Only two churches were commended

5. A word of admonition was given by the Lord

a) They may repent and be restored
b) The Spirit of God would be there to help them

THE CHURCH COMMENDED

The Church of Smyrna

Revelation 2:8-11

1. The Lord Jesus Christ described

“The First and the Last, who was dead and has come to life.”   Revelation 2:8

2. Review of the church of Smyrna   (Revelation 2:9)

a) I know your works
b) Tribulation
c) Poverty (but you are rich)

3. Awareness of the Problems faced by the church   (Revelation 2:9)

a) The blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not
b) They are a synagogue (a gathering) of Satan

4. Word of Encouragement   (Revelation 2:10)

a) Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer
b) The devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested
c) You will have tribulation ten days
d) Be faithful until death
e) I will give you the crown of life

6. In consciousness of the Holy Spirit’s Presence and Ministry   (Revelation 2:11)

a) He who has an ear, let him hear
b) What the Spirit is saying to the churches
c) He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death