Messages to the Church – Pt 3

8 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna. This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive:

9 “I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. 10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.

11 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.

Revelation 1:17-18 NLT

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

WHAT DOES JESUS UNVEIL ABOUT HIMSELF?

1. He has supreme authority over everything.

2. He affirms faith that won’t fold under pressure.

3. He gives a crown of life to those who remain faithful to the end.

Revelation 12:11 ESV

11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

The call to courage – hold fast even when it costs your life.

SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE

Reconnect:

Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.

Explore:

Review the message notes.

Big Idea: Jesus is building a courageous church to remain faithful even when it costs your life.

Consider:

Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.

1. Read Revelation 2:8-11.

– The last part of verse 10 says, “But if you remain faithful even when facing death I will give you the crown of life.” What does faithfulness look like to you? How have you been faithful?

2. Read Revelation 1:17-18.

– What does “I hold the keys of death and the grave” mean to you? How does this impact the way you live your life?

3. Pastor Matt shared: “Tests reveal allegiance, opposition refines endurance, comfort breeds compromise, and ease puts the church to sleep, but Jesus promises a crown of life to the one who remains faithful.” How has opposition to your faith refined you?

Activate:

Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.

Spend a few minutes in silence to reflect on this message to the church: “Don’t be afraid of opposition, suffering, and slander for your faith. Don’t be afraid of death.” Are you changing your perspective on how you spend your days and where you put your focus in this life?

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Lord teach us to number our days and to live lives that bring honor and glory to You, and help us to be a light to the world around us. In Jesus Name, Amen.