The Suffering Church

SMYRNA: the suffering church.

Christ = the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:

The compliment

Christ tells them, I know your works, tribulation and poverty ...be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

The suffering saints at Smyrna are scheduled for crowns! In the New Testament, crowns always refer to rewards.

Crown of life … Found here, in the letter to Smyrna, and in James 1:12. It awaits those who suffer and endure temptation, persecution and trials.

Incorruptible Crown … Found in 1 Corinthians 9:25. It awaits those who have run their race well in living for Christ.

Crown of Rejoicing … Found in 1 Thessalonians 2:19.

It has been called the soul winner’s crown. It awaits those who have faithfully helped to get the Word of God out, and have helped precious souls to come to Christ.

Crown of Righteousness … Found in 2 Timothy 4:8.

It will be given to those who love his appearing, who are eagerly watching and waiting for Christ to come.

Crown of glory … Found in 1 Peter 5:4.

It is the teacher and/or pastor's crown. It will be awarded to those faithful saints who have diligently fed God’s people with the Word of God.

The Lord concludes

He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. Hebrews 9:27

It was the avoidance of the second death that Jesus was referring to when he said to Martha;

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die [experience the second death]. Do you believe this? John 11:25-26

Dr. D. L. Moody, speaking of the necessity of being born again through faith in Jesus Christ, said, 

"He who is born once will die twice, but he who is born twice will die once". Christ assures his suffering believers at Smyrna that, as overcomers, they will never be hurt by the second death … the only real and permanent loss mankind has to fear.