And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. – Revelation 2:8-11
Dearly beloved brethren, by the grace of God, we begin the study of the second church, among the seven churches.
Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Beloved brethren, the one unusual thing scarcely found in today’s body of believers that you discover in this second church , was commendation without any rebuke.
Our righteous judge of the whole earth has nothing to condemn in this local assembly.
The Lord found them perfect, meeting His expectations.
Even though His eyes could see all things and nothing is hidden to Him.
Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
He is the indisputable righteous judge of the whole earth.
Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) – Revelation 2:8-11
This particular letter to this local assembly of Bible believing believers, had no singular rebuke, but commendation.. See it again.
Revelation 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Beloved brethren, this should be your eternal goal.
Recount, during the earthly ministry of our Lord, He exhorted His followers to be perfect like Him and His Father in heaven.
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Matthew 5:48
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Luke 6:40
The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
The blessed Holy Spirit also followed up and though the apostles, He exhorted Bible believing believers of all ages and you in particular, to be biblically perfect.
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Colossians 1:28
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) – Revelation 2:8-11
So our Lord prayed for all His followers of all ages including you to be perfect and also made provision for things that would facilitate their biblical perfection. See the following scriptures.
1. His prayer for your perfection.
John 17:23
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Things He did to facilitate your biblical perfection.
1. Provision of ministry gifts for His church.
Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
2. The totality of scriptures.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
3. His blood of the everlasting covenant.
Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) – Revelation 2:8-11
Pause here beloved brethren. If Jesus Christ from glory examines your spiritual life and walk , will He absolve you from all faults, as He did to believers in Smyrna?
Beloved this is what it shall take if your eternity with Him, shall be guaranteed..
You also , one day, perhaps sooner than you think, shall stand before Him, for judgement.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
I pray for you with all my heart that when you in particular shall stand before Him, you shall not hear this statement from Him in Jesus name.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The good Lord shall help you in particular to be wise unto salvation in Jesus name
Deuteronomy 32:29 O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) – Revelation 2:8-11
See you at the top in Jesus name
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Bishop Peter Olusegun Babalola.
Jesus is Lord forever
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