Dear Church #3: “Tried and True”
Revelation 2:8-11

8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. 9 ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’” —Revelation 2:8-11

The Setting (Revelation 2:8)

The People (Revelation 2:9)
• They were under

.
• They were

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.
• They were slandered (

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).

The Prophecy (Revelation 2:10a,b)
• People were going to be

, but some would also

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for their faith and Jesus was warning them.

The Promise (Revelation 2:10c-11)
• Jesus was saying, “if you stick with me to death, you are going to receive something incredible in addition to

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.”

What does this mean for the American Christian?
• Whatever struggles you face, God has

on the other side of it for those who have made Jesus their Lord.
• What are you doing with the

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you have to be as bold in your faith as you want with little to no

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?

Do Something!
• If you’re

, whether it’s for your faith or not, remind yourself daily of the promise of eternity with Jesus.
• Use your freedom to

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others.
• Use your riches to

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others.
• Use your immunity to persecution to

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for Jesus.