LifeGroup Discussion Guide
Let Them Hear Sermon Series
Week Five: Smyrna
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until 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. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”
Revelation 2:8-11 (ESV)
The idea of persecution on the grounds of our faith can feel foreign to many in the modern world where multi-religious societies permit and protect the free practice of personal religious beliefs. The letter to the church of Smyrna, named ‘The Persecuted Church’ may hence seem inapplicable to our current context at face value — but there is a deeper call toward greater fidelity we can receive from Jesus’ words.
The city of Smyrna was historically affluent and beautiful. It was called ‘The Lovely, The Crown of Ionia, the Ornament of Asia.’ It was ruled by a council of its richest citizens and was clever in displaying its loyalty and political allegiance where it benefited them (to the King of Pergamum on his rise to power, and later to Rome such that it could maintain self-management). This ‘political correctness’ permeated its culture and laws — with a yearly offering of incense in worship of Caesar a requirement of its citizens.
This was the context that the early church in Smyrna found itself — where authorities and even the Jews oppressed them for their refusal to participate in idolatry to the point of poverty. The Greek word for poverty used here denoted being poor to the point of begging. An outward display of their faith meant utter financial loss and decimation to their security.
Some were thrown into prison, fed to wild beasts in arenas or like the early bishop, Polycarp, burned at the stake in martyrdom.
Jesus’ letter to this faithful community was not one of admonition (much unlike other letters) but one of recognition and encouragement. He knew their ‘works, tribulation, and poverty’ but acknowledged them as exceedingly rich in His eyes. His encouragement to them was to stay steadfast, even in the face of death, and know that the suffering they would face (even more in the days that would come) were ultimately limited before the glory experienced with Him for eternity. Indeed, a momentary affliction preparing an eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:17-18).
This commendation and picture of a mature church greatly challenges us to consider and call into question the comfort of the lives we live. In theologian Gerald Sittser’s words, “the value of their example is not in the martyrdom itself, however noble and courageous, but in their commitment to Christ's lordship. That we might not have to die for Christ is irrelevant. How we live for Christ is the real issue.”
The letter to the church of Smyrna hence calls us, the modern church, to consider our ‘lack of persecution’ — not with foolishness or a ‘death-wish’ of sorts — but in deep inspection of our fidelity to the commands of Scripture and the call of God in our lives. Some questions to personally consider:
Do you ‘go along’ with the moral and cultural norms in Singapore or in your workplace out of fear of consequence? (losing promotion and favour, social or financial cost, etc).
Are you shrinking back from a decision or area of life where God’s call comes at personal cost (emotional, social, financial, physical)?
Have you misconstrued Singapore’s cultural emphasis against inflammatory behaviour between religious groups as an excuse not to evangelise, live with a public faith or share the Gospel to those around you?
Discuss these questions.
Consider Jesus’ commendation of the Church of Smyrna as being materially poor yet spiritually wealthy. How can we cultivate a spiritual richness that is beyond worldly possessions?
Where in your life do you see a tension between being faithful to God’s Word/ways, and the opposition of culture/society?
Share about a decision or area of life you feel God’s call toward but also shrunk back out of fear of personal cost.
Consider a context where you can make your faith more visible through your actions. How can you use these opportunities to influence those around you?
Who in your life do you want to see come into a relationship with Jesus? How can you commit to pursuing them (prayer, intentional time spent, conversations, etc)?