Revelation 2:8-9
“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: “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.
Isaiah 53:3-5
Jesus says “I know”!…to all 7 churches!...Who better than Jesus…to help you in your troubles!
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
Revelation 2:10-11
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. 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.
God knows the trouble, let His words comfort and give you courage.
Romans 8:17
And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!
Hebrew 12:2
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
James 1:2-4
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
You are called to overcome, there is a crown of life waiting for you.
Revelation 1:18
I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Revelation 5:5-6
Jesus once slain is now the triumphant One!!
Revelation 3:11
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.
5 types of crowns:
Crown of Exaltation
1 Thessalonians 2:19
For those who win others to Christ.
Crown of Righteousness
2 Timothy 4:8
For those who live in expectation of Christ return.
Crown of Life
James 1:12, Revelation 2:10
For those who endure persecution even unto death.
Crown of Imperishability
1 Corinthians 9:25
For those who run the race of life in purity.
Crown of Glory
1 Peter 5:4
For those who lead the church with humility.
