Series: Revelation: Following Our Victorious King

A Letter From Jesus on True Riches

February 04, 2024 | Zach Schlegel
Passage: Revelation 2:8-11

Revelation 2:8-11

Introduction

The Christian life is not a game show, but the show “Let’s Make a Deal" illustrates what temptation is like in the world. When someone comes to Christ, they gain something of infinite value. The world doesn’t respond that way. The world pushes Jesus away and tempts us to trade something of true, lasting value for that which will not satisfy.

In a fallen world, following Jesus can be dangerous. (John 15:20) The enemy comes to you and wants you to compromise to relieve the tension that comes with temptation. He tells you that if you do what he says, the world will love you. For 2000 years, the church has faced the temptation to compromise. In this passage, Jesus celebrates a church that was faithful and willing to pay the price.

Jesus doesn’t have a correction for the church in Smyrna, but He celebrates their willingness to suffer. Connecting this idea to the message Jesus sent to Ephesus that you will suffer for what you love. If we are going to face hostility and pushback, how can we survive?

Sermon Outline

1. Don’t fear what you will suffer, step into it.
2. Be faithful by looking to Jesus.

Series Information

Other sermons in the series

The Heavenly Throne Room

April 07, 2024

When you work on something and think you are headed in the right direction, it is...

The Lion is the Lamb

April 14, 2024

To view the eclipse this week, you needed to wear protective glasses because of the...

The Wrath of the Lamb

April 28, 2024

In the book of Revelation, God pulled back the curtain for John. John, under the...

The Seven Trumpets

May 19, 2024

As we enter the part of Revelation, be reminded that the visions of the seven trumpets...

A Bittersweet Scroll

June 02, 2024

Do you realize that you resemble what you worship? If you worship God, over time you...

Two Witnesses and a Woe

June 16, 2024

Jim Elliot and four other fellow missionaries lost their lives taking the gospel to...

A Call for Endurance

July 14, 2024

Swimming against the current is exhausting. Revelation shows that living like a...

Seven Bowls of Wrath

July 21, 2024

What is your heart’s response to the Bible’s teaching of God’s...

Reigning With King Jesus

September 22, 2024

Do you believe that God is sovereign? Do you believe that it is worth it to live for...

The Final Reckoning

October 06, 2024

When you think about your mortality, are you ready to face death? Are you afraid? What...

The City of God

October 27, 2024

The world is a dangerous place. We take every precaution to stay safe - passwords...

The Healing of the Nations

November 03, 2024

The Christian race is marathon. Sometimes everything inside of our aching heart wants...

Come, Lord Jesus

November 10, 2024

It can be very difficult to make important life decisions. Do you feel that if you...

Previous Page

© 2024 First Baptist Church Upper Marlboro | Ekklesia 360