Smyrna (2 of 6)
Series: Revelations
Will McGee
Revelation 2:8-11
Introduction: A few years ago, I was speaking at a retreat/conference for college students.
There was a Q and A. I was asked, ''What are three things a new Christian or a young Christian should seek to learn?'' I can't remember what I answered in the moment. But I thought about it a lot in the weeks/months after.
I even wrote it out:
1.) Develop an understanding of grace, for yourself and others.
2.) Think about heaven... A lot!
But my third point was... 3.) Prepare a theology of suffering before you suffer.
Because we will all face suffering/trials in our lives. Jesus said as much, ''In this world you will have trouble.'' What I've found is that those who don't take the time to consider what the Scriptures teach about suffering.... When they get hit with something difficult in their lives, they aren't prepared. I've seen people walk away from their faith. I've seen people's faith completely shattered.
You need to be prepared for hardships, and you need to decide now what you believe about God's character in the midst of suffering... It is very difficult to develop a theology of suffering on the fly.
Jesus said, ''In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, Christ has overcome the world.'' Fight to believe that today. So that when suffering comes tomorrow, you will have something to hold onto.
We are in the second week of our study on the seven letters to the churches of Revelation. Jesus writes personal letters to seven unique churches in Asia Minor. Today, he writes to Smyrna. A church that was about to go through immense suffering and pain. Jesus writes them to remind them what is true, so that they will be prepared for the difficult days that will soon come.
I think this letter is relevant for you and me. Most of us will face difficulty at some point in our lives, Jesus teaches us here what is true in the midst of suffering, and how we can overc ...
Series: Revelations
Will McGee
Revelation 2:8-11
Introduction: A few years ago, I was speaking at a retreat/conference for college students.
There was a Q and A. I was asked, ''What are three things a new Christian or a young Christian should seek to learn?'' I can't remember what I answered in the moment. But I thought about it a lot in the weeks/months after.
I even wrote it out:
1.) Develop an understanding of grace, for yourself and others.
2.) Think about heaven... A lot!
But my third point was... 3.) Prepare a theology of suffering before you suffer.
Because we will all face suffering/trials in our lives. Jesus said as much, ''In this world you will have trouble.'' What I've found is that those who don't take the time to consider what the Scriptures teach about suffering.... When they get hit with something difficult in their lives, they aren't prepared. I've seen people walk away from their faith. I've seen people's faith completely shattered.
You need to be prepared for hardships, and you need to decide now what you believe about God's character in the midst of suffering... It is very difficult to develop a theology of suffering on the fly.
Jesus said, ''In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, Christ has overcome the world.'' Fight to believe that today. So that when suffering comes tomorrow, you will have something to hold onto.
We are in the second week of our study on the seven letters to the churches of Revelation. Jesus writes personal letters to seven unique churches in Asia Minor. Today, he writes to Smyrna. A church that was about to go through immense suffering and pain. Jesus writes them to remind them what is true, so that they will be prepared for the difficult days that will soon come.
I think this letter is relevant for you and me. Most of us will face difficulty at some point in our lives, Jesus teaches us here what is true in the midst of suffering, and how we can overc ...
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