Main Idea: Faithful Christians persevere through temporal suffering and are rewarded with eternal life.

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.

Do Not Fear the Variety of Temporal Sufferings Christians May Face

• 9, 10a “‘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. Do not fear what you are about to suffer.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:3–5
  • 2 Corinthians 6:10
  • Romans 2:28, 29
  • John 8:39–44

The Blessing of Temporal Sufferings Christians May Face

• 10b 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.
  • Ephesians 6:12
  • Genesis 50:20
  • 1 Peter 1:6, 7

The Expectation of Perseverance in the Face of Temporal Suffering

• 10c, 11 Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 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.’
  • James 1:12
  • Revelation 20:6

So What?

• Regardless of the temporal suffering we may face, we must remain faithful with our eyes fixed on our eternal prize.
  • Mark 13:9–13