Lesson 13 January 26, 2003

#3 This church is the object of slander.

"and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan."

 

** Historically the persecution followed two primary categories: actually were the result of 2 basic teachings of the Church; 2 things that were fundamental to the church.

#1 Slander/persecution that flowed from their grace doctrines!

 

 

#2 Slander/persecution flowed from their Lordship doctrine. Don't confuse this with the Lordship salvation distortion taught today.

 

They refused to say kaesar kurios, Caesar is lord; this brought them great persecution.

 

 

** 2:10 Speaks of Persecution coming, in the near future.

 

What in this verse says that God is in control?

 

*** For the believer to fear tomorrow, what might happen, is to be disoriented to his position and provision in Christ for today!

 

3. Exhortation and Promise 2:10-11

#1 Do not fear

 

 

#2 "Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested,"

 

 

 

#3 Reason/Purpose: "that you may be tested," [why the persecution]

- tested peiradzw peira,zw;

- indicates a test of character, a test of what is the basis of the believers viewpoint, thinking and therefore his resolve to live DVPT.

 

The How of the Test for them!

"and you will have tribulation (qliyij) ten days."

** Key observation is that there is absolutely no possibility of passing or approval in the test apart from the use of DVPT, the WOG as the basis of one's thinking and the std's of one's conscience.

What about the 10 days?

- Most common explanation given is that it refers to the 10 clearly identifiable periods of persecution that occurred between 96 and 313 AD when Constantine came on the scene and changed everything!

- During this period, 96-313 AD, there were more than 10 Emperors but only 10 of them actually and officially persecuted the Church that we're aware of.

1. Domitian 96 2. Trajan (98-117)

3. Hadrian (117-138) 4. Antonius Pius (138-161)

5. Marcus Aurelius (161-180) 6. Septimus Severus (193-211)

7. Maximin (253-238) 8. Decius (249-251)

9. Valarian (251-260) 10. Diocletion (284-305)

 

In conjunction with this coming persecution is a an exhortation and a promise.

"Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life."

- This says that they are learning to be faithful

The Promise for the faithful! "I will give you the crown of life."

This is one of the rewards that will be given at the JSC, to those who endure great persecution for their faithfulness to Christ and His Word.

 

 

Next in 2:11 we see the second promise made to the church at Smyrna!

"He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death."

 

- What is the second death? Rev 20:6, 13-14, 21:8