The Outlet Community
How many sermons have we listened to? How many church services have we been a part of? How many Christian/inspirational books have we purchased much less read? The key to living a blessed life is to go beyond reading and listening to a place of obeying and doing. This series is for anyone who is: tired of just “average”, “doing alright", living an “ok” life, and ready to live a life of true success and significance by escaping the ordinary.
Pastor Vince Thomas, Jr.
#Resilience - The Church of Smyrna
Life Beyond the Middle Series
Revelation 2:8-11 (NLT)
Let's Be Social: @theoutletcc, @vincethomasjr, @ashleysthomas
Purpose of the book of Revelation and the Seven Letters to the Seven Churches is to open the perspective of Christians to from local to eternal realities. There is more to life than what we see today. The Book of Revelation is a letter of current and eternal victory.
Revelation 2:8-11 NLT
Today's Key Word is: ________________________
Resilience is defined as: an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.
Context of the Church of Smyrna
- The only Greek city on the west coast of the Egan which still retains its name and which may still be classed among the great cities of the Orient. Smyrna is the next most important city to Ephesus—and far more beautiful (2:8–11).
- It is a wealthy city, thanks to its trade, safe harbour, fertile valley and major road to the Far East. Today Smyrna is Izmir, the thriving city of Turkey.
- Extreme pressure to pledge allegiance to cultural relevance. No gray area. Either pledge their allegiance to Caesar or face imminent death.
Regardless of external pressures, the church of Smyrna was unwilling to relinquish their internal convictions.
The Story of the Church of Smyrna
Revelation 2:8 NLT
Dead but is now alive: refers to the period of 300 years where the city of Smyrna laid in devastation.
Revelation 2:9 NLT
Key Terms in Revelation 2:9
Know - oida- reflect on “You were on my mind”
Suffering - combination of three words crushing due to pressure beneath the weight (thlipsis), kingdom (basileia), and steadfast endurance (hupomone).
Poverty - someone who refuses to satisfy their needs through their own hands
Synagogue of Satan - religious spirit
The foundation of Resilience is JOY!
James 1:2 NLT
Hebrews 12:2 NLT
Battle-Tested Protection in Adversity - The Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT
Reflection + Discussion
1. When you think of the days when your walk with the Lord was "fresh and new" what were some of the activities you would take part in?
2. How can we cultivate a fresh relationship with the Lord and guard against becoming extremely busy doing "good deeds?"
3. What one change could you make this week that would help you rekindle your passion for God?