Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 26, 2015

“Faith under Fire” Revelation 2:8-15 Bible Study 07/26/15

The call to suffer for Christ is a neglected topic. However, it remains timeless in application. In the New Testament, suffering is an indispensable mark of every true believer and church and the certainty of the world’s persecution is stressed repeatedly. Like the church at Smyrna, the Lord calls us to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. When you rely on the Lord’s provision, you can live with fearless faithfulness when your faith comes under fire.

I. The Lord’s presence encourages us

-form of the letter
-background on Smyrna
-Lord over extremes and everything in between
-suffering church: uncompromising church

II. The Lord’s perspective enlightens us

-pressure of persecution
-poverty of possessions
-poison of slander
-prospect of prison/death
-stripping away the superficial
-enlarging our capacity for enjoyment

III. The Lord’s promises assure us

-don’t fear…do be faithful
-a crown to receive
-a condemnation to escape

IV. The Lord’s pronouncement orders us
-listen up!
-order your life in light of the message

V. So what?

-“Over twenty centuries of Christian faith, some 70 million Christians were murdered for that faith and are thus called ‘martyrs.’” – David Barrett/Todd Johnson
-“Fourscore and six years I have been serving Him, and He hath done me no wrong; How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” -Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna
-“Thy saints in all this glorious war Shall conquer though they die; They see the triumph from afar, By faith’s discerning eye.” -Isaac Watts, 1721
-Acknowledge the inevitability of suffering.
-Prize the Lord’s presence and promises.
-Assess your measure of wealth.
-Cultivate an eternal perspective
-Pray for the persecuted church.