Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer:" Revelation 2:10
One wise old preacher once stated: 'when GOD sends tribulation,
HE expects us to tribulate' ... I like that
:-)
There is ample proof in the Bible that GOD does allow HIS own to go through trial and suffering: Job, David, Daniel, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul … and most notably, JESUS … just to name a few, all suffered beyond words for their faith.
An entire chapter (Hebrews 11) is devoted to memorialize these and others who have paid a price for righteousness' sake.
Yea, and all that will live godly in CHRIST JESUS shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
These believers at Smyrna were no exception, suffering horrendous persecution and even martyrdom at the hands of Caesar Domitian. Christians who refused to worship Caesar were considered atheists and thus opened themselves up to the aforementioned persecution. They were ostracized in every area of society, forbid to work, and most lived as slaves existing on alms as beggars. Unlike Laodicea known as the rich\poor church, Smyrna became known as the poor\rich church.
Many instincts govern our
lives and perhaps none stronger than the instinct of survival. To
the unsaved man whose only hope and life is tethered to earth, this
survival bent is particularly dominant. The true believer however
is controlled by the HOLY SPIRIT and our survival assured by the
Word of GOD. We are eternal beings possessing eternal life, given of
and guaranteed by the eternal GOD.
Paul reminds:
"I am crucified with CHRIST: nevertheless I live; yet
not I, but CHRIST liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I
live by the faith of the SON of GOD, WHO loved me, and gave HIMSELF
for me." Galatians 2:20
Real effective Christianity is a living death!
"... I die daily." 1 Corinthians 15:31
I beseech ye therefore brethren by the mercies of GOD that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice ..." Romans 12:1
In borrowing from Abraham Lincoln and Patrick Henry, it is my observation as well that we are drunken with ease and prosperity. Thus forsaking death and it's inherent liberty we have embraced the chains of sin and are currently on our way blindly to the bottom.
Revival Question # 2: Who or what are you living for?
Day Two of revival begins with death to self.
Memorize: "For to me to live is CHRIST, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21