Smyrna – Things aren’t what they Seem
Agree or Disagree, things are not as they seem, example?

Revelation 2:8–9a “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! 
“Who died and came back to life.”

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What does he mean when he says, “I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!”

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God sees things quite different than we do.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) 7For we live by faith, not by sight.

Why would it be necessary for Paul to point this fact out?

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2 Cor 4: 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 

Does this help us understand better? ______________________________________________

Consider 2 Cor 6:3-10

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Re 2:9b I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

What does he mean?

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Romans 2:28–29 (NIV) 28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

Synagogue of Satan? ___________________________________________________________

Revelation 2:10 (NIV) 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

Why warn them not to be afraid? _________________________________________________

The Devil will put some of you in prison? (Eph 6:12) __________________________________

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To test you? __________________________________________________________________

Ten Days? ____________________________________________________________________

Be Faithful? ___________________________________________________________________

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Victors Crown? ________________________________________________________________

Revelation 2:11 (NIV) Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.