The Church at Smyrna:
- This was the persecuted church. During this time in Rome, emperor worship was common and prevalent. Those who did not pray to the Roman emperor would be persecuted.
- They were under tribulation and had a lack of money, but they were still rich.
- God’s grace makes one far richer than money.
- Rich people live by faith
- God’s mercy, tolerance and patience are forms of riches
- If we’ve been given these from the Lord, we have an infinite supply and can give mercy, tolerance and patience to others.
Key Verses: Revelation 2:8-11, Ephesians 3:8, Ephesians 1:7-8, James 2:5, Romans 11:33-35, Ephesians 2:4, Romans 2:4, 1 Timothy 6:10
