In this episode of Focused on Christ, Mike and Nathan look at the letters to the churches in Smyrna and Pergamum who both dealt with persecution. What role does persecution play in the local church? What happens when persecution leads to compromise in the church?
The letters to the churches of Smyrna and Pergamum in the Book of Revelation offer profound lessons on enduring persecution and remaining steadfast in faith. Persecution is distinct from general adversity, being a systematic effort to resist or destroy the church. The church in Smyrna faced severe trials from both Roman authorities and the local Jewish community, yet they were reminded of their spiritual richness and promised the ‘crown of life’ for their faithfulness. In contrast, the church in Pergamum, despite holding fast to Jesus’ name, was criticized for allowing compromising teachings to infiltrate their community. Jesus’ call to repentance serves as a reminder for all believers to examine their lives and avoid blending Christian beliefs with worldly practices. These messages encourage us to embrace persecution with hope and remain unwavering in our faith.
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you define persecution, and how is it different from general adversity?
2. Why do you think persecution is a common theme in the Bible?
3. What are some modern examples of persecution that the church faces today?
4. How can we remain faithful in the face of persecution or adversity?
5. What does it mean to compromise with cultural norms, and why is it dangerous?
6. How can we ensure that we are not compromising our faith in our daily lives?
7. What does the ‘crown of life’ symbolize for believers?
8. How can we keep our hope fixed on eternity amidst life’s challenges?