“Blessed are the poor”, take 2 Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: “Blessed are the poor”, take 2---------------------- Date: 05/16/2000 Keywords:    "faithfulness" "poverty" "tribulation" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. Intro: In each of these studies (May 15-21), we will be looking at one of the seven letters to the seven churches of Revelation. These are actually letters written by Jesus to churches that existed in the first century. The letters have great application, though, for Christians today. They point out what Jesus commends in a Christian and what He wants to see changed in a Christian. There is even helpful application for people who are struggling with chronic temptation to destructive habits like porn. Read on - and God bless you! Passage: Revelation 2:8-11* “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: [9] ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. [10] ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. [11] ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.’ Questions 1. According to the verses above, what is true about the Christians in the city of Smyrna?   2. Who was opposing these Christians?   3. What sorts of suffering were they to anticipate?   4. What reward does Jesus promise to them if they overcome?   Practical help In Matthew 5, Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Here, in Revelation, speaking to Christians in Smyrna, He affirms that they are in poverty and tribulation. Matthew 5’s truth still holds true. It is people who are “poor” or “poor in spirit” who are really blessed. People who are “poor in spirit” are those who recognize their utter helplessness and need for God. They are the ones who say, “If God doesn’t come through for me, I’m sunk.” The poverty and tribulation of the Smyrnan Christians wasn’t a black mark against them in their life with Christ. It served to heighten their awareness of how much they needed Him! All those who struggle - and have struggled and have failed to stop your involvement with porn! - listen to the Good News. You know that you are spiritually bankrupt. You know that you have nothing to bring to God except your need. You know that if He doesn’t come through for you, you are sunk. Cast yourself on Him in utter dependence and experience the blessing that comes to the “poor in spirit.” eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2000 by eXXit *"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission."