Sermon Outline:

Big Idea: Hold fast in your suffering, clinging to Christ's sovereignty and victory.

1. The Sovereign One (8-9)
2. Faithfulness in adversity (9-10)
3. His victory is ours (10-11)

Bible Fellowship Group Study Questions:

1. In the face of hardship and adversity, Jesus encourages the church in Smyrna to remain faithful, even unto death. Reflect on a situation in your life where your faith was tested. How did you respond? How can you rely more fully on Jesus' promise of the "crown of life" when facing such trials in the future?
2. Jesus acknowledges the "poverty" of the church in Smyrna, but also declares them rich. In what ways might you feel 'poor' in your life right now? How does this passage challenge you to shift your perspective and understand your 'riches' in Christ?
3. The passage ends with a promise to the one who "conquers": they will not be hurt by the second death. As a believer, what fears or anxieties do you need to surrender to God, trusting in His promise of eternal life? How can this assurance change your perspective on life's difficulties?