The second of these standards is enduring faithfulness to the person of Christ (Smyrna). In the case of the Chruch at Smyrna, endurance is discussed in relation to human weakness and severe persecution. The people were not to fear because the Lord knew their situation perfectly and promised blessings. We can all understand the importance of endurance in such times. Yet we must also consider endurance in faithfulness in times of relative peace and of blessing also.
The greatest enemy of the Christian is not the Devil and his blood-thirsty minions, it is his own heart. Persecution grew and strengthened the Church and lack of it caused many to become complacent, compromising and ineffective. Enduring faithfulness to the Lord, the first and the last, who died and came to life (Rev. 2:18), must be one of the primary concerns of all believers and it must be consciously and continually re-enforced.
The first standard is discussed here: Seven Standards Of Christian Life. Part 1 | Christian Forums
The greatest enemy of the Christian is not the Devil and his blood-thirsty minions, it is his own heart. Persecution grew and strengthened the Church and lack of it caused many to become complacent, compromising and ineffective. Enduring faithfulness to the Lord, the first and the last, who died and came to life (Rev. 2:18), must be one of the primary concerns of all believers and it must be consciously and continually re-enforced.
The first standard is discussed here: Seven Standards Of Christian Life. Part 1 | Christian Forums
