The church in “Smyrna” meaning “myrrh” will hear the Word of Truth and will receive it with joy. But the receiving of the Word will come with persecutions by those of the churches who will not hear and believe in it. They will persecute any who will hear and receive what the Spirit is saying. The devil shall cast us into “prison” so to speak to test us and our faith in what we will hear the Spirit saying. But the church in Smyrna will overcome and keep the death of Jesus which is a sweet fragrance of life.
Revelation 2:8-11 KJV
(8) And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
(9) I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
(10) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
(11) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
When we receive the persecution by those of our very own, we are to keep the death of Christ in mind and NOT return evil for evil. We are to be faithful unto death….His death. He was dead and is alive…and so if we die to sin (evil speaking) when we are persecuted, we shall LIVE His Life. His Life shall appear in our mortal flesh.
We are to be faithful unto death by bearing about the dying of the Lord Jesus ALWAYS when persecuted by other “Christians” for our faith in the Word of Truth as spoken in the Spirit so that the LIFE of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
2 Corinthians 4:7-11 KJV
(7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
(8) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
(9) Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
(10) Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
(11) For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
He endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself….and we are to consider and look to Him while following in His footsteps. We shall suffer persecution from members of our own household….our own churches…our own family. Jesus was persecuted by His very own brothers and it will be no different today. But we are to remember the cross….the sacrifice of Jesus…and die to sin by not rendering evil for their evil when persecuted.
Hebrews 12:2-4 KJV
(2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(3) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
(4) Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
When we will be persecuted by our very own, we are to follow His example….His steps….and revile not when being reviled and threaten not when threatened. We are to be faithful unto “death”….being dead to sins as He died on the cross so that we should LIVE unto righteousness. We are to always sow to the Spirit when being reviled by the unbelieving church goers in this coming time.
1 Peter 2:21-25 KJV
(21) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
(22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
(23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
We are to be dead to sins......the preaching of the cross....so that we should LIVE unto righteousness.
(24) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
(25) For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
We are to suffer for righteousness’ sake and be not afraid of their terror neither be troubled of those who will persecute us for our faith in the revealed Word of Truth that they will not believe in.
Revelation 2: (10) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Who is he that will harm us if we are followers of that which is good? We are to suffer patiently with good works the persecution by our very own as they will speak evil of us….as evildoers. We are to fear none of the things which we shall suffer....fearing none of their "terror" neither be troubled.
1 Peter 3:13-18 KJV
(13) And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
(14) But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
(15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
(16) Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
(17) For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
(18) For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
The unbelieving church goers (the assembly of Satan) will resist and oppose any that will receive the Word of Truth in this coming time. They will persecute those who will receive the Word of Truth but we are to be faithful unto death…His death upon the cross…as we are to be dead to sins…evil speaking against those who will persecute us for our faith in the Truth.
But the preaching of the cross to those who are perishing is foolishness but unto us which are saved (wholly in mortal body, soul and spirit) it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV
(18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
We shall be persecuted by our very own as our faith shall be tested. We are not to think it strange concerning the “fiery trial” which is to try us and our faith. We are to rejoice as we are made partakers of Christ’s sufferings.
1 Peter 4:12-19 KJV
(12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
(13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
(14) If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
(15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
(16) Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
(17) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
(18) And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
We are to suffer according to the will of God and commit in the keeping of our souls to Him in well doing….for we shall be persecuted by our very own. We glorify God by maintaining good works toward those who will persecute us.
(19) Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
We shall have tribulation by our very own for “ten days”. The ten days takes us back to when Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were tested for "ten days".
The word “pulse” means “to sow something” and shows us that we are to sow after the Spirit when being tested by persecution...being proved "ten days" by persecution. The “water” is the water of life that we are to drink.....drinking in and being filled with what the Spirit is saying and not being filled with the wine of wrath.
Daniel 1:11-16 KJV
(11) Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
(12) Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
We are to keep the dying of our Lord Jesus Christ by dying to evil speaking when we are tested by the persecution of our very own so that they life of Jesus shall be made manifest in our mortal bodies.
(13) Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
We are to fear none of those things which we shall suffer for the devil shall cast us into a prison so to speak so that we may be proved and we shall have tribulation “ten days” but we are to be faithful unto death so that He will give us a crown of life.
(14) So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
If we keep the dying of our Lord Jesus, His life shall be manifested in our mortal flesh and those who will persecuted us shall then be ashamed. Daniel’s countenance appeared "fairer and fatter in flesh" that those who did eat of the portion of the king’s meat. Those who will be ashamed will be those who have eaten and drank with those who will behaved evilly in their envy, strife and wrath.
(15) And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
(16) Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
Babylon’s children will beat upon His servants and to eat and drink and be drunken in their wrath, pride, envy and strife. They will not sow to the Spirit (eating “pulse”) but rather will sow after the flesh while reaping decay in their flesh. They will not appear fairer and fatter in flesh as compared to those who will sow after the Spirit and have the life of Jesus appearing in their mortal flesh.
Luke 12:45-46 KJV
(45) But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
(46) The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
If we eat “pulse” as Daniel did…that is, “sowing” to the Spirit, we shall reap His life appearing in our mortal flesh. But those who will eat of the meat and drink the wine of Babylon will sow to the flesh and reap decay in the flesh.
We shall suffer for “ten days” by those who will do such things but we are not to be weary in well doing for we shall reap His life in due season if we faint not. Our mortal flesh shall appear “fairer and fatter” than those who will sow after the flesh in their persecutions and then they will be ashamed of their evil behavior.
Galatians 6:7-10 KJV
(7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
(8) For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
(9) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
(10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Again, we are to sow after the Spirit (eating "pulse") so that we may reap His life appearing in our mortal flesh in the here and now. Let us not eat of the things of the children of Babylon.
Romans 8:10-14 KJV
(10) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
(11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
(13) For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
(14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
If we partake of the sufferings of Christ, God shall exalt us in due time. The adversary shall persecute us seeking whom he may devour. But if we do not return evil for evil, the “second death” shall not harm us. The tongue is a fire.
1 Peter 5:6-11 KJV
(6) Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
(7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
(8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
We are to resist the devil and die to sin while standing steadfast in the faith. We shall be persecuted by our very own but we shall have company in our persecutions for others shall hear and receive what the Spirit is saying….drinking in the water of life. And after we have suffered a while (ten days), He shall make us complete and establish and strengthen us.
(9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
(10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
(11) To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
We are to be followers of God and walk in love. The church in “Smyrna” meaning “myrrh” are a sweet fragrance of the sacrifice of Christ in them that are saved for they will be faithful unto the death of Christ for they will not return evil for evil when persecuted by the church people who will perish in their sins….their evil speaking. They will reap decay in the flesh for eating of the meat of Babylon and drinking the wine of her wrath. We are to triumph in Christ ….thanks be unto God.
Ephesians 5:1-11 KJV
(1) Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
(2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
(3) But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
(4) Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
(5) For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
(6) Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
We are not to be partakers with those who will eat of the meat of Babylon and drink her wine of wrath. Instead we are to eat “pulse”….which means “something sown”. We are to sow of the Spirit and reap the fruit of the Spirit which is all goodness and righteousness and Truth so that we may PROVE what is acceptable unto the Lord. His LIFE SHALL APPEAR in our MORTAL FLESH to the SHAME of those who had eaten of Babylon’s things.
Again, we shall PROVE what is acceptable unto the Lord for our mortal flesh shall appear "fairer and fatter" as His life shall be made MANIFEST in the here and now to the shame of those who reap after the flesh. He will exalt us in due time....it takes time for this to happen as we shall endure persecution for a while so that His wonderful life shall appear in our mortal flesh as they decay in the flesh.
(7) Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
(8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
(9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth)
(10) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Revelation 2:8-11 KJV
(8) And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
(9) I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
(10) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
(11) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
When we receive the persecution by those of our very own, we are to keep the death of Christ in mind and NOT return evil for evil. We are to be faithful unto death….His death. He was dead and is alive…and so if we die to sin (evil speaking) when we are persecuted, we shall LIVE His Life. His Life shall appear in our mortal flesh.
We are to be faithful unto death by bearing about the dying of the Lord Jesus ALWAYS when persecuted by other “Christians” for our faith in the Word of Truth as spoken in the Spirit so that the LIFE of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
2 Corinthians 4:7-11 KJV
(7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
(8) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
(9) Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
(10) Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
(11) For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
He endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself….and we are to consider and look to Him while following in His footsteps. We shall suffer persecution from members of our own household….our own churches…our own family. Jesus was persecuted by His very own brothers and it will be no different today. But we are to remember the cross….the sacrifice of Jesus…and die to sin by not rendering evil for their evil when persecuted.
Hebrews 12:2-4 KJV
(2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(3) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
(4) Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
When we will be persecuted by our very own, we are to follow His example….His steps….and revile not when being reviled and threaten not when threatened. We are to be faithful unto “death”….being dead to sins as He died on the cross so that we should LIVE unto righteousness. We are to always sow to the Spirit when being reviled by the unbelieving church goers in this coming time.
1 Peter 2:21-25 KJV
(21) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
(22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
(23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
We are to be dead to sins......the preaching of the cross....so that we should LIVE unto righteousness.
(24) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
(25) For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
We are to suffer for righteousness’ sake and be not afraid of their terror neither be troubled of those who will persecute us for our faith in the revealed Word of Truth that they will not believe in.
Revelation 2: (10) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Who is he that will harm us if we are followers of that which is good? We are to suffer patiently with good works the persecution by our very own as they will speak evil of us….as evildoers. We are to fear none of the things which we shall suffer....fearing none of their "terror" neither be troubled.
1 Peter 3:13-18 KJV
(13) And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
(14) But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
(15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
(16) Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
(17) For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
(18) For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
The unbelieving church goers (the assembly of Satan) will resist and oppose any that will receive the Word of Truth in this coming time. They will persecute those who will receive the Word of Truth but we are to be faithful unto death…His death upon the cross…as we are to be dead to sins…evil speaking against those who will persecute us for our faith in the Truth.
But the preaching of the cross to those who are perishing is foolishness but unto us which are saved (wholly in mortal body, soul and spirit) it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV
(18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
We shall be persecuted by our very own as our faith shall be tested. We are not to think it strange concerning the “fiery trial” which is to try us and our faith. We are to rejoice as we are made partakers of Christ’s sufferings.
1 Peter 4:12-19 KJV
(12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
(13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
(14) If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
(15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
(16) Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
(17) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
(18) And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
We are to suffer according to the will of God and commit in the keeping of our souls to Him in well doing….for we shall be persecuted by our very own. We glorify God by maintaining good works toward those who will persecute us.
(19) Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
We shall have tribulation by our very own for “ten days”. The ten days takes us back to when Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were tested for "ten days".
The word “pulse” means “to sow something” and shows us that we are to sow after the Spirit when being tested by persecution...being proved "ten days" by persecution. The “water” is the water of life that we are to drink.....drinking in and being filled with what the Spirit is saying and not being filled with the wine of wrath.
Daniel 1:11-16 KJV
(11) Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
(12) Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
We are to keep the dying of our Lord Jesus Christ by dying to evil speaking when we are tested by the persecution of our very own so that they life of Jesus shall be made manifest in our mortal bodies.
(13) Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
We are to fear none of those things which we shall suffer for the devil shall cast us into a prison so to speak so that we may be proved and we shall have tribulation “ten days” but we are to be faithful unto death so that He will give us a crown of life.
(14) So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
If we keep the dying of our Lord Jesus, His life shall be manifested in our mortal flesh and those who will persecuted us shall then be ashamed. Daniel’s countenance appeared "fairer and fatter in flesh" that those who did eat of the portion of the king’s meat. Those who will be ashamed will be those who have eaten and drank with those who will behaved evilly in their envy, strife and wrath.
(15) And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
(16) Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
Babylon’s children will beat upon His servants and to eat and drink and be drunken in their wrath, pride, envy and strife. They will not sow to the Spirit (eating “pulse”) but rather will sow after the flesh while reaping decay in their flesh. They will not appear fairer and fatter in flesh as compared to those who will sow after the Spirit and have the life of Jesus appearing in their mortal flesh.
Luke 12:45-46 KJV
(45) But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
(46) The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
If we eat “pulse” as Daniel did…that is, “sowing” to the Spirit, we shall reap His life appearing in our mortal flesh. But those who will eat of the meat and drink the wine of Babylon will sow to the flesh and reap decay in the flesh.
We shall suffer for “ten days” by those who will do such things but we are not to be weary in well doing for we shall reap His life in due season if we faint not. Our mortal flesh shall appear “fairer and fatter” than those who will sow after the flesh in their persecutions and then they will be ashamed of their evil behavior.
Galatians 6:7-10 KJV
(7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
(8) For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
(9) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
(10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Again, we are to sow after the Spirit (eating "pulse") so that we may reap His life appearing in our mortal flesh in the here and now. Let us not eat of the things of the children of Babylon.
Romans 8:10-14 KJV
(10) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
(11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
(13) For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
(14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
If we partake of the sufferings of Christ, God shall exalt us in due time. The adversary shall persecute us seeking whom he may devour. But if we do not return evil for evil, the “second death” shall not harm us. The tongue is a fire.
1 Peter 5:6-11 KJV
(6) Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
(7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
(8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
We are to resist the devil and die to sin while standing steadfast in the faith. We shall be persecuted by our very own but we shall have company in our persecutions for others shall hear and receive what the Spirit is saying….drinking in the water of life. And after we have suffered a while (ten days), He shall make us complete and establish and strengthen us.
(9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
(10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
(11) To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
We are to be followers of God and walk in love. The church in “Smyrna” meaning “myrrh” are a sweet fragrance of the sacrifice of Christ in them that are saved for they will be faithful unto the death of Christ for they will not return evil for evil when persecuted by the church people who will perish in their sins….their evil speaking. They will reap decay in the flesh for eating of the meat of Babylon and drinking the wine of her wrath. We are to triumph in Christ ….thanks be unto God.
Ephesians 5:1-11 KJV
(1) Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
(2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
(3) But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
(4) Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
(5) For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
(6) Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
We are not to be partakers with those who will eat of the meat of Babylon and drink her wine of wrath. Instead we are to eat “pulse”….which means “something sown”. We are to sow of the Spirit and reap the fruit of the Spirit which is all goodness and righteousness and Truth so that we may PROVE what is acceptable unto the Lord. His LIFE SHALL APPEAR in our MORTAL FLESH to the SHAME of those who had eaten of Babylon’s things.
Again, we shall PROVE what is acceptable unto the Lord for our mortal flesh shall appear "fairer and fatter" as His life shall be made MANIFEST in the here and now to the shame of those who reap after the flesh. He will exalt us in due time....it takes time for this to happen as we shall endure persecution for a while so that His wonderful life shall appear in our mortal flesh as they decay in the flesh.
(7) Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
(8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
(9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth)
(10) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
