Faithful Unto Death
Text: Revelation 2:10 IBCGH July 5, 2026
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
God’s faithfulness is unfailing and undeniably manifested day by day. We cannot imagine how we can survive without the Lord’s great faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22 says, It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (KJV) Sad to say, but many professing Christians are now becoming unfaithful because they are being enticed by the things of the world.
A careful study of the Church in Smyrna will surely touch our hearts and inspire us to be more faithful in serving the Lord despite the presence of severe persecution and deep poverty.
History tells us about Polycarp who was a bishop in Smyrna (Izmir) during the 2nd century (AD 69-155) and was put to death because of his courageous stand for the truth. It’s true that every lover of truth will not compromise with the world but will stay faithful unto death.
(I) God Knows Those Who Are Faithful To Him Revelation 2:8-10 Revelation 2:12-13
The Lord Jesus Christ knew what was happening in Smyrna and He encouraged them to be faithful whatever the cost. In Revelation 2:8, it is written, And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; (KJV) The Lord Jesus Christ is so faithful to us as He was faithful to believers in Smyrna. His short, and yet substantial message to the Church in Smyrna, was encouraging in times of severe persecution.
In Pergamum, the Lord commended Antipas as His faithful martyr as written in Revelation 2:13, I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. (KJV) Faithful servants of God are not well-appreciated in this world, but they are never forgotten by God.
-Seemingly poor but rich Revelation 2:9
We cannot hide anything from the Lord because He is omniscient and knows all our hardships in life. The Lord Jesus said in Revelation 2:9, 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. (KJV) Faithful believers may seem poor in the sight of men, but they are rich in Christ.
Afflictions and deep poverty are not the real hindrances to becoming rich in the work of the Lord. The Apostle Paul wrote in II Corinthians 8:1-2, Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. (KJV) The churches of Macedonia were so poor, and yet so rich as manifested in their big-heartedness.
Fearless to stand for the truth Revelation 2:10
Faithful believers are courageous in facing and handling adversities because they are aware that they are on the Lord’s side. The Bible says 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. (KJV) We really need “Polycarp-like men” in our churches today. Pray for more godly men and women who are not afraid to die for the sake of truth.
Rewarding life Revelation 2:10
Be faithful in serving the Lord and you will be rewarded in due time. The Lord said,…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Our life on earth is so short, and sooner or later, we will leave this troubled world and be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for eternity.
Spiritual insights to live by:
Take heed to the Word of God, hear the Lord’s instructions, live by them as we tread the path of duty. In Revelation 2:11, it is written, 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. (KJV) We must keep in mind that in Christ, we are more than conquerors. May the Lord find us faithful when He comes. (See I Corinthians 15:58)
