Wealthy in Christ
I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich).
Revelation 2:9
The Christians in the ancient city of Smyrna were materially poor. Generally speaking, that meant not having food for the day at the beginning of the day. When Christ said to them, “I know your…poverty,” the word for “poverty” was one that meant “near destitution.” But in spite of their severe poverty, Christ said they were rich.
Smyrna was a rich city in the Roman empire. But the Christians in Smyrna were marginalized by the Romans for their unwillingness to worship the emperor and by the Jews for their newfound faith in Christ. Thus, the Christians existed at the bottom of the economic ladder. But Christ encouraged them in His letter to the church, reminding them that they were spiritually rich even if materially poor. This was consistent with what Paul would later write concerning God’s provision “according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Make sure the riches you focus on are heavenly riches, not earthly ones. As you go about your day, focus first on His Kingdom, remembering that all else will be added to you (Matthew 6:19-21, 33-34).
If our principal treasure be as we profess, in things spiritual and heavenly, (and woe unto us if it be not so!) on them will our affections, and consequently our desires and thoughts, be principally fixed.
John Owen
Turning Point Ministries
I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich).
Revelation 2:9
The Christians in the ancient city of Smyrna were materially poor. Generally speaking, that meant not having food for the day at the beginning of the day. When Christ said to them, “I know your…poverty,” the word for “poverty” was one that meant “near destitution.” But in spite of their severe poverty, Christ said they were rich.
Smyrna was a rich city in the Roman empire. But the Christians in Smyrna were marginalized by the Romans for their unwillingness to worship the emperor and by the Jews for their newfound faith in Christ. Thus, the Christians existed at the bottom of the economic ladder. But Christ encouraged them in His letter to the church, reminding them that they were spiritually rich even if materially poor. This was consistent with what Paul would later write concerning God’s provision “according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Make sure the riches you focus on are heavenly riches, not earthly ones. As you go about your day, focus first on His Kingdom, remembering that all else will be added to you (Matthew 6:19-21, 33-34).
If our principal treasure be as we profess, in things spiritual and heavenly, (and woe unto us if it be not so!) on them will our affections, and consequently our desires and thoughts, be principally fixed.
John Owen
Turning Point Ministries
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