1. Crown of Life (Martyr’s Crown) • Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

2. Do Not Be Afraid • We are told in this scripture “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer….” • The Lord encourages all of us not to fear our persecution and suffering. • Although not all of us will die a martyr's death, we will experience suffering in this life. • For we are told “the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution…”

3. Who is to Blame? • In today’s society, we tend to blame our troubles on other people and circumstances. • We are reminded in Revelation 2:10 that the devil is responsible for our persecution. • The devil is the root of our suffering and persecution.

4. Faithful until Death • Even during extreme persecution and suffering we are instructed to “Be faithful, even to the point of death…“ • Our reward for such faithfulness will be the Crown of Life.

5. James 1:12 • Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

6. Persevere under Trial • James tells us how to receive the Crown of Life. • In this instance, no particular mention is made of being a Christian Martyr, but the words "perseveres under trial" give us a good idea of how to win this Crown.

7. Suffering for Jesus • Not all who receive the Crown of Life will be Martyrs. • However, all who will win that Crown must be sufferers. • Living and suffering for Jesus should be the rule and not the exception for Christians.

8. 2 Timothy 3:12 • In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,… • There is no way for the Christian “who wants to live a Godly life for Christ” to escape persecution in this world. • We have all been given the opportunity to win the Crown of Life. • Since suffering sanctifies us, we all may have ample opportunity to win this Crown.

9. Philippians 1:29 • For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,… • When we get to this point in our life, we are walking close to the Lord. • It is a privilege to be allowed to suffer for Christ Jesus.

10. Philippians 3:8-10 • What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith, I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

11. We Are to Live for Christ • Paul is saying here that since the moment of his conversion, he lives for Christ and has suffered the loss of all things. • He is saying that Jesus Christ is the center of his thinking and the reason for living. We Christians should be the same. • These rules do not apply to only Paul. Nothing is different because we live in 2004. Christ should be first in our life.

12. Christ Should be First in Our Life • Any persecution or suffering we undergo for the sake of Christ’s kingdom is gloriously rewarded by being declared righteous by Jesus Christ. • The Crown of life will be rewarded to those who have served God and remained faithful to Him under intense suffering and persecution.