---

I. CHRISTIAN CONSECRATION.

1. It must be thorough — "Faithful." This implies —

(1)  Adverse circumstances.

(2)  Strong conviction.

(3)  Resolute will.

(4)  Persevering effort.

(5)  Dauntless courage.

2. It must be personal — "Thou." Each one has his own power, sphere, and responsibility for service.

3. It must be life-long. Necessary for —

(1)  Thorough discipline of character.

(2)  Required usefulness to society.

(3)  Complete devotedness to God.

II. CHRISTIAN COMPENSATION.

1. Glorious "Crown."

2. Enduring — "Life." Eternal — real "life" to enjoy it.

3. Certain — "Will."

4. Personal — "Thee."

5. Unmeritorious — "Give."

6. Divinely bestowed — "I."Conclusion:

1. Effort, not enjoyment, is the object in life.

2. Be true to Christ above all others.

3. Jesus rewards effort, not prosperity.

4. Death the great transformation scene. Cross to crown.

5. Heaven a world of conquerors. All crowned.

6. Draw upon future glories to encourage in present trials.

(B. D. Johns.)

---

---

KJV: And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

WEB: "To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: "The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things: