Yet You Are Rich -Revelation 2:9

Revelation 2:9
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.


The source of our afflictions, the bedrock of our sorrows and troubles, comes from sin. Sin is present in the world due to disobedience. Though our afflictions arise from disobedience, God uses those same afflictions to teach obedience. Christ obeyed the Father in every temptation and it is Christ we follow after.

The poverty in this verse is from the world view, for Jesus calls these believers rich. The outward view of their temporary circumstance does not reflect the eternal riches within. In a similar way, their opposition claims to be follow God, yet it is Satan that leads the way, away from God. True poverty is not knowing God. Many do not even suspect their lack. Our riches are summed in the love of God.

Slander is a hallmark of Satan, also known as the accuser. Slander is likened to murder, and Satan was a murderer from the beginning. Through him death came to us. Jesus offers life.

2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich

1 Thessalonians 3:4
For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.

Matthew 4:10
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only. ’”

James 2:5
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Romans 8:37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.


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 life as your victor’s crown.