Return to your First Love

Revelation 2:1–7 NKJV

1 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’

1. As with the whole book of revelation we start with Jesus.

Revelation 2:1 NKJV

1 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:

“ He who holds the seven stars in His right hand” is Jesus. The stars are the seven Churches in the book of revelation. The seven Golden lampstands are also the seven Churches.

In this passage as in our lives Jesus is the Judge. Jesus does not judge the church for condemnation but rather that the Church would come to repentance and return to its God given purpose.

Hebrews 12:6 NKJV

6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”

1 Corinthians 11:31–32 NKJV

31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

The Lord is calling the Ephesian Church to repentance.

The Lord is calling us to repentance.

2. Jesus starts with how they Got it right.

you can go through these quick just so that you are true to the text.

Revelation 2:2 NKJV

2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;

“I Know your works, your Labor”

your patience-

this is a big fruit because James talks about letting patience have its “perfect work”

James 1:4 NKJV

4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

you cannot bear with those who are evil.

this means they had solid Holiness, from the outside it looked like they had it going on.

You tested those who say they are apostles and are not and found them liars.

so they have good discernment and are faithful to the technical truth.

You have persevered.

Patience (again)

Labored for my name sake and not become weary.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 NKJV

13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

3) Nevertheless, you are without love. :(

Revelation 2:4 NKJV

4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

1 Corinthians 13:1 NKJV

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.