Revelation 2:1-7 The Church at Ephesus
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✦ The Outline For Each of the Seven Letters
1. COMMISSION - Who it is written too.
2. CHARACTER - At aspect concerning Himself (Christ) that is pertinent to this specific church.
3. COMMENDATION - Identity of the good qualities of this specific church.
4. CONDEMNATION - Identity of the bad qualities of this specific church.
5. CORRECTION - What to do about it.
6. CALL - He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Sprit saith unto the churches.
7. CHALLENGE - One final thing...
✦ The Letter to the Church of Ephesus (Historical/Devotional Application)
1. COMMISSION (Rev. 2:1a) “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write;…”
• “The CHURCH of Ephesus” (The Three Applications)—
* The ______________________ Application. * The ______________________ (or Inspirational) Application.
* The ______________________ (or Prophetic) Application.
• The CITY of Ephesus—
Between the time of its writing this letter had great historical significance. This church was in the largest metropolis in Asia Minor. It was known as the marketplace of Asia. In our economy it would be likened to New York City. Exceedingly great in the eyes of the world and exceedingly wicked in the eyes of God. Ephesus was best known for its temple of the pagan goddess Diana, who was the goddess of fertility. In the ancient world this temple was one of the 7 wonders of the world.
So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
Acts 19:23-24, Acts 20:27, 32
This was Paul’s second missionary journey...
• “The ANGEL of the church”— Messenger...
And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Nations have angel representation
People have angel representation
Churches have angel representation
2. CHARACTER (Rev. 2:1b) “These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;”
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
3. COMMENDATION (Rev. 2:2–3, 6)
A. It was a ____________________ church. (Rev. 2:2a) “I know thy works,…” This church did things right!
Like this church, Christ is aware of our works. These commendations are things that we should take notice of and do!
Biblically the use of the word ___________ and its association with Christ has a very pointed definition.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
John 17:6, 8, 18
B. It was a __________________ church. (Rev. 2:2b,c, 3)
• “I know…thy labour…”
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
• “…and thy patience…”
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
• “And hast borne…”
And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
• “…and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured…”
It is for His glory!
• “…and hast not fainted.”
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
C. It was a __________________ church. (Rev. 2:2d,e, 6)
• “I know…how thou canst not bear them which are evil…”
For a church that could bear troubles, trials, and persecution it had no place for those so called “Christians” that were evil…
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
• “And thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.”
• “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”
Nicolaitans means to conquer the laity.
David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.
Christ despises anyone who would establish themselves in a position betwen he and them…
4. CONDEMNATION (Rev. 2:4) “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”
The work and the endurance of their trials caused them to lose sight of the why… Without sincerity of heart, we are left with an empty bag, a program without passion, and a fruit tree without fruit.
This was a busy church with great statistics, but they had drifted away from their heartfelt devotion to Christ.
A light, that has lost the Light, is not long for this world...
Let this be a warning for us!
5. CORRECTION (Rev. 2:5) “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
A. R________________________. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen,…”
B. R________________________. “… and repent,”
C. R________________________. “…and do the first works;”
D. R________________________. “…or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
6. CALL (Rev. 2:7a) “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;…”
7. CHALLENGE (Rev. 2:7b) “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”