Christ and the Ephesian Church

Revelation 2:1-7

This is the reading of God’s Word

Revelation 2:1–7 “1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’”

Pray- Lord, We depend on you to enlighten us to the truth of your Word so that we may grow in the knowledge of your son, Jesus Christ, and be a witness to the World. Give us ears to hear what your Spirit says to us today in the passage. Amen

Introduction:‌

In my younger days at the church we enjoyed doctrinal debates, and everyone was expected to be in an accountability group. The Bible does say to confess your sins to one another.

The more accountability connections you had the better. I had 3. Wow I was spiritual!

The goal of the accountability groups were to confess our sins, pray, try to do better and then report back the next week. ‌

Each week, we would want victory over sin. Through the week I would look for new opportunities for victory over sin so that I report on my successes. That led to “self-righteousness.” Or I would stretch the truth (lie) about having success over a certain sin. Others would retell their inability to overcome sins with no change leading to despair.

I knew my Christian doctrines and worked diligently in church ministry. Something was missing in my spiritual discipleship accountability methods.

At a local church level there are teaching and ruling elders, and fellow believers to help us grow in the means of grace. We are under the authority of the Word of God that is our only rule of faith and practice.

‌But, even with all of these boundaries meant to preserve the doctrines and purity of our faith, Churches, and Christians, can still drift away from the faith.

How does this happen?

Spoiler alert- It may relate to Christ’s warning to the church of Ephesus?

‌Today we will examine the message in the book of Revelation to the Church of Ephesians that addresses this concern of spiritual drifting away from the Christ’s mission for the church.

Before with look at our passage I want to a brief overview of Revelation an often intimidating book of the Bible

(English version of the Greek work Apocalypsis- first work in Greek.

Revelation contains Apocalyptic literature that is sometimes difficult for modern minds to read. There are symbolic references from the OT that creates word pictures containing dragons, beasts that look like Bowser, plagues and battles

Christ gave this message to the church by an angel to John who was exiled on the island of Patmos around the year 95 AD. At this time all of the other apostles have died. John is an old man who has been persecuted for a lifetime for his faith in proclaiming Christ.

This is the last written message of Christ to his church at the end of the apostolic age.

Revelation is a traveling letter sent to 7 churches in Asia minor that were historical churches with real problems.

The number seven represents perfect and complete. So, this message was specific for these seven churches, but the book is relevant for every church in every generation.

The primary theme of Revelation is that the Christ’s Church will continue to suffer persecution from outside the church, and false teachers from within.

The book of Revelation is a message providing a blessing, hope, and the means to persevere by confirming the ultimate victory of Holy Trinity over Satan, sin and death.

It is the story of God’s redemptive plan for his people accomplished by the work of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.

Take heart, Jesus will win so do not drift away.

In Revelation chapter 1 describes the risen Lord as our King and Priest.

The personalized letters found in Chapters 2 & 3 expand on the concepts of chapter 1, and sets the foundation for the future visions of the book.

The Book flows with one unifying story from the beginning to the end.

The 7 churches mentioned in Revelation were located in the Roman province of Asia, today’s western Turkey.

They are first mentioned in 1:11

“Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

Of these 7 Churches, Two are doing poorly, two are doing well and three are mixed.

The condition of the early church in Revelation is a likely representative of the condition of Bible believing churches today.

Some are doing well, others poorly, and the majority are mixed.

Even within a single Church there can be periods of spiritual health alternating with spiritual illness.

The first blessing is in Chapter 1 that states we are blessed for reading and obeying what is found in this book.

Today we will focus on the message to the church of Ephesus.

Three points for this sermon on Christ and the Ephesian Church

1. Christ Knows his church

2. Christ Cares for his church

3. Christ Restores his church

Starting now in Revelation 2:1 1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus Ephesus- Nearest port city to the Island of Patmos, and beginning of the circular route for all 7 churches.

Large pagan and party city, known for tourism for those visiting the Temple of Artemis/ Diana, that was one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.

Priests, Prostitutes and idol makers.

Artemis is the Goddess of Fertility and Hunting. Joyce and I had the opportunity to visit Ephesus a few years ago and there is only one disfigured column standing from this once magnificent temple of Satan.

In God’s providence, Ephesus was an important Christian mission base for the expanding Christian Church.

Paul, Apollos, Timothy and by tradition the later the residence of the Apostle John.

God called his saints to be right in the middle of this pagan city to shine a light into the darkness.

1. Christ knows his church

Revelation 2:1 (ESV) 1 … ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

vs. 1 The words of him is Christ as described in the 1st Chapter

Revelation 1:12-13

12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.

Jesus introduces himself as the son of Man- Image from Daniel, NT name he calls himself. Long rob and golden sash that represents his being our priest and king who walks among the golden lampstands.

Chapter 1: 20 As for the mystery of the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Why are churches symbolized as a lampstand?

Important symbol in the Tabernacle and Temple.

They are to be the reflected light of God to the world. His desire is that God’s people are to provide His light to a dark world.

Matthew 5:14–16 (ESV) “You are the light of the world… In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Jesus reminds the Ephesian church, a lampstand, that he is always in their midst spiritually, and he knows how they are living. Christ is intimately involved with each individual church.

We take comfort that Christ knows our situation and needs at Christ Covenant Church.

Revelation 2:2-3

2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary

Jesus commends the Ephesians for their patient endurance, (in this age of instant gratification, we often forget how to endure for long periods of time.)

The true saint requires a lifetime of endurance in both good and difficult times.

Jesus notes that they toil and maintain doctrinal faithfulness.

This church is able to identify those who teach doctrinal errors and call them out on their false teachings.

The Ephesian Church still took seriously the warnings of Paul in his farewell address 20 years earlier.

Paul calls the Ephesian elders to meet him in a Roman Prison. In tears he exhorts the to

Acts 20:28-30 “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them.

The Ephesian church in Revelation identified these fierce wolves as the Nicolaitans.

Revelation 2:6

6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

We do not know much about this group, but they were inside the church teaching Heresy- Believing something that is damnable.

The Nicolaitans began speaking another gospel, twisted things to draw people away from the true church.

The Ephesian church would not succumb to false teachers and excommunicated them for their church.

This church viewed the Word of God as the standard. Year in and year out.

They had orthodox knowledge, teachings, and works.

They knew the gospel message that had been preached to them before.

So far they appear to be solid God fearing, Bible believing congregation!

They thought they were doing well! But Christ knows them and there is something missing that they do not see.

How often do we fall into the trap of complacency? We have done well in our Christian life, our family, our work. We know our doctrine, we can identify heresies, we know how to worship.

But often we forget the main purpose of why we are a church.

2. Christ cares for his church. Christ knows us and our Church. He also Cares for his church

He does encouraging them with praise on their sound doctrine and rooting out false teachers, but he also cares for them enough to admonish them for a serious sin.

Revelation 2:4 (ESV) 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.

What? They were doing everything according to sound doctrine and teaching.

But, Jesus declares that they lost their first love.

What is he talking about?

What is the first love that they lost?

They love the message of the Gospel, they love sound doctrine, and they love rooting out false teachers.

But, they have lost their first love.

Christ is saying, I You know about me, but “Do you really love me, the church and those outside of the church?”

We would say, yes of course. I am sure they said the same.

The Lord who is in their midst has evidence to the contrary.

The Church had forgotten who they were IN Christ.

They new the scriptures well, and great ministries to the poor, and that is important and necessary, but has it become an sole obsession?

Did they spend all their time in accountability groups, but forget the real reason for living the Christian life?

If they lose their light they will lose their identity as a Christian church.

If this can happen to these Christians who knew Paul, Timothy, and John, could it not happen to us as well?

The Ephesian Church had forgotten this first love.

Hope is not lost.1.Christ know his church, 2. Christ cares for his church by encouraging and admonishing, and

3. Christ Restores his church 2:5,7

Revelation 2:5 (ESV) 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

In this section of Revelation, the loss of love is so severe in Ephesus, that if they do not change course Christ will remove their lampstand.

Restoration is the essence of the Gospel.

Being restored into a right relationship with God is not just necessary for salvation, but for our daily walk in Christ.

RRR. Remember, Repent and Return to the works of your first love-

To return to that first love they needed to Remember

With the passage of time we often forget our reasons for our love.

Jesus warned of this in Matthew 24:12 on the Mount of Olives,

“And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.”

The Ephesians knew and cherished God’s law. So, how could they be lawless?

They were lawless because their love grew cold.

They became the “Frozen Chosen.”

James 2:10 “10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.”

They forgot not just one point, but the major point that the greatest command of the law is to love God.

In the Gospels.

Jesus is asked which commandment is the greatest of all?” Jesus quotes from

Deuteronomy 6:4–5 ESV

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

This is called the Shema- hearing… Hearing, understanding and responding.

And then Jesus states that the second greatest command is like it and quotes

Leviticus 19:18 18 ...you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

They had forgotten their first love of not just knowing about Christ, but knowing Christ personally.

Marriage is often a metaphor for Christ’s relationship with the Church.

So, and common example about forgetting how to love is often observed in marriage.

At the time of the engagement and marriage feast the couple is filled with hope, emotion, excitement and dedication to each other. They know this love will last forever.

But soon, life often gets in the way and we forget.

Divorce is a pandemic within the church. There is no simple vaccine.

With a troubled couple in a loveless marriage,

The marital counsellor often starts with the question to each party, “What was it that you admired and loved most about your spouse when you first met?

What happened to that love?

Well, the business of life, distractions, other loves, self-love, a focus on children, careers etc, etc

To rekindle your marriage, remember your first love!

We need to be reminded about the centrality of God’s love that should permeate all of our life.

Jesus’ purpose for the church is to be in a right relationship with God, each other, and the world. This can only be accomplished through faith with God’s grace and power. God’s love is the only true source for any type of love.

So, Jesus is not saying you just need the emotion of love, but love involves a commitment and a type of action.

This is different than what our society says about love where people fall in and out of love repeatedly.

In 1967, the Beetles released their hit song- All you need is love-

Repetitious “It is easy, all you need is love.”

What kind of love is the song referring to? Just an emotional feeling that comes and then goes.

Worldly love is fleeting.

Within three years of releasing this song, the members of the music group dissolved. And each one had a marital divorce. Their love was not genuine nor easy at all.

The love of God points us to the Gospel.

The gospel is summed up in Tim Keller’s quote,

“We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

The apostle John has a lot to say about true love in 1 John

1 John 4:7–10 “7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:19–20 “19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

Paul states in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 “4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Th Church is to remember that Christ loves them and enables them him and to love others.

They need to remember their first love and then repent – acknowledge sin and confess it.

1 John 1:9 “9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Our repentance of sin and faith in Christ are dovetailed together.

And we can acknowledge,

Galatians 2:20 “ I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

To recapture their first love, they are to remember, repent and return to the works you did at first.

How to return to the works they did at first?

Ephesians 2:8–10 “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

These good works are not just going to accountability groups, feeding the poor, sharing the gospel with neighbors. These are important, but the good works are primarily concerning love that originates with God

Romans 5:8 “8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Ephesians 5:2

2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 4:2 “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,”

Ephesians 4:15

15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Truth is important, but needs to be shared with gentleness and love.

The church is different from the world. We must hate bad theology and expel false teachers. Sin is around us, but we still need to walk in love in the light of God’s grace.

In conclusion,

The Church of Ephesus had solid doctrine, but abandoned their first love. Christ continues to walk among His churches.

Christ knows our church, he cares for our church, and he is ready to restore our church when we drift away from the Gospel message.

We do continue to sin and need to be reminded daily of our first love. This love starts with God

God provides his people grace through faith in the living Christ.

We need to repent and return to the works that he has for us that is loving God, fellow believes and those outside of the church.

Revelation 2:7 In the final verse

7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

The Holy Spirit says to the churches to Listen.

To the one who conquers, overcomes, prevails, and obtains the victory there is a promise. This is a call to every individual in the church to persevere.

The Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden was not available for mankind after the fall until now through the finished work of Christ.

This Tree of life is not just for our future life in glory, but as believers we have the ability to live this abundant eternal life today.

Remember the lampstand. God uses the Church and is people to shine the light into a dark world in order to bring salvation to the lost.

Ultimately, in the new heaven and earth there will be no need of lampstands as their will be no darkness, sin, death or sadness.

The Lord God who is the giver love will be the light for all of his people forever and ever.

Finish with a prayer, will use Paul’s prayer intended for the Ephesian Church and for us today.

Ephesians 3:14–21 (ESV) 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Amen.