Our 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.” ’

Rev

Introduction

Letters from Jesus to the Seven Churches

Like His words found in the Gospels

These dictated 66 years later

What Are These Seven Letters?

Letters to churches then existing

Letters dealing with church problems of all time

Letters showing the church in prophecy

The Active Church with Trouble Within

The Lord’s Commendation of the Church

“I know thy works” (v. 2)

He commends them for labor

Not saved by works ()

But works follow salvation ()

Commended for their patience (

Patience is part of the fruit of the Spirit

God’s Spirit in us will produce patience

Commended for opposing evil

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil

As Christians we must be opposed to evil - whether or not it fits with political expediency

Commended for exposing false teachers

They tested those who claimed they were apaostles

in order to “test” the spirits, and the teachers, you must “know” the Word, Know the Lord for yourself

Commended for remaining steadfast

it is required that we be found faithful

We are expected to hold fast our profession

Hebrews 10:23 NKJV

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

heb

The Lord had so much to say that was good about these Christians

These were not false Christians, or cults as so many have sprung up over the years

They were diligently living by the beliefs and rules that Jesus had taught them

And yet, He had Somewhat against them

The Lord’s Criticism of the Church (vs. 4)

“You have left thy first love”

“You no longer love me as you once did”

He was no longer “first” in their thoughts and lives

What happens when you love Jesus

You love to think about Him

You love to hear about Him

You love to read about Him

You love to talk about Him

You love to talk to Him

You love to walk with Him

You get genuinely excited about others being saved

It’s not a burden to serve Him, but rather a joy!

He is your “First Love”, Your “One Thing”

Psalm 27:4 NKJV

4 One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.

When love cools all these are less important

Church services are only a habit

The Bible is neglected

Prayer becomes a ritual

Service is mechanical, or even burdensome

Witnessing ceases

We become like the deceived Christians Charles Finney spoke of - like taking cough syrup

The Lord’s Cure for the Church (v. 5)

Remember: from whence you have fallen

The thrill of new life

The joy of service

Repent: turn around; make an about-face

Return: to your first love of Jesus

Conclusion

III. Conclusion

Conclusion

Calling Individuals to Remember, Repent, Return (v. 7)

Jesus asked the church to “remember from whence they had fallen

They were only deceiving themselves in thinking they had not fallen

So many Christians today are deceiving themselves

finding themselves in Church, In a “club”, but not “In Christ”

Paul reminded us to examine ourselves, test ourselves

Unless you be reprobates

We may need to repent -

there was a consequence for not responding

Rewards for Those Who Respond (vs. 7)

To Him who overcomes -

I will give to eat from the tree of life (Ephesus)

I will give you the crown of life (Smyrna)

You will not be hurt by the second death

I will give the hidden manna (Pergamos)

a new name that no one knows

I will give power over the nations (Thyatira)

I Will give him the morning star

He that overcomes - Shall be clothed in white(Sardis)

will not blot out his name from the book of life

will confess him before my Father

I will keep thee from the hour of temptation (Philadelphia)

Will make a pillar in the temple of my God

Will write upon him the name of My God

Behold, He stands at the door and knocks --

If anyone hears and opens...

I will come in to him and sup with him

Fellowship with Jesus - everlasting life - with HIm