THE CHURCH WHO LEFT HER FIRST LOVE

The Seven Churches of Asia  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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INTRODUCTION
A. In Revelation 2 and 3 we have record of seven letters written to seven congregations in Asia.
1. A study of these letters are of great value - for the problems they were having are the same kind of problems the church has today.
2. Also, those activities that blessed the church in those days are the same activities that will bless the church today
B. The first of these letters was addressed to the church in Ephesus, the capital of Asia – a free city with a municipal government of its own
1. It was a prominent center of emperor worship, and famous for its temple built to Diana
2. This temple was one of the seven wonders of the world, and is believed to have taken 220 years to build
C. The church in Ephesus was planted by Paul toward the close of his second missionary journey (Acts 18:18-21)
1. He left Aquila and Priscilla to work with the church there
2. Paul return for a visit on his third missionary tour, and stayed there about 3 years (Acts 20:31)
D. Revelation 2:1-7
E. When Jesus addresses the church in Ephesus, He describes Himself as … v. 1
1. This signifies the Lord’s strengthening and watchful presence among the church and His activity in their behalf
2. Matthew 28:20
3. Hebrews 13:5-6
4. This should give us great strength and encouragement
F. You will notice that in this letter there is a commendation, a condemnation, needed counsel, and a promise. ©
DISCUSSION
A. COMMENDATION (vs. 2-3)
1. First, the Lord commends the church in Ephesus
a. Jesus later rebukes them, but it is important to realize that His commendation preceded His condemnation
b. If we, like the Lord, would prepare man’s heart to be receptive to the justifiable rebukes given them, we too must first praise them for the good they have done
c. Only by so doing can we incite them to eliminate the evil from their lives and to build on truth and righteousness.
2. The Lord praises and rebukes because He affirms “I know
a. The praises and rebukes are not through speculation, but on the basis of facts
b. John 2:24-25
c. Hebrews 4:13 .. We can hid nothing from God ©
3. “I know your works, your labor, your patience...” (v. 2)
a. Not just a working church – but toiled and worked unto weariness
b. They were not as many today, merely content with keeping house – with its activities virtually limited to church going
c. They knew what it was like to suffer fatigue for the Lord
d. John 9:4 ©
4. They not only worked hard but excellence in “patience
a. “Patience” comes from a Greek word and has to do with the character of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and loyalty to the faith
b. Paul described it this way … 1 Corinthians 15:58 ©
5. “I know...you cannot bear those who are evil” (v. 2)
a. This congregation would not accept into its fellowship any child of God who persisted in evil doing
b. God commands
1) 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 - the reason: 1 Corinthians 5:5
2) 2 Thessalonians 3:6
c. The church in Ephesus acted much different than the church in Corinth [discuss the Corinthian situation...]
d. We need to follow the example of the Ephesians …. ©
6. “I know...you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars” (v. 2)
a. The Ephesian church carefully tested their preachers and teachers – putting them through careful scrutiny
b. We must not allow anyone to teach or preach who holds false doctrines
c. 1 John 4:1 2 John 9-11 Acts 17:11 ©
7. “I know...you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary” (v. 3)
a. It was for the sake of Christ that they labored!
b. They did not become weary in working for God – neither did they give up
c. Galatians 6:9 ©
8. “I know...you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate” (v. 6)
a. Notice they did not hate the souls of these people – but they hated their works
b. The Nicolaitans were evil men, false teachers, and their works were hated.
c. We must never become indifferent to sin and evil ©
B. CONDEMNATION
1. Now that they Lord has given them the commendation that was due them – He now proceeds to give them the rebuke that they deserve
2. “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (v. 4)
a. They were not filled with the love that they once had for their fellowman and God
b. It is significant that Jesus does not accuse them of no longer having lovebut of less love, a lower quality love
c. Their religion had become lifeless, mechanical and even ritualistic
1) They were obeying out of a sense of duty rather than as a glorious privilege
2) They were motivated only by fear and not by love
3) John 4:24 … “truthandspirit
3. We must work for the Lord because we want to, and not just because we feel we have to
4. The church in Ephesus hated evil, but seemed to lack the proper attitude Ephesians 4:15
5. Even though it seemed that they were really lacking in only one area – they were still expected to correct it ©
C. COUNSEL
1. Revelation 2:5
a. Jesus wanted them to realize that they had fallen from the golden heights of a flowing love
b. Their love was decaying, and their souls were in danger
2. They were told to do “the first works
a. These works were obviously the works they performed while they were motivated by their first love
b. These works expressed the fervency of great love for Christ and man, not work done out of a cold sense of duty
c. The Ephesians had never stopped working, but they lost the proper attitude
1) They needed to get excited about Christianity
2) If they didn’t get excited about Christianity, God would “move thy candlestick out of its place” - in other words, remove His fellowship from them
3. They were to “repent … or else
a. They were to repent, to change, to make right the wrong
b. If they didn’t, God would remove their candlestick, or remove His fellowship from them
c. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
d. Matthew 3:8 ©
D. PROMISE
1. Revelation 2:7
2. If they “overcome” (a key word) they will have access to the “tree of life” - the tree man was expelled from in the garden of Eden – eating of this tree will allow man to live forever
3. This tree is found in the “Paradise of God” - the residing place of God – Heaven ©
CONCLUSION
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