Something's Missing?
This sermon is a call to the believer to return to their first love.
Revelation 2:2-4
Introduction
Background
2:2–4 Many positive things were happening in this church. They tested everything by the Scriptures and rightly found that some so-called apostles did not teach pure doctrine. But Jesus shifts from patting them on the back to rebuke: You have abandoned the love you had at first (2:4). They had correct doctrine, but not a correct heart. The key word here is first. As with romantic love between a man and a woman, first love always involves passion. Yet there was not passionate pursuit of an intimate relationship with Christ in the church. They were merely following a program. Duty had replaced devotion.
Big Idea
Sermon Points
Celebrity Culture
Know
2:2 your labor and patient endurance Probably describes the church’s work for the sake of the gospel.
I know Since Christ is among the churches (see 1:13), He knows their deeds.
not able to tolerate evil Initially, they were zealous for righteousness.
you put to the test Likely a defense mechanism to safeguard the purity and livelihood of the church (see Acts 20:29; and see note on 1 John 1:1–4); they were a discerning group of people.
Feel
You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not,
Do
Consistency Culture
Know
2:3 patient endurance The church was probably encountering opposition, which may have resulted in persecution. Their refusal to conform would have also caused social and political backlash, causing tension in commercial and familial relationships.
because of my name Describes their identification as followers of Jesus.
Feel
I know that you have persevered and endured
Do
Comeback Culture
Know
2:4 I have this against you Christ’s commendation now turns to condemnation.
you have left your first love The church was initially zealous and motivated by love, but that love diminished as time passed. This love could be directed at God or brothers and sisters in the Lord. Their love for unbelievers in the city may have also waned under the heavy hand of persecution.
Feel
You have abandoned
You have abandoned the love you had at first.
left thy first love—to Christ. Compare 1 Ti 5:12, “cast off their first faith.” See the Ephesians’ first love, Eph 1:15. This epistle was written under Domitian, when thirty years had elapsed since Paul had written his Epistle to them. Their warmth of love had given place to a lifeless orthodoxy. Compare Paul’s view of faith so called without love, 1 Co 13:2.
5. whence—from what a height.
do the first works—the works which flowed from thy first love. Not merely “feel thy first feelings,” but do works flowing from the same principle as formerly, “faith which worketh by love.”