Ephesus

Introduction

It’s been a wild week for me. Gary, Corbin, and I took off for camp with our faculty last Sunday. We willing surrounded ourselves with students like Grady and Eli. If you know them, then you know how difficult our week was. But in addition to camp, Danielle and I finally had some windows put into our house after waiting several months. When we purchased the house last year, nearly all the windows were painted shut. This is a game changer for us going forward.

And finally, we’ve been spending time up north near Kalkaska on a small lake enjoying the long weekend. Danielle’s parents, brother, cousin, and their families all came up to celebrate the fourth of July with us. Lots of traveling, lots of logistics, lots of moving pieces.

In all these moving pieces, I had the joy of welcoming a new sister in Christ through baptism. Jaycee was one of my students at Coe and she joined us for this week of camp. We had been talking about faith in Jesus and baptism for the last three years and she finally made the decision to enter into the reality of Christ’s death and resurrection.

A lot of really encouraging ministry through building relationships and studying God’s word.

But sometimes God’s word can be appear confusing. Especially one particular book that starts with R and ends in ...evelation.

We assume it is confusing in the way you tell a camper “don’t touch/eat/play on that” and they respond with “why?” You bubble with rage because it feels like you are speaking a different language!

Yet, Revelation is not as “scary” or “intimidating” as we imagine it to be. We have applied countless assumptions to the text based on hysteria, myths, and media outlets — including the Left Behind series, which is a work of fiction.

We are going to dive into a series on the seven churches that Jesus speaks to in the first couple of chapters in this apocalyptic-prophetic-letter. I think after the next several weeks, we could see an image of our church in most of these situations. My hope is that we consider our failures, we turn from evil and weakness into the strength and loving encouragement of Christ.

The first chapter of Revelation tells us about John, the author. He is writing in this situation as a faithful witness and Christian prophet in exile. But what John really wants us to know is not who he is or what he has done, but who the God he has encountered is, and what this God has revealed to him to convey to the churches.

And he includes early on that his writing will feature apocalypse, prophecy, and letter. Some interpreters have decided that Revelation truly begins at verse 19 for this purpose: to gain information about what will take place. But it is the wrong starting place.

Revelation 1:3 tells us

Revelation 1:3 NIV

3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

This is the first of the seven blessings in the book. The emphasis on keeping the words of the prophecy reminds us that this book is not primarily a depiction of events to come as a means of satisfying our curiosity but is rather a call to “first-commandment faithfulness,” a call to conversion and discipleship in light of past, present, and future realities.

We read Revelation as words from God in order to be formed and transformed, not merely informed.

There are some things in chapter one that helps us understand all seven letters to the seven churches going forward. First, is that the opening vision draws on Daniel 7:9-14 to show Christ as a powerful, priestly, and present figure. He is the one like a human/the son of man and the Ancient One. God is telling us that Jesus is really Lord.

In addition, the presence of the Lord Jesus among the churches (shown by lampstands in Rev 1:20)

Revelation 1:20 NIV

20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

serves the pastoral-prophetic function announced in Rev 1:3

Revelation 1:3 NIV

3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Jesus being present among the churches provides a sign of security. He will protect the church. His words of “do not be afraid” are for all who read or hear this word. He will keep them safe and share in his conquest, his victory.

Second, Jesus’ presence among the churches is a sign of hope. The one who was killed is now living, and will live forever in glory. You and I can participate in his victory over empire and over death after we have shared his faithful witness which led him to the cross.

Finally, his presence among the churches is a call to discipleship. The one who speaks the word of God, Jesus, summons the church to obedience.

Ultimate security, cross-shaped hope, and faithful discipleship. This leads us into understanding God’s word to the seven churches and what their letter means to us today.

Some have claimed there is special meaning in the seven churches. That they’re different eras in history. However, they are not different eras in church history. There is nothing in the text that points us to specific eras of the church. What the text does suggest is that real first-century churches are facing real first-century problems and Christ provides a way to live faithfully in a world that is about empire.

That is what the text will do for us over the next seven weeks as well. Provide ways for us as the body of Christ facing real twenty-first century problems to follow Christ faithfully in a world that is about empire, politics, media, etc.

This week we will begin with the church at Ephesus. What we will read is a short-letter that highlights Christ and his words of encouragement, condemnation, challenge, and promise to those who over come. What God seeks to teach us today through the church at Ephesus is that right belief is not right without love. Service without love is deficient service. Our service to God and others will be severely limited by our lack of love.

Join me in Revelation 2:1-7 as we read God’s word together.

Revelation 2:1–7 NIV

1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

The words we read are Words from Jesus Christ to the church of Ephesus. In John’s prophetic vision, he sees and hears the living and ruling Christ share words for these churches. As we go through this series, you’ll recognize a consistent formula: introduction, condition of the church, warning, command, and promise.

Ephesus is a popular city and the most important city at the time of this writing. It is not the capital, but it is the economic stronghold in Asia Minor. A major port for trade and the entry point for sea travel from Italy and Greece to the west.

In our introduction, we see Christ is speaking to the angel of the church in Ephesus. It is most understood as the representative of this community of God’s people on earth. It could be a heavenly being, or a human representative — like elders. The Greek word for angel is interchangeable with messenger.

But our main focus should turn toward what Christ is doing. He holds the seven stars — known as the seven angels/messengers over the churches. He is in control. His word goes out to the churches. But in addition, he walks amongst the seven lampstands. He is actively engaging with his churches in their everyday experience of life. He knows intimately their hard circumstances and their successes, as well as their failings, and is vigilant to guard them.

Our savior does not give a quick glance and tell us how to live, but he is active, aware, and present in our sufferings, struggles, and successes. He truly knows where we need to go and what we need to do in order to be faithful. Like the social worker given a case to know the child or adult intimately and help them, Christ knows us, helps us, and walks among us.

As the advocate, he knows what the Ephesian church has done. He tells us,

Revelation 2:2–3 NIV

2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

He knows their deeds, hard work, perseverance. He applauds them for their conduct. They have worked hard for the sake of their faith. And remaining faithful requires the difficult task of testing others — assessing their true character. They have done a great job of resisting certain “evil” and destructive people.

What they have endured, which is not communicated to us here but comes at the expense of following Christ, could have caused them to give up — yet they have not grown weary. They have endured for the sake of the name of Jesus.

This would be similar to the person who endures hardship in their marriage from a spouse that is antagonistic for their faith in Jesus. “Enjoy throwing your money away on that trash. Did your mythical God finally hear you? You will not miss my Sunday morning Softball league to participate in a man-made religion forced to control you.” Encountering the onslaughts for years, you persevere and endure the hardship for the name of Jesus Christ.

What we can understand is that as Christ sees the Ephesian church and their endurance, he also can see you and your situation intimately. Maybe you are enduring a trial for his sake. Being a faithful witness is difficult, but you are being a faithful witness. I want you to know, he sees it. He commends you. Continue to be a faithful witness.

However, Christ continues his word to the church. He doesn’t applaud them and move on, but he recognizes a general weakness among them and he encourages them to remember, repent, and be restored. They have forgotten the love they had at first.

Christ says,

Revelation 2:4 NIV

4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.

This is a troubling charge against them. Love is the virtue in our faith. They no longer exercise a love for God or for people. They have become too vigilant against false teaching that they are now all head and no heart.

It is a veneer of busy external activity without the internal motivation of sincere love in response to God’s revelation of Christ Jesus for them. They have abandoned the love that once characterized their conduct. And their actions, even if admirable and important, count for little apart from genuine love. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:3

1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV

3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

We have nothing. In addition, our understanding of obedience and faithfulness are severely limited by lack of heartfelt love. The Ephesian church had become too concerned with getting it right, causing their faith to be lackluster.

We must remember the words of the Apostle John,

1 John 4:20 NIV

20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

When I read our passage, I prayerfully reflected on where our church is in consideration of this specific letter. Have we forgotten the love we had at first? I think we all deal with this to some extent. I can tell you of recent moments where love has not been the motivator in my life for sound doctrine and right practice of faith.

Portions of the American Church are too concerned with getting it right. Of condemning others if they do not exactly fit into our theological boxes. Years ago, I remember a moment with my sister who had been struggling to some degree with her faith. She began to watch a preacher, who personally I don’t care for — there are somethings I disagree with, but they preach the risen Christ. And I just sunk my teeth into her for watching their messages. I tried to rip her to shreds over it.

Her response to me still holds a grip in my heart. “I haven’t been to church in a long time, I haven’t cared about God for a long time, and when I finally give it a chance you try to destroy it?” Ugh! Talk about ripping my heart out. I could have approached that in a much gentler and loving fashion. Even listening to the messages and having a conversation with her about it would’ve been a better start. I share this because we all do this to some extent. Like the believing parent who harps on you, “that’s not very Christian of you,” to the minister

The truth is, we’re not as wise as we think we are. And often some of the theological things we give way too much attention to God likely doesn’t care about. There is grace for us all in Christ Jesus. We’re all a work in progress.

We forget that. The Ephesian church had forgotten it. As Christ called for them to repent, he calls us to repent of our loveless deeds. To enter into the love we had at first. A love for God and others. A love that serves others well. A love which Paul communicates is

1 Corinthians 13:5–7 NIV

5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

We need to be reminded that our love must be genuine. To err is to be human! We must be open to the reality that we are not as loving as we think we are. Christ calls us back to it.

The reality for the Ephesian church is that if they continued on their path, then they would encounter the judgement of Christ. The text tells us

Revelation 2:5 NIV

5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Christ has the authority to remove the Ephesian church from being a light unto the world. Christ has the authority to remove us from being a light unto Mt Pleasant if we are not being a light in Mt Pleasant. This coming is not the same as the consummation of his Kingdom on earth, but it is his authority on heaven and earth to do as he sees fit for the Kingdom. If we lose our effectiveness to be a light in the world, we are useless and Christ will permanently remove our light.

As an example, I know of many churches that function like a country club for the proud few that are left. Whether it was the church their grandparents started, where they grew up, or more — they have lost their saltiness and are simply waiting for the last few individuals to move on before closing their doors. They want to worship in their way. Restrict their preaching to their way. And engage the community on their terms, rather than on the terms of the good news of Jesus Christ.

Christ continues and returns to a commendation. They hate the works of the Nicolaiatans, who he also hates. The hate here is not to show emotional hostility or intense ill will against something, something we see often in our culture whether it is political, religious, or social. This hate is simply to renounce or reject it.

The Nicolaitans were followers of Nicolaus. Nicolaus seemed to have advocated accommodation to the surrounding pagan culture and its practices.

As Christ commends them for their faith, endurance, hard work, labor, and warns them against their lack of love, he reassures them that they are following the truth that he commended. What needed to be changed was their motivation and tone to the false teaching, not their resistance to it.

Our motivation and tone must change as well. When Christ tells us to love our enemies, he is altering our interaction with people we treat or think of as enemies. Even in our movement, we tend to take a Church of Christ versus everybody approach. This is not the way of Christ. He calls us to love our enemies. If we continue to resist our enemies without love then he will remove his lampstand from our faith community.

Jesus finishes with a promise. To the one who conquers, he will give them access to eat from the tree of life in heaven. It is a wake up call to the Ephesian church, put in positive encouragement for them to repent and love. His promise goes beyond their current difficulties to God’s Kingdom being consummated on earth.

His promise is to overcome — you will overcome the age-long struggle of all that is evil. The devil, the world system he controls. We are caught in the middle of this conflict and we are called to faithful endurance even if it means suffering. The good news is that Christ has already won the decisive victory and we can be victorious by having faith in him.

Whatever difficulties may come to you, faithful Christian, in this life. I promise they are pale in comparison to the glorious blessing promised in the coming Kingdom. He will welcome you to the tree of life, the tree of God’s provision for all of our needs.

God is calling us to a deeper love. Where have you sacrificed your neighbor and God in order to be right? Where have you abandoned your love for your enemy so that you are correct? If you lack love, your right practice is lacking and no amount of right belief can right the ship. You must repent and do the works you had a first.

God is calling us to be rightly ordered in our practice of faith and our belief in the faith. Love is essential. May we abandon our failures, sins, and evil in order to be come conquerors and enjoy eternity and life to the full with him. Will you pray with me?