Revelation 2:1-7
You have either heard or preached at least one sermon on this text, the message from Jesus to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2. So, what I share here will not be a full exposition of that entire text, but instead a summary of what I believe are key truths to remember. My plan is to post full notes from each message that I prepare on this blog: www.whatthespiritsaystothechurches.blogspot.com.
As we begin, consider a question: Why do we do what we do?
It is vitally important as Christians and as churches that we answer this question well. It is at the heart of the message to the church at Ephesus and to us.
The City:
Ephesus was the most important city in Asia Minor: business capital of the region, residence of the Roman governor, a transportation center with the four major roads in that part of the world intersecting there, making it the market of Asia. It was also a sinful place, with the philosopher Heroclitus saying: "No one can live in Ephesus and not weep over its immorality." So, it was a city with much power and potential, and great need of Jesus. Much like Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Commendation: verses 2-3
Jesus knew their deeds, their toil and perserverance, their labor to the point of exhaustion. These were very hard workers. They also refused to tolerate evil people, having a high, holy standard of behavior. They were cautious and discerning of false teachers. They wanted pure truth.
In verse 6, Jesus commends them for being against the Nicolaitans. Some Bible scholars believe that these were possibly those who first began to emphasize a division in the church between clergy and laity, causing division in the body.
But there was a problem -
The Concern: verse 4 - They left their first love.
They were very busy doing ministry, but left out the most important thing. The first and foremost command is that we love the Lord with all that we are. The Ephesians neglected that call to love God.
Think back to earlier years, remember your first love? You’d do anything for that person! It’s a sacrificial, whatever-I-have-to-do, kind of love.
How about when you first came to know Jesus, and had a new love relationship with Him? Worship was a joy. The Bible was alive to you. Prayer was a pleasure. Witnessing to your faith, telling about Him was automatic. And more! Your theme hymn was I Surrender All.
Why would a church lose that first love? I believe there are two primary reasons to consider: distraction and discouragement.
A church can lose that first love because the are distracted from Jesus.
A church can love its building more than it loves Jesus;
it can love its tradition more than it loves Jesus;
it can love its music more than it loves Jesus;
it can love its history more than it loves Jesus;
it can love its programs more than it loves Jesus.
If any church doesn’t love Jesus more than anything else, that church is distracted from the real focus of our love and devotion: Jesus Christ our Lord. Distracted churches can reclaim their first love if they choose to focus on Jesus.
Remember the question: Why do we do what we do? This is where it fits. What are we really focusing on when we do church? Why do we do it all? If it’s not for Jesus, and Him alone, He is not pleased, and wants to know why we have forsaken our first love.
Why would a church’s love wane - how could a love grow cold like this? A church can lose its first love because it is discouraged by a sinful world.
Matthew 24:12 says that because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. Let a church struggle against sin like Ephesus did and they’ll get tired, they’ll get discouraged, they will lose the focus of that first love. The danger in a sinful world is that our love can turn to legalism in Christian living.
Ask yourself again: Why do we do what we do? If it is for Jesus, because we love Him, He by the Spirit’s working in us will encourage us as we live and serve in a fallen world. He will be our strength, enabling a greater love, not just for Him, but a love we can share with those around us in desperate need of faith, hope, and love.
The Command: verse 5
This is a personal and a corporate command: for Christian and for the churches.
REMEMBER: First we must remember from where we’ve fallen. We’ve gone from the mountaintop with God to a valley. We cannot stay on the mountaintop, but we dare not forget the mountaintop love we have with the Lord. Take time to think about and remember how great God’s love is for you and for us.
REPENT: Second, turn around, actually decide, commit to loving Jesus first and foremost. Turn from your ways, your busyness, your stuff, to go God’s direction. Think and then decide to be different by God’s grace.
RE-DO: Do what you did at first, Jesus says, do those things you did that demonstrated your real love for Him. Remember that love can equal time. Practice loving God. Spend quantity time with Him. Practice obedience to Great Commandment, including loving others!
If we do not obey His command, the Lord says that He will remove our lampstand, He will take our witness away. So, we must return to that first love, and stay there with Him.
If you have an ear, hear what Spirit says to the churches. As the Message puts it: "Are your ears awake? Listen!" Use the ears God gave you to hear what He is saying to us today. Be an overcomer - love the Lord with all that you are and receive His blessing.
Why do you do what you do? Why do we do what we do? Is it all for Jesus, because we love Him? How will you answer?
Sources:
William Barclay, Letters to the Seven Churches.
Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge: An Expository Journey through the Book of Revelation.
John MacArthur, New Testament Commentary: Revelation 1-11.
Coty Pinckney, "When is a Church Not a Church" on Revelation 2:1-7 at www.expository.org
Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, New Testament, Volume 2.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A Surprise from God "Himself"
Something happened this past Sunday that reminded me of God’s ability to surprise us with His presence and His ability to make a difference in and around us. This surprise came to me as I prepared to preach a sermon from Revelation 2, the message to the church at Ephesus on the loss of their first love for the Lord. But to share that story, I have to provide some background.
Over the past several years, I have spent much time reading, studying and writing about historic revivals, times when God moved in a dramatic way in the church and culture. One of those revivals I learned about was in Shantung, China. Baptist missionaries were an active part of God’s work during this season of reviving. One of those missionaries was Bertha Smith, who served in China for many years, to return to America in retirement to minister in churches here until she was 99 years of age.
One of the things I have looked for in revival research is music that has made a difference during seasons of revival. Bertha Smith, in her book, How the Spirit Filled My Life, told a story from the reviving time in China, specifically the summer of 1927, about the way they sang during this season. She said that “one result of our personal reviving is that we all became singers. We sang individually and delighted to do so in groups, praising the Lord for all He had done for us and was doing in us at the time.”
She went on to say, “Our favorite hymn was Dr. A.B. Simpson’s “Himself.” We sang this song daily, as nothing else could so clearly express our new life.”
Here are the lyrics to that hymn:
Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.
Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost!
Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.
Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.
Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.
Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the veil.
All in all, forever, Jesus will I sing;
Everything in Jesus, and Jesus everything.
This story and hymn grabbed my attention and my heart, but I had never heard this hymn before. So, I found the music online, and listened to a recording of it. Karla and I were captivated by the message of this hymn, so much so that I framed them for display and remembrance. All of this happened several years ago, but the hymn remains an important reminder of revival to us.
Now, to this past Sunday when I was to preach at Charlotte Chinese Baptist Church, invited by Pastor Steven Wang when he heard I was preparing a series of messages on Revelation 2-3. He knew that my text would be Revelation 2:1-7, on the need for the church to return to our first love for Christ. But we had not discussed any other details of the service, other than the fact that I was to lead the celebration of communion during the service.
Doug Lee, the associate pastor, gave me a bulletin for the service. As I sat at the front of the sanctuary listening to the piano prelude, I glanced at the page and saw my sermon title, and text, and next was the hymn, #383 – “Himself.” I couldn't believe it – so I found a hymnal and sure enough, it was Dr. Simpson’s old hymn, sung by the missionaries and believers in China during the great revival there, and about to be sung by a Chinese congregation in Charlotte as I joined them in worship.
I enjoy preaching, but this was one Sunday when I was looking forward to the song after the sermon more than the sermon itself. I finally heard a congregation sing that hymn that stirred hearts in China long ago. This heart was stirred, especially when the worship leader asked the ladies to sing the fourth stanza, and hearing those women of God sing in Chinese, I closed my eyes to picture those sisters in China singing the same words 83 years ago this summer.
I was overwhelmed with the amazing connectedness of the Spirit’s work here and around the world – how He knew what this servant of His needed that morning, and how Chinese brothers and sisters still know the history of that wonderful song, lifted in worship during a powerful season of revival in their homeland.
Pastor Steven was sick and unable to be there on Sunday, but when I emailed him to share what had happened, he replied with this comment about the hymn: “It is one of my mother's favorite songs, and I can still hear her when she sang it with tears streaming down her face!”
Yes, God surprised me with “Himself” on Sunday. I was reminded of how I need to love Him for who He is, and how that love is the fuel I need to be faithful to the One who came to give me life. It’s so simple, but it must be my song: “All in all forever, Jesus will I sing; everything in Jesus, and Jesus everything.”
Over the past several years, I have spent much time reading, studying and writing about historic revivals, times when God moved in a dramatic way in the church and culture. One of those revivals I learned about was in Shantung, China. Baptist missionaries were an active part of God’s work during this season of reviving. One of those missionaries was Bertha Smith, who served in China for many years, to return to America in retirement to minister in churches here until she was 99 years of age.
One of the things I have looked for in revival research is music that has made a difference during seasons of revival. Bertha Smith, in her book, How the Spirit Filled My Life, told a story from the reviving time in China, specifically the summer of 1927, about the way they sang during this season. She said that “one result of our personal reviving is that we all became singers. We sang individually and delighted to do so in groups, praising the Lord for all He had done for us and was doing in us at the time.”
She went on to say, “Our favorite hymn was Dr. A.B. Simpson’s “Himself.” We sang this song daily, as nothing else could so clearly express our new life.”
Here are the lyrics to that hymn:
Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.
Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost!
Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.
Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.
Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.
Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the veil.
All in all, forever, Jesus will I sing;
Everything in Jesus, and Jesus everything.
This story and hymn grabbed my attention and my heart, but I had never heard this hymn before. So, I found the music online, and listened to a recording of it. Karla and I were captivated by the message of this hymn, so much so that I framed them for display and remembrance. All of this happened several years ago, but the hymn remains an important reminder of revival to us.
Now, to this past Sunday when I was to preach at Charlotte Chinese Baptist Church, invited by Pastor Steven Wang when he heard I was preparing a series of messages on Revelation 2-3. He knew that my text would be Revelation 2:1-7, on the need for the church to return to our first love for Christ. But we had not discussed any other details of the service, other than the fact that I was to lead the celebration of communion during the service.
Doug Lee, the associate pastor, gave me a bulletin for the service. As I sat at the front of the sanctuary listening to the piano prelude, I glanced at the page and saw my sermon title, and text, and next was the hymn, #383 – “Himself.” I couldn't believe it – so I found a hymnal and sure enough, it was Dr. Simpson’s old hymn, sung by the missionaries and believers in China during the great revival there, and about to be sung by a Chinese congregation in Charlotte as I joined them in worship.
I enjoy preaching, but this was one Sunday when I was looking forward to the song after the sermon more than the sermon itself. I finally heard a congregation sing that hymn that stirred hearts in China long ago. This heart was stirred, especially when the worship leader asked the ladies to sing the fourth stanza, and hearing those women of God sing in Chinese, I closed my eyes to picture those sisters in China singing the same words 83 years ago this summer.
I was overwhelmed with the amazing connectedness of the Spirit’s work here and around the world – how He knew what this servant of His needed that morning, and how Chinese brothers and sisters still know the history of that wonderful song, lifted in worship during a powerful season of revival in their homeland.
Pastor Steven was sick and unable to be there on Sunday, but when I emailed him to share what had happened, he replied with this comment about the hymn: “It is one of my mother's favorite songs, and I can still hear her when she sang it with tears streaming down her face!”
Yes, God surprised me with “Himself” on Sunday. I was reminded of how I need to love Him for who He is, and how that love is the fuel I need to be faithful to the One who came to give me life. It’s so simple, but it must be my song: “All in all forever, Jesus will I sing; everything in Jesus, and Jesus everything.”
The Saviour: A Prayer
God of all grace,
You have given me a Saviour,
Produce in me a faith to live by Him,
To make Him all my desire, all my hope, all my glory.
May I enter Him as my refuge,
Build on Him as my foundation,
Walk in Him as my way,
Follow Him as my guide,
Conform to Him as my example,
Receive His instruction as my prophet,
Rely on His intercession as my High Priest,
Obey Him as my King.
May I never be ashamed of Him or His Words,
But joyfully bear His reproach,
never displease Him by unholy or imprudent conduct,
never count it a glory if I take it patiently when buffeted for a fault,
never make the multitude my model,
never delay when Your Word invites me to advance.
May Your dear Son preserve me from this present evil world,
So that its smiles never allure,
Nor its frowns terrify, nor its vices defile, nor its errors delude me.
May I feel that I am a stranger and a pilgrim on earth,
Declaring plainly that I seek a country,
My title to it becoming daily more clear,
My readiness for it more complete,
My foretastes of it more abundant;
And whatever I do may it be done in the Saviour’s Name. Amen.
(Prayer updated and adapted from The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions: “The Saviour”, pp. 78-79.)
You have given me a Saviour,
Produce in me a faith to live by Him,
To make Him all my desire, all my hope, all my glory.
May I enter Him as my refuge,
Build on Him as my foundation,
Walk in Him as my way,
Follow Him as my guide,
Conform to Him as my example,
Receive His instruction as my prophet,
Rely on His intercession as my High Priest,
Obey Him as my King.
May I never be ashamed of Him or His Words,
But joyfully bear His reproach,
never displease Him by unholy or imprudent conduct,
never count it a glory if I take it patiently when buffeted for a fault,
never make the multitude my model,
never delay when Your Word invites me to advance.
May Your dear Son preserve me from this present evil world,
So that its smiles never allure,
Nor its frowns terrify, nor its vices defile, nor its errors delude me.
May I feel that I am a stranger and a pilgrim on earth,
Declaring plainly that I seek a country,
My title to it becoming daily more clear,
My readiness for it more complete,
My foretastes of it more abundant;
And whatever I do may it be done in the Saviour’s Name. Amen.
(Prayer updated and adapted from The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions: “The Saviour”, pp. 78-79.)
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