#1: The Church at Ephesus

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.