Theme: Returning to our first love
Topic: Returning to our first love
Main Text: Revelation 2:1-7
Key verse: Revelation 2: 5 “Remember therefore from where you have fallen, repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place unless you repent.” (NKJV).
Introduction:
This passage is the first of seven letters addressed by our Lord to the seven churches symbolized as lampstands in the first chapter of Revelation (Rev 1:20). The letters follow a structure that includes a specific description of Jesus, a statement of the condition of the church, a command from Jesus, an exhortation, and a promise of reward. What the Lord says to each church reveals the state of its walk. The church at Ephesus was founded by Paul and had numbered some illustrious disciples in its leadership at various times, such as Priscilla and Aquila, Timothy, and, according to church history, the apostle John himself. The church had been established for at least four decades at the time of this letter. It was known for its zeal and purity of doctrine (Rev 2:2-3, 6), yet something was very wrong. The letter opens with a commendation followed by a sharp rebuke, a command to repent, and a threat of swift judgment, concluding with a promise for those who “hear” what the Spirit is saying. The letter shows that, as with the case of Martha in Luke 10:38-42, service, whilst commendable to a point, is of little value without devotion. The Ephesian church had become distracted and preoccupied with activities and programs while neglecting true devotion, forgetting that love is the one quality without which all others are worthless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). We are to serve not simply because it is right and our duty to do so but out of love for Christ.
Q1. (1a) What does Jesus’ description of Himself in verse 1 convey? What is the relevance in the context of what He writes to the church? (1b) For what works and qualities does Jesus commend the Ephesian church? Why are these important? Rev 2:2-3,6 (1c) Why is it important to take a strong stand against false doctrine such as that of the Nicolaitans (Rev 2:6,14-15, 20-21,24).
Paragraph 2:
“Nevertheless” can be a very sobering word! Jesus told the Ephesians that He “knew” their works. Imagine hearing that the Lord had taken notice with approval of what you have done – your hard work, perseverance, patience, strong stance against false doctrine, etc.., and yet be told that the Lord has something against you! Our Lord’s warning to the Ephesian church should speak loudly to us today. The children of Israel were warned in Deuteronomy 28:47-48 to serve the Lord with joy and gladness of heart. Serving is important, but our attitude and reason for serving matters too and is noticed by the Lord. When we realize what the Lord has done for us ( e.g., Romans 5:8, Galatians 2:20), it is hard to fathom how easily we can leave our first love and forget the things that we did at first. It is good to serve, but we must always remember whom and why we serve and draw strength from our relationship with the God we are serving. We are not saved by programs; we are saved by a God who calls us to a vibrant, loving relationship.
Q2. (2a) Read Matt 22:36-38. Despite all the good works, why do you think the Ephesian church was sternly rebuked and warned to repent despite all its good works and strong orthodoxy? (2b)What do you think were the “first works” that the Ephesian church needed to do? (2c) Read Matt 14:13,23, Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16, John 6:15. What can we learn from these passages about maintaining our devotion to God?
Paragraph 3:
Christ called on the Ephesian church to remember from where they had fallen as a first step in returning their first love, then repent and DO the first works. Interestingly, the busy church was not told to stop doing but to pause, reflect, repent and do different things. The call to devotion is not passivity but to serve with joy and gladness allowing love to guide all our actions and relationships (1 Corinthians 16:14; Mark 12:30-31). We need return to the joy of our salvation and gratitude for our forgiveness and not process become our purpose or lose sight of the Cross which is our “why”. If we hear, and heed, what the Spirit is saying, we are promised a reward beyond anything the world can offer.
Q3. (3a) How does Revelation 2:1-7 reveal God’s mercy even in His rebuke? (3b) If the Lord were to send you a letter today, would there be a “nevertheless”? If so, what are you going to do about it?
Prayer: Our Lord and our God, thank You for Your everlasting love! Thank You for awakening us to our true heart condition and for showing us both the need and the way to return to our first love. We are grateful that through the Holy Spirit, our Helper, we are empowered to love You and love others as You love us.