1. Revelation 2:1-7

2.  The elders were warned of falling away themselves (Acts 20:28a, 30)  The deceivers would come from among the flock as well (Acts 20:28b, 29)  The way to overcome these false teachers would be through remembering the teaching of the gospel (Acts 20:31)  Elders of the Lord’s church are charged with the teaching and defense of the Lord’s people, the church which Christ gave His blood for! “Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock…” Acts 20:28

3.  Paul told Timothy to deal with the problems that might soon arise from within the church (1 Timothy 1:3-7)  Timothy was given instruction in the characteristics that he ought to expect from elders of the church (1 Timothy 3:1- 7)  Paul gave instructions in the proper way to rebuke an elder (1 Timothy 5:19)  Perhaps Timothy was being warned of these teachers who might not lead the flock as they should. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock…” Acts 20:28

4.  Paul warned the church to prepare for the battles of faith (Ephesians 6:10-17)  The church was to be armed and prepared with the truth at all times!  They were to “be strong” (Ephesians 6:10)  God’s people must always be ready to withstand those who are the enemy of truth and righteousness! “Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock…” Acts 20:28

5.  The church had labored to maintain the element of truth within the congregation (Revelation 2:2).  The Ephesian church had tried and proven those who were false. They had exposed false teachers for who they were.  They had not fainted, nor lost their zeal for serving the Lord (Revelation 2:3).  Churches must know when the battle lines must be drawn in order to stand for the truth, and stand for the Lord Jesus Christ. “…that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes.” Revelation 2:6

6.  What does it mean to lose your first love?  Complete apostasy?  Cold-hearted ritualism?  Christians forsaking the Lord?  It was the church that had lost their first love. This is a very real danger for churches.  The text reveals their lack of love. Perhaps this became a way that Satan gained an advantage over the church (Revelation 2:4, 6; 2 Corinthians 2:11). “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee…” Revelation 2:4

7.  Faith in God is closely related to love for the saints (Ephesians 1:15).  Much of the epistle Paul wrote is devoted to the concept of love for the brethren:  Lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing towards our brethren (4:2)  Speaking the truth in love for the edifying of the body (4:15, 16)  We are to love the church as Christ did (5:2)  Peace is the result of love (6:23, 24) “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee…” Revelation 2:4