The Church at Ephesus: “Left Its First Love” The Churches of Asia: The Church at Ephesus: “Left Its First Love”

Introduction John’s Vision Seven Golden Candlesticks— the Seven Churches. Christ in the midst of His churches. Two-edged sword proceeding out of His mouth—the word being delivered out of the Lord’s mouth. Seven stars in his right hand—messengers of the churches.

Introduction Meaning of the Vision: The Lord’s majesty and glory, in the midst of His church Delivering messages to the Churches in Asia No metaphorical or allegorical meaning The churches are real, and each one’s spiritual state is given. Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Smyrna, and Laodicea

Similarities of the Letters “Angel of the church”— Revelation 2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14 “Description of Christ”— Revelation 2:2,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14 “I know thy works”— Revelation 2:2,9,13,19; 3:1,8,15 “He who has an ear…”— Revelation 2:7,11,26; 3:5,12,21

Similarities of the Letters “To Him who overcomes”— Revelation 2:7,11,26; 3:5,12,21 Heaven is not for quitters. Observation: Could it be that today’s churches also have these traits?

Background of Ephesus Capital city. A free city with a local government. Location of the Temple of Diana. “Gateway to Asia” Greatest city of the Roman Province of Asia Minor.

History of the Church Paul entered during his second journey—Acts 18:18-21 Early converts—Acts 19:1-10 Paul spent three years there—Acts 20:31 Enjoyed Christian unity—Ephesians 4:13 Excellent start and a good reputation.

Ephesus Population: 200,000 – 500,000 Location of Temple of Artemis (Diana) one of the seven wonders of the ancient world Opposed to Paul’s preaching (Acts 19:24-31)

Ephesus One of the largest theaters in the world “Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater.” (Acts 19:31) “For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.” (1 Corinthians 4:9)

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The Letter Revelation 2:1,2 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars.” Revelation 2:1,2

The Letter Revelation 2:3-5 “And you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 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.” Revelation 2:3-5

The Letter “But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:6,7

Commendations “I know thy works.” Full and complete knowledge 2 Timothy 2:19 Hebrews 4:13 “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’”

Commendations “Your labor.” Tiring and demanding work Exertion of effort Working in the kingdom Ephesians 1:13-15 “Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.”

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” Commendations “Your patience.” Preserved Remained steadfast Longsuffering Did not give up easily 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”

Commendations “Cannot bear those who do evil.” Examined and exposed error Ephesians 5:11 2 Corinthians 6:14 1 Timothy 5:22 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

Commendations “You have tested those who say they are Apostles and are not and found them to be liars.” 1 John 4:1 2 John 9-11 Galatians 1:8,9 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Commendations “You hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans.” Hate the deeds—love the souls! Psalm 119:97, 104 Jude 4 2 Peter 2:1-3 “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day... Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way.”

Words of Condemnation “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Zeal Enthusiasm Diligence Fervency of spirit 1 Timothy 5:11,12 “But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith.”

Left First Love Love not motive—1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Zeal and fervor waning—Philippians 4:13 Sincerity in service—Ezra 7:10; Romans 6:17,18 Cost of discipleship—Luke 14:26-35

Warning “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.”

Change is Demanded! Will cease to acknowledge Ephesus as one of His. If they fail to stand in God’s way, He will remove their lamp stand! 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 True repentance is the only answer! Revelation 2:7; 22:14

Reward Promised “Must overcome.” Tree of life Paradise of God Eternal life Revelation 2:7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”