This week, Pastor Chris continued our series on the seven churches of Revelation by examining Jesus’ letter to the church in Ephesus. Through their example, we are reminded that Jesus deserves the first place in our hearts and that loving Him above all else is the foundation of the Christian life. While Jesus commends the church in Ephesus for its faithful service, perseverance, and commitment to sound doctrine, He also rebukes them for abandoning their first love and calls them to remember, repent, and return to the devotion they once had. The message challenges Christians to examine their priorities, guard against spiritual compromise, and cultivate a growing, wholehearted love for Jesus above everything else. Keep the first things first.

Matthew 22:37–38 (ESV)

37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment.

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Jesus Commends His Church

Revelation 2:1 (ESV)

1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

Revelation 2:2 (ESV)

2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.

Romans 12:12 (ESV)

12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

James 5:7–8 (ESV)

7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Revelation 2:2 (ESV)

2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.

Ephesians 4:26–27 (ESV)

26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.

2 John 10 (ESV)

10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting,

Acts 20:29–31 (ESV)

29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

Revelation 2:3 (ESV)

3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.

Jesus Corrects His Church

Revelation 2:4 (ESV)

4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.

Ephesians 1:15 (ESV)

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,

2 Peter 1:9 (ESV)

9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

Revelation 2:5 (ESV)

5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Solution…

  • Remember
  • Repent
  • Do the works you did at first

Jesus Calls His Church

Revelation 2:6 (ESV)

6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

“The teaching of the Nicolaitans was an exaggeration of the doctrine of Christian liberty which attempted an ethical compromise with heathenism.” Merrill C. Tenney

“(They) lived lives of unrestrained indulgence.” Irenaeus

 “(They) abandon themselves to pleasure like goats … leading a life of self-indulgence.” Clement of Alexandria

Revelation 2:7 (ESV)

7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

  • Who or what gets my first time and attention?
  • Am I spending time with Jesus because I want to, or because I feel I should?
  • Has anything slowly taken Jesus’ place in my heart?
  • Is my love for Jesus growing, stagnant, or fading?
  • If Jesus wrote me a letter today, would He say I have left my first love?

Discussion Questions:

  1. Even though the Ephesian church was doing many things well, Jesus said they had “abandoned the love [they] had at first.” What do you think it means to leave your first love?
  2. The church in Ephesus stood firmly against false teaching without compromising the truth. How can we hold firmly to biblical truth while also maintaining a genuine love for others?
  3. What practical changes could help you seek God’s Kingdom first this week?

Application Questions:

  1. Is your love for Jesus growing, stagnant, or fading?
  2. What is one step you can take this week to rekindle your love for Christ?