T HE C HURCHES OF A SIA : Church at Ephesus: “Left Their First Love”

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

I NTRODUCTION Meaning of the Vision: – Majesty and glory of the Lord in midst of His church – Delivering messages to the Churches in Asia – No metaphorical or allegorical meaning – Churches are real and the spiritual state is given of each one – 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 That has An Ear…” — Revelation 2:7,11,26; 3:5,12,21

Similarities of the Letters “To Him That Overcomes.” — Revelation 2:7,11,26; 3:5,12,21 Heaven not for quitters Observation: – could it be that these traits might be true of churches today?

B ACKGROUND OF E PHESUS Capital city. Free city with a local government. Temple of Diana “Gateway to Asia.” Greatest City of the Roman Province of Asia Minor.

H ISTORY OF THE C HURCH Entered 2 nd 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 good reputation.

EPHESUS Population: 200,000 – 500,000 Had Temple of Artemis ( Diana ) one of the seven wonders of the ancient world Very 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 in to 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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T HE L ETTER “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.” R EVELATION 2:1,2

T HE L ETTER “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.” R EVELATION 2:3-5

T HE L ETTER “ 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.” R EVELATION 2:6,7

C OMMENDATIONS “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.”

C OMMENDATIONS “Your Labor. ” Tired and demanding work Exerting 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.”

C OMMENDATIONS “Your Patience. ” Preserved Remain steadfast Longsuffering Did not give up easily – 1 Corinthians 16:13 “ Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”

C OMMENDATIONS “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.”

C OMMENDATIONS “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.”

C OMMENDATIONS “You hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans. ” Hate the deeds— love the soul! – 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.”

W ORDS OF C ONDEMNATION “Nevertheless I Have this Against you, that you Have Left Your First Love.” Zealous Enthusiasm Diligence Fervently 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.”

“L EFT F IRST L OVE.” 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

W ARNING “ 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.”

C HANGE IS D EMANDED ! Cease to acknowledge it as one of His. Fail to stand in God’s way— he will remove! 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 True Repentance is the only answer! Revelation 2:7; 22:14

R EWARD P ROMISED “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.”