2. The Church In Ephesus
Rev. 2:1-7

3. The Church In Ephesus
The Lord starts out by establishing His authority (Rev. 2:1)
“Theses things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands…”
Rev. 1:20—He has all authority in these churches. He knows the works and heart of each individual member.

4. The Church In Ephesus
The Lord commends them for many things (Rev. 2:2-3, 6)
They have labored diligently and done many works for the Lord’s name (vs. 2-3)
They have tested the words preached to them and not tolerated false teaching (vs. 2)
They have been patient and persevered, not growing weary in their work for the Lord (vs. 2-3)
They hate sin, just like the Lord does (vs. 6)

5. The Church In Ephesus
Despite all this, they are still in danger of having their lampstand removed (Rev. 2:4-5)
They are in need of repentance (vs. 5)
They need to return to their “first love” and “first works” (vs. 4-5)
What exactly was their “first love”?
What did the “first works” involve?

6. The Church In Ephesus They had lost their first love for God
This is the first and greatest command (Matt. 22:35-38)
This is the same trap the Pharisees had fallen into (Luke 11:37-42; John 5:39-42)
God does not just desire obedience; He desires obedience motivated by love (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3; Matt. 22:37-40)

7. The Church In Ephesus They had lost their first love for one another
The love of God manifests itself in our love for the brethren (1 John 4:7-8, 11-12, 20-21)
God’s word puts a lot of emphasis on the importance of our love for one another (Matt. 22:37-40; Gal. 5:14; James 2:8; 1 Pet. 4:8)
Our love for one another is intended to distinguish us from the world (John 13:34-35)

8. The Church In Ephesus They had lost their first love for lost souls
We need to look at lost souls the way that God looks at them (2 Pet. 3:9; Ezek. 18:32; Tim. 2:3-4)
We need to view them as souls condemned to death (James 5:19-20)

9. The Church In Ephesus They had lost their first love for lost souls
We need to look at lost souls the way that God looks at them (2 Pet. 3:9; Ezek. 18:32; Tim. 2:3-4)
We need to view them as souls condemned to death (James 5:19-20)
Evangelizing to the lost is part of loving your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:25-37)

10. The Church In Ephesus
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches…” (Rev. 2:7)

11. Have You Lost Your First Love?
The Church In Ephesus
Have You Lost Your First Love?