The Church That Forgot Her First Love & Fell

The Church That Forgot Her First Love & Fell
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” 1 Ephesus - Rev 2:1-7 Patmos The Church That Forgot Her First Love & Fell Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/2007

To The Seven Churches Which Are In Asia
Revelation 1:4-6 (NKJV) 4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, . . .

Revelation 1:11 (NKJV) 11 saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

Message to 7 actual churches There were other churches
Number 7 is representative for wholeness, completeness These 7 churches are representative of all 3. Pergamos 4. Thyatira 5. Sardis 2. Smyrna 6. Philadelphia 7. Laodicea 1. Ephesus

Each of these churches was an autonomous local church
The order of mention is geographical, beginning at Ephesus on the coast, proceeding north to Smyrna and Pergamum, then swinging east and south to Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. 3. Pergamos 4. Thyatira 5. Sardis 2. Smyrna 6. Philadelphia 7. Laodicea 1. Ephesus

Ephesus - Left Their First Love Smyrna - Poor-Rich Church
Pergamos - Where Satan Dwells Thyatira - Compromising Church Sardis - Dead Church Philadelphia - An Open Door Laodicea - Lukewarm / Self- Sufficient Church 3. Pergamos 4. Thyatira 5. Sardis 2. Smyrna 6. Philadelphia 7. Laodicea 1. Ephesus

These churches needed hope, courage, comfort & most needed rebuke
Social disgrace; financial & material loss; physical persecution; loss of physical life - (Acts 14:22; 2 Tim 3:12) Was / is being a Christian “worth it?” - Mat 10:28; 16:24-27; Rev 14:12,13 Instruction needed for all Christians of all ages 3. Pergamos 4. Thyatira 5. Sardis 2. Smyrna 6. Philadelphia 7. Laodicea 1. Ephesus

Systematic Pattern: 1) Salutation 2) Christ’s Self Designation 3) Commendation 4) Complaint 5) Council; Warning & Exhortation 6) Promise of Reward For Overcomer's 7) Closing Invitation To Hear

Unto the angel of the church - (2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14)
Salutation Unto the angel of the church - (2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14) Various interpretations given An angel, an actual heavenly being given charge of the church Presiding bishop of the churches The prevailing spirit of the churches . . . The evangelist of each church . . .

Unto the angel of the church - (2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14)
Salutation Unto the angel of the church - (2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14) The word angel can be translated messenger Matthew 11:10 (NKJV) 'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Luke 7:24 (NKJV) When the messengers of John had departed, Luke 9:52 (NKJV) and sent messengers before His face they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him.

The One Speaking To The Churches
Christ’s Self Designation The One Speaking To The Churches 2:1 - He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands 2:8 - the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life 2:12 - He who has the sharp two-edged sword 2:18 - the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass

The One Speaking To The Churches
Christ’s Self Designation The One Speaking To The Churches 3:1 - He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars 3:7 - He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens“ 3:14 - the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God

Common Statements Made
I know Your works - (2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15) The Lord Jesus Christ is omniscient (Heb 4:13) We may deceive men, but we can’t deceive the Lord – Ps 139:7- 12 We shall be judged according to our works and their will be no cover ups – 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev 14:13 Ephesus - Rev. 2:2 (NKJV) 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; Smyrna - Rev. 2:9 (NKJV) I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Pergamos - Rev. 2:13 (NKJV) I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. Thyatira - Rev. 2:19 (NKJV) I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Sardis - Rev. 3:1 (NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Philadelphia - Rev. 3:8 (NKJV) I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Laodicea - Rev. 3:15 (NKJV) I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. The Lord is omniscient - Hebrews 4:13 (NKJV) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. We may deceive men, but we can’t deceive the Lord – Psalm 139:7-12 (NKJV) Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? [8] If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. [9] If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, [10] Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. [11] If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me," Even the night shall be light about me; [12] Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You. Mark 2:8 (NKJV) But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, "Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? We shall be judged according to our works and their will be no cover ups – 2 Cor. 5:10 (NKJV) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Rev. 14:13 (NKJV) Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."

To Him that overcomes - 2:7, 10,11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21 “Overcometh” – to conquer - of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions (Thayer) The one that remains faithful to Christ to the very end thus gaining the victory, i.e. the rewards listed – eternal life! (2:10; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; 15:58; Rom 8:35-39; Col. 1:23) Rev. 2:7 (NKJV) 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." ' Rev. 2:10-11 (NKJV) Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. [11] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." ' Rev. 2:17 (NKJV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." ' Rev. 2:26 (NKJV) And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— Rev. 3:5 (NKJV) He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. Rev. 3:12 (NKJV) He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. Rev. 3:21 (NKJV) To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. nikaō - Thayer Definition: 1) to conquer 1a) to carry off the victory, come off victorious 1a1) of Christ, victorious over all His foes 1a2) of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions 1a3) when one is arraigned or goes to law, to win the case, maintain one’s cause Part of Speech: verb The one that remains faithful to Christ to the very end thus gaining the victory, i.e. the rewards listed – eternal life! 2 Cor. 4:16-18 (NKJV) Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. [17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, [18] while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Romans 8:35-39 (NKJV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." [37] Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. [38] For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, [39] nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

To Him that overcomes - 2:7, 10,11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21 2:7 I will give to eat from the tree of life, 2:10-11 I will give you the crown of life. [11] shall not be hurt by the second death." ' 2:17 I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written 2:26 - and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations Rev. 2:7 (NKJV) 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." ' Rev. 2:10-11 (NKJV) Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. [11] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." ' Rev. 2:17 (NKJV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." ' Rev. 2:26 (NKJV) And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— Rev. 3:5 (NKJV) He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. Rev. 3:12 (NKJV) He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. Rev. 3:21 (NKJV) To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. nikaō - Thayer Definition: 1) to conquer 1a) to carry off the victory, come off victorious 1a1) of Christ, victorious over all His foes 1a2) of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions 1a3) when one is arraigned or goes to law, to win the case, maintain one’s cause Part of Speech: verb The one that remains faithful to Christ to the very end thus gaining the victory, i.e. the rewards listed – eternal life! 2 Cor. 4:16-18 (NKJV) Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. [17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, [18] while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Romans 8:35-39 (NKJV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." [37] Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. [38] For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, [39] nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

To Him that overcomes - 2:7, 10,11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21 3:5 shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; 3:12 - I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, And I will write on him My new name. 3:21 I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, Rev. 2:7 (NKJV) 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." ' Rev. 2:10-11 (NKJV) Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. [11] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." ' Rev. 2:17 (NKJV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." ' Rev. 2:26 (NKJV) And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— Rev. 3:5 (NKJV) He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. Rev. 3:12 (NKJV) He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. Rev. 3:21 (NKJV) To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. nikaō - Thayer Definition: 1) to conquer 1a) to carry off the victory, come off victorious 1a1) of Christ, victorious over all His foes 1a2) of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions 1a3) when one is arraigned or goes to law, to win the case, maintain one’s cause Part of Speech: verb The one that remains faithful to Christ to the very end thus gaining the victory, i.e. the rewards listed – eternal life! 2 Cor. 4:16-18 (NKJV) Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. [17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, [18] while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Romans 8:35-39 (NKJV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." [37] Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. [38] For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, [39] nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says -(2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22) Rev. 2:7 (NKJV) 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." ' Rev. 2:11 (NKJV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." ' Rev. 2:17 (NKJV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." ' Rev. 2:29 (NKJV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' Rev. 3:6 (NKJV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' Rev. 3:13 (NKJV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' Rev. 3:22 (NKJV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' " The Lord does not force His will upon men – Matthew 11:15 (NKJV) He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Mark 4:23 (NKJV) If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." Mark 7:16 (NKJV) If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!" The Lord will judge us individually – Romans 14:12 (NKJV) So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Matthew 25:31-46 (NKJV) "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. [32] All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats We have a choice whether to HEAR and OBEY or disbelieve and reject the teachings of Christ – Matthew 7:24-27 (NKJV) "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: [25] and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. [26] But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: [27] and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall." John 7:17 (NKJV) If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. The Lord does not force His will upon men - Matthew 11:15 The Lord will judge us individually – Rom 14:12; Matt 25:31-46 We choose whether to HEAR and OBEY or disbelieve and reject the teachings of Christ – Matt. 7:24-27; John 7:17

The First Church: Ephesus
"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Background Information of Ephesus The passage tells of seven sons of a Jewish priest who were apparently exorcists who tried to cast out an evil spirit using Jesus' name in a magical way. The demon-possessed man beat and stripped all seven! The demonic activity this suggests was very likely stimulated by the devotion of many in Ephesus to occult practices. Many who were now Christians had been involved in such evil, and those who had practiced sorcery publicly burned books of magic worth in our day some $2.5 million! In a city where Satan had gained a foothold and the supernatural was a dominating theme, God's Spirit performed miracles that demonstrated Jesus' power over supernatural powers!— Teacher's Commentary Ephesus was an illustrious city in its day, capital of the Roman province of Asia, in the district called Ionia, an important commercial city. Magical arts were prevalent in Ephesus as evidenced by the number and value of books burned – (19:19) The temple erected to the goddess Diana {Artemis) - an entire industry had grown up around it, making and selling idols & “portable shrines.” – (19:23-41)

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Made of marble 130 x 60 yards 127 massive ionic columns 60 feet tall. 4 times larger than the Parthenon in Athens Under construction in 333 BC when Alexander the Great arrived. One of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Temple of Diana - Ephesus A rusty sign and some broken columns stacked on a crude cement base commemorate Ephesus Temple of Diana. During Ephesus' heyday, the Temple of Diana covered 130 x 60 yards. Each of the Temple of Diana's 127 massive ionic columns were 60 feet tall. Deemed one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Diana in Ephesus was 4 times larger than the Parthenon in Athens. Ephesus' Temple of Diana actually started as the Temple of Artemis, the Greek goddess. By the 1st century AD, however, Romans ruled Ephesus and substituted their goddess Diana for Artemis. The substitution of Diana appears to have been fine with Ephesus' silversmiths as long as they could continue to peddle miniature copies of the Temple of Diana / Artemis. Their profit margin appears to have been squeezed, however, when Paul came to Ephesus and preached against idolatry: Temple of Diana (Artemis)

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Paul’s first visit – Acts 18:19 Aquila and Priscilla corrects Apollos in Ephesus – Act 18:24-28 Paul returns to Ephesus: baptizes 12, teaches for 2 years in the school of Tyrannus; Riot / Many burned their books - Acts 19 The passage tells of seven sons of a Jewish priest who were apparently exorcists who tried to cast out an evil spirit using Jesus' name in a magical way. The demon-possessed man beat and stripped all seven! The demonic activity this suggests was very likely stimulated by the devotion of many in Ephesus to occult practices. Many who were now Christians had been involved in such evil, and those who had practiced sorcery publicly burned books of magic worth in our day some $2.5 million! In a city where Satan had gained a foothold and the supernatural was a dominating theme, God's Spirit performed miracles that demonstrated Jesus' power over supernatural powers!— Teacher's Commentary

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Paul returns and stays for three years – Acts 20:31 Timothy in Ephesus - 1 Tim. l:3, 20; 2 Tim.1:15-18; 4:12, 14 19; Book of Ephesians written by Paul from prison in about 61 or 62 AD The Lord addresses the church - Revelation 2:1-7 The passage tells of seven sons of a Jewish priest who were apparently exorcists who tried to cast out an evil spirit using Jesus' name in a magical way. The demon-possessed man beat and stripped all seven! The demonic activity this suggests was very likely stimulated by the devotion of many in Ephesus to occult practices. Many who were now Christians had been involved in such evil, and those who had practiced sorcery publicly burned books of magic worth in our day some $2.5 million! In a city where Satan had gained a foothold and the supernatural was a dominating theme, God's Spirit performed miracles that demonstrated Jesus' power over supernatural powers!— Teacher's Commentary

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Revelation 2:1 (NKJV) 1 "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:

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Revelation 2:2 (NKJV) 2 I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil Commendation Labor – Toiled & sacrificed to carry out the work of God Patience – not giving up when things got tough – Intolerant – of those who would not conform to the teachings of Jesus Christ. (2 John 1:10-11) Chart 9 Works can be either good or bad – Labor – Toiled & sacrificed to carry the work of God Patience – not giving up when things got tough - Intolerant – of those who would not conform to the teachings of Jesus Christ. That is, they had no sympathy with their doctrines or their practices; they were utterly opposed to them. They had lent them no countenance, but had in every way shown that they had no fellowship with them. If they will not be transformed, let them be transferred (Homer Hailey, 121) 2 John 1:10-11 (NKJV) If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; [11] for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. Rev. 2:6 (NKJV) But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Chart 10 Examined to prove – Those who claimed to be apostles – Acts 17:11-12 (NKJV) These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. [12] Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. 2 Cor. 12:12 (NKJV) Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. 1 John 4:1 (NKJV) 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. Exposed– them for what they really were . . . 2 Cor. 11:13 (NKJV) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. Not antagonistic to love – 2 John 1:6-11 (NKJV) This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. [7] For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. [8] Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. [9] Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; [11] for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Revelation 2:2 (NKJV) And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; . . . Commendation Examined to prove – those claiming to be apostles – Acts 17:11,12; 1 John 4:1; 2 Cor. 12:12 Exposed – them for who and what they really were Cor. 11:13 Not antagonistic to love John 6-11

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Revelation 2:3 (NKJV) 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Commendation Endurance – through trials and persecutions – James 1:2-4 Toiled – in magnifying the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ – Col. 3:17 – Holding Him up as LORD! Relentless – they labored, without tiring from serving the Lord. - Gal 6:9; Heb 12:3 Chart 11 “you have not given way to murmuring or complaints in trial; you have not abandoned the principles of truth and yielded to the prevalence of error.” Barnes we should not tolerate error and sin, but that we should bear up under the trials which they may incidentally occasion us; that we should have such a repugnance to evil that we cannot endure it, as evil, but that we should have such love to the Saviour and his cause as to be willing to bear anything, even in relation to that, or springing from that, that we may be called to suffer in that cause; that while we may be weary in his work- for our bodily strength may become exhausted (compare Matthew 26:41) -we should not be weary of it; and that though we may have many perplexities, and may meet with much opposition, yet we should not relax our zeal, but should persevere with an ardour that never faints, until our Saviour calls us to our reward. Chart 12 Irenaeus (Adv. Haeres. i. 26) says that their characteristic tenets were the lawfulness of promiscuous intercourse with women, and of eating things offered to idols. Eusebius (Hist. Eccl. iii. 29) states substantially the same thing, and refers to a tradition respecting Nicolaus, that he had a beautiful wife, and was jealous of her, and being reproached with this, renounced all intercourse with her, and made use of an expression which was misunderstood, as implying that illicit pleasure was proper. Tertullian speaks of the Nicolaitanes as a branch of the Gnostic family, and as, in his time, extinct. Mosheim (De Rebus Christian. Ante Con. 69) says that "the questions about the Nicolaitanes have difficulties which cannot be solved." It is generally agreed, among the writers of antiquity who have mentioned them, that they were distinguished for holding opinions which countenanced gross social indulgences. This is all that is really necessary to be known in regard to the passage before us, for this will explain the strong language of aversion and condemnation used by the Saviour respecting the sect in the epistles to the churches of Ephesus and Pergamos. Robert Harkrider: “A strong argument has been made for Gnosticism.” Flesh was evil and what the flesh did, did not effect the spirit. This line of reasoning no doubt led to many compromising their faith in order to avoid persecution. This doctrine is prevalent today and can be seen in religious circles where people are willing to compromise sound doctrine and faithfulness to the Lord to gain acceptance from those in the world

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Revelation 2:6 (NKJV) 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Commendation Hate? – The Lord hates false doctrine and deeds that spring forth from false doctrine Hate? – We must hate the same things that the Lord hates. The Nicolaitans – “A strong argument has been made for Gnosticism.”

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Revelation 2:4 (NKJV) 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Complaint / Rebuke Seven glowing commendations – One complaint is one too many! – Something they previously had – Acts 19:19,20; 20:36-38; Eph 1:15

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Revelation 2:4 (NKJV) 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Complaint / Rebuke They had had a change in their values & priorities – The Lord demands service & obedience from a pure and wholly devoted heart. - Mark 12:29-31; Rom 6:17,18; 1 John 5:3 Mechanical routine, even if proper in its outward form, will not please God! - Mat 23:23; 1 Cor 13:13

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Revelation 2:4 (NKJV) 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Complaint / Rebuke Correct actions are worthless if our motives are not genuine & pure – Ps 51:16,17; Isa. 1:11-17; Micah 6:6-8; 1 Cor. 13:1-3 The Lord looks not only at what we do but our intent & motives as well - 1 Sam 16:7

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Revelation 2:5 (NKJV) 5 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. Warning & Exhortation Remember - Virtue of Recall – Luke 15:17-21; Eph 1:3-14 Honesty - self investigation – 2 Cor. 13:5 Repent - Change of mind / heart Return - put the Lord first / His will / His work / His purposes–

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Revelation 2:5 (NKJV) 5 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. Warning & Exhortation Repent or be removed - Indicates Christ rejection - Loss of fellowship – no longer “of the Lord!” Only ONE thing put them in danger and only one thing could restore them to their previous state –

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Revelation 2:7 (NKJV) 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." ' Invitation Choose life - we decide to accept or reject God’s grace - Deut 30:19; Rev 22:17 Conditional - hear & comply - Mat 7:21-27; Acts 3:19 Overcome - strength & victory is found ONLY in Christ - 21:7; Rom 8:28-37; Phili 4:13

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Revelation 2:7 (NKJV) 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." ' Invitation Revelation 22:12-14 (NKJV) 12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last." 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Their values & motives had become misplaced – Can’t serve two masters – Mat 6:24 Must choose God or the world – John 2:15-17; James 4:4 Must serve with the whole heart – Rom 6:17,18

Will we / you live forever with God in heaven?
The First Church: Ephesus "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . .” (2:1) Will we / you hear? Will we / you overcome? Will we / you live forever with God in heaven?

The Revelation of Jesus Christ
The Church That Forgot Her First Love & Fell Charts by Don McClain Prepared April 23-27, 2013; Preached April 28, 2013 West 65th Street church of Christ P.O. Box , Little Rock AR 72219 Prepared using Keynote – More Keynote, PPT & Audio Sermons:

Acts 19:11-20 (NKJV) 11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches." 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.

Acts 19:11-20 (NKJV) 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?"16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

Acts 19:11-20 (NKJV) 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

The Church That Forgot Her First Love & Fell

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The Church That Forgot Her First Love & Fell

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