First Love

2022-08-21

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Rev. 2:1-5 (CSB)  “Write to the angel of the church in Ephesus: Thus says the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars. 3 I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for the sake of my name, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

 

1. Jesus is watching

Vs 1b-2a …Thus says the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know…

  • In chapter 1, Jesus is described as the one walking “among the lampstands.” (Rev. 1:13)
  • This is a clear indication that Jesus is watching and, as we see in chapters 2 & 3, evaluating the churches to ensure their “fidelity” to the truth.

Rev. 1:19 Therefore write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this.

2. Our faith must be complete

Vs 2-4a I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars. 3 I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for the sake of my name, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you…

  • “works” (gk – ergon) is a reference not the result of work but of deeds.
  • The church at Ephesus was a busy church doing all of the right things.
  • They knew truth and avoided false truths.
  • These are important traits for any believer and any congregation.

3. Love really does matter

Vs 4 But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.

  • This is a reference to Jesus’ command in Matthew 22.
  • Their busyness had circumvented their love.
  • Good things can crowd out the important things.

Vs 4 (NLT)  But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first

John 14:15 (CSB) If you love me, you will keep my commands

1 John 5:2-3a This is how we know that we love God’s children: when we love God and obey his commands. 3 For this is what love for God is: to keep his commands.

 

4. Let’s do it right, before it’s too late

Vs 5 Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

  • Jesus gave a “three-point prescription” to fix what’s broken within the church.
    • “Remember” – this is a call to fix our minds on not what needs to be done but rather who we need to be
    • “Repent” – clearly Jesus was calling this falling away as sin for which repentance was necessary
    • “Return” (do the works) – this is a call to recognize the reason for the work which is love for one anothe
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