Divine Letters: Rekindling Our First Love for Christ

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound significance of handwritten letters and how they serve as a metaphor for the divine communication we receive through the Scriptures. Just as a handwritten letter carries personal sentiments and memories, the Bible is a collection of love letters from God to us, preserved through generations so that we might know His heart and His will. The Book of Revelation, in particular, is a testament to this divine correspondence, offering messages not only to the seven churches of Asia but to all believers, including us today.

We delved into the first of these letters, addressed to the church in Ephesus, which serves as both an encouragement and a warning. Jesus, who holds the seven stars and walks among the lampstands, is with us, intimately aware of our works, struggles, and triumphs. He affirms the church's perseverance and doctrinal vigilance but also confronts them with a poignant truth: they have abandoned their first love. This call to return to our initial fervor and devotion is a timeless exhortation for all believers.

The structure of these letters—introduction, affirmation, confrontation, and exhortation—provides a model for how we might address sin and encourage growth in our own lives and communities. Jesus exemplifies the perfect balance of truth and love, challenging us to confront our complacency and rekindle our passion for Him. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are reminded that Jesus is our Good Shepherd, walking with us, seeing us, and knowing us intimately. His presence is a source of comfort and strength, urging us to remain faithful and to renew our commitments to Him.

As we embark on this journey through the letters to the seven churches, let us be encouraged by the promise of eternal life and the invitation to the wedding feast of the Lamb. May we respond to this divine invitation with renewed devotion, embracing the love and grace that God extends to us through His Word.

Key Takeaways:

- The Bible as Divine Correspondence: The Scriptures are akin to love letters from God, preserved through time to communicate His heart and will to us. This divine correspondence invites us into a deeper relationship with Him, reminding us of His love and promises. [04:28]

- Jesus' Presence and Knowledge: Jesus, who holds the seven stars and walks among the lampstands, is with us in every moment. He knows our works, struggles, and triumphs, offering both affirmation and correction. His presence is a source of comfort and strength, urging us to remain faithful. [08:01]

- Returning to Our First Love: The call to return to our first love is a timeless exhortation for all believers. It challenges us to rekindle our passion and devotion to Jesus, remembering the fervor and commitment we had at the beginning of our faith journey. [21:24]

- Balancing Truth and Love: Jesus models the perfect balance of truth and love, confronting sin while affirming our worth. This approach serves as a guide for how we might address sin and encourage growth in our own lives and communities. [10:20]

- The Promise of Eternal Life: The promise of eternal life and the invitation to the wedding feast of the Lamb are central themes in Revelation. As we respond to this divine invitation, we are encouraged to renew our commitments and embrace the love and grace that God extends to us. [37:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:34] - The Power of Handwritten Letters
- [04:28] - The Bible: A Collection of Love Letters
- [08:01] - Structure of the Letters to the Churches
- [10:20] - Confronting Sin with Love
- [13:15] - Jesus' Presence Among Us
- [14:37] - God's Knowledge and Protection
- [16:31] - The Challenge of Apostasy
- [21:24] - Returning to Our First Love
- [37:59] - Invitation to the Wedding Feast
- [40:00] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Revelation 2:1-7
- Psalm 23
- 1 Timothy 1:3-5

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Jesus commend the church in Ephesus for in Revelation 2:1-7? How does this relate to their perseverance and doctrinal vigilance? [16:31]

2. In the sermon, how is the structure of the letters to the seven churches described? What are the four parts of this structure? [08:01]

3. According to the sermon, what does Jesus mean when He says, "I know your works"? How does this reflect His intimate knowledge of the church? [13:15]

4. What metaphor is used in the sermon to describe the Bible, and how does this metaphor help us understand the nature of God's communication with us? [04:28]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the call to return to our first love challenge believers today, especially in maintaining their initial fervor and devotion to Jesus? [21:24]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the balance of truth and love in addressing sin within the church? How can this model be applied in personal relationships? [10:20]

3. How does the promise of eternal life and the invitation to the wedding feast of the Lamb serve as motivation for believers to remain faithful? [37:59]

4. In what ways does Jesus' presence among the lampstands provide comfort and strength to believers facing struggles and triumphs? [08:01]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you experienced a time when your love for Jesus waned? What steps can you take to rekindle that first love? [21:24]

2. Consider the structure of the letters to the seven churches. How can you incorporate the elements of affirmation, confrontation, and exhortation in your personal growth or in helping others grow? [08:01]

3. Jesus knows our works, struggles, and triumphs. How does this knowledge impact your daily life and decisions? Are there areas where you need to seek His guidance more intentionally? [13:15]

4. The sermon mentions the importance of balancing truth and love. Can you think of a situation where you need to address a difficult truth with someone? How can you ensure that love is at the forefront of that conversation? [10:20]

5. The promise of eternal life is a central theme in Revelation. How does this promise influence your perspective on current challenges or future plans? [37:59]

6. Psalm 23 is highlighted in the sermon as a source of comfort. How can you incorporate this Psalm into your prayer life, especially during times of uncertainty or fear? [08:01]

7. The sermon encourages believers to renew their commitments to Jesus. What specific commitments can you make this week to deepen your relationship with Him? [37:59]

Devotional

Day 1: The Bible as God's Love Letters
The Bible is not just a historical document or a set of rules; it is a collection of love letters from God to humanity. Through the Scriptures, God communicates His heart, His desires, and His promises to us. This divine correspondence has been preserved through generations, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. As we read the Bible, we are reminded of God's unwavering love and His desire for us to know Him intimately. The Book of Revelation, in particular, serves as a testament to this divine communication, offering messages not only to the seven churches of Asia but to all believers, including us today. [04:28]

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you approach your Bible reading today as a personal letter from God, seeking to understand His heart and will for you?


Day 2: Jesus' Intimate Presence
Jesus, who holds the seven stars and walks among the lampstands, is with us in every moment. He knows our works, struggles, and triumphs, offering both affirmation and correction. His presence is a source of comfort and strength, urging us to remain faithful. In the letters to the churches, Jesus demonstrates His intimate knowledge of each community, affirming their perseverance and confronting their shortcomings. This awareness assures us that we are never alone; Jesus walks with us, sees us, and knows us intimately. [08:01]

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to be reminded of Jesus' presence and knowledge today?


Day 3: Rekindling Our First Love
The call to return to our first love is a timeless exhortation for all believers. It challenges us to rekindle our passion and devotion to Jesus, remembering the fervor and commitment we had at the beginning of our faith journey. The letter to the church in Ephesus serves as both an encouragement and a warning, urging believers to return to their initial fervor and devotion. This call is not just for the Ephesians but for all of us, inviting us to examine our hearts and renew our commitment to Christ. [21:24]

"But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first." (Revelation 2:4-5a, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to rekindle your passion and devotion to Jesus, returning to your first love?


Day 4: Balancing Truth and Love
Jesus models the perfect balance of truth and love, confronting sin while affirming our worth. This approach serves as a guide for how we might address sin and encourage growth in our own lives and communities. The structure of the letters to the churches—introduction, affirmation, confrontation, and exhortation—provides a model for addressing sin and encouraging growth. Jesus exemplifies the perfect balance of truth and love, challenging us to confront our complacency and rekindle our passion for Him. [10:20]

"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ." (Ephesians 4:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice balancing truth and love in a specific relationship or situation today?


Day 5: Embracing the Promise of Eternal Life
The promise of eternal life and the invitation to the wedding feast of the Lamb are central themes in Revelation. As we respond to this divine invitation, we are encouraged to renew our commitments and embrace the love and grace that God extends to us. The letters to the churches remind us of the eternal hope we have in Christ and the invitation to partake in the wedding feast of the Lamb. This promise encourages us to remain faithful and to live in anticipation of the eternal life that awaits us. [37:59]

"Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." (Revelation 19:9a, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of eternal life influence your daily decisions and commitments today?

Quotes



He who holds the seven stars that represent the seven angels who minister to all of the churches. And Jesus holds those stars in his hands and he walks among the lampstand, meaning he walks among us. He travels with us. Seven, the number of God, where six is the number of man, the mockery of that perfect seven. [00:06:59] (23 seconds)


He says to you today I know. Your works. And of course we we know that means. The good and the bad. The full package that is. Our works what we'd expect from a God who says that to us when he looks and he says I see I know I miss no details we expect immediate judgment. [00:15:58] (20 seconds)


He says I know your toil. Your patient endurance I know how you cannot bear with those who are evil in his. He says. Not. Amazing grace and his. Ongoing mercy he continues to walk with us he continues to affirm us and to. Encourage us you know. [00:16:27] (19 seconds)


He protects us in the palm of his hand. He knows us. And even though he knows every detail, still he is committed to loving us. So don't lose heart. Whatever struggle and challenge before you right now, be encouraged. The good shepherd who is with us. Now we turn the corner as Jesus does when he says, but I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. [00:21:18] (28 seconds)


Remember therefore from where you have fallen repent do the works you did at first he was talking about our first love but now he ties it to works that's so significant as we think about our biblical definition of love love is not a feeling it's a commitment that results in action the works that you did at first were the sign of genuine love and genuine faith. [00:27:43] (28 seconds)


That's what the book of Revelation is. This is our invitation to the, it's really what the whole Bible is. It's an invitation to the wedding celebration of the Lamb. Open invitations, all who will respond to the Lord Jesus in faith. The Spirit and the bride say, come. [00:37:57] (19 seconds)


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Transcript
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