Rekindling Our First Love for Christ
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound significance of returning to our first love in Christ, drawing from the parable of the prodigal son and the letters to the Ephesian church in Revelation. The prodigal son's story illustrates a transformative journey from rebellion to repentance, culminating in a loving embrace by the father. This mirrors our own spiritual journey when we stray from God's path. The moment we decide to change our minds and attitudes, acknowledging our need for God, He welcomes us back with open arms, celebrating our return to righteousness.
The Ephesian church was commended for their steadfastness and doctrinal purity but was admonished for abandoning their first love. This serves as a reminder that our actions, no matter how righteous, are hollow without love for God and others. The church was urged to remember the height from which they had fallen, to repent, and to resume the works they did at first. This call to action is not just about doing things for God but doing things with God, reigniting the passion that once drove our faith.
We were also reminded of our identity in Christ, seated with Him in the heavenly realms, not just saved for heaven but to reign and rule with Him. This position is a gift of grace, underscoring that salvation is not earned but accepted through belief. The message also touched on the dangers of letting knowledge or theological differences harden our hearts towards others, emphasizing that love must be the driving force behind our actions.
In conclusion, the sermon called us to remember our spiritual beginnings, to repent by changing our minds and attitudes, and to rekindle our first love by engaging in the works we did at first. This process is not only about personal revival but also about impacting the world around us with the love of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that God eagerly awaits our return, no matter how far we have strayed. When we repent and change our attitudes, God restores us to a place of honor and celebrates our spiritual rebirth. This truth should embolden us to approach God with confidence, knowing that His love is unconditional and His forgiveness is complete. [01:26:52]
- Our deeds and doctrinal soundness are important, but they must be undergirded by a deep love for God and others. Without love, our faith becomes mechanical and loses its transformative power. We must continually seek to align our hearts with God's heart, loving what He loves and hating what He hates, always prioritizing love in our interactions with others. [01:31:04]
- We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, a profound truth that speaks to our elevated spiritual status and purpose. This position is not for idle boasting but for active participation in God's kingdom. As co-heirs with Christ, we are called to live lives that reflect our royal identity, impacting the world with the authority and grace that comes from our union with Him. [01:21:51]
- Repentance is a beautiful and powerful concept that involves a change of mind and direction. It is not a one-time event but a continual process of aligning our thoughts and actions with God's will. True repentance leads to a closer relationship with God and a more authentic expression of our faith. [01:25:07]
- To reignite our first love for God, we must remember the fervor and commitment we had when we first believed. This may involve revisiting the spiritual disciplines and acts of service that once fueled our passion for God. By doing so, we can experience a renewed sense of purpose and joy in our walk with Christ. [01:29:57]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 2:1-7 (ESV)
> "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 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. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’"
2. Luke 15:11-32 (Parable of the Prodigal Son)
> "And he said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living...’"
3. Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV)
> "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved..."
#### Observation Questions
1. What commendations does Jesus give to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7?
2. According to the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, what actions did the younger son take that led to his downfall and eventual return to his father?
3. In Ephesians 2:1-10, what does Paul say about our condition before and after receiving Christ's grace?
4. What specific actions does Jesus instruct the Ephesian church to take in Revelation 2:5 to regain their first love? [49:33]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus commends the Ephesian church for their doctrinal purity but rebukes them for abandoning their first love? [53:37]
2. How does the story of the prodigal son illustrate the concept of repentance and returning to one's first love? [01:26:52]
3. What does it mean to be "seated with Christ in the heavenly realms," as mentioned in Ephesians 2:6, and how should this truth impact our daily lives? [01:21:51]
4. How can knowledge or theological differences harden our hearts towards others, and what steps can we take to ensure love remains the driving force behind our actions? [01:08:42]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt closest to God. What were you doing differently then compared to now? How can you incorporate those practices back into your life? [01:17:09]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of doing things with God rather than just for God. What are some practical ways you can involve God more in your daily activities and decisions? [01:00:17]
3. Think about a person or group you have theological disagreements with. How can you approach them with love and understanding, even if you don't see eye to eye? [01:08:42]
4. The parable of the prodigal son shows a father who eagerly awaits his son's return. How can this story encourage you to approach God with confidence, no matter how far you feel you have strayed? [01:26:52]
5. Identify one area in your life where you need to repent and change your attitude or actions. What steps will you take this week to align more closely with God's will? [01:25:07]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of remembering our spiritual beginnings. Take some time to write down your testimony. How can sharing your story with others reignite your passion for God? [01:24:34]
7. How can you actively participate in your church community to ensure it remains a place of love and not just doctrinal correctness? What specific actions can you take to foster a loving environment? [01:05:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Unconditional Welcome
God's love is a beacon that shines brightly, even when we wander far from its warmth. The parable of the prodigal son is a vivid illustration of God's eagerness to welcome us back into His embrace, regardless of the distance we've put between ourselves and Him. When we turn back to God, acknowledging our need for His grace, He doesn't just accept us; He celebrates our return with a joy that resonates throughout the heavens. This unconditional acceptance is a testament to the depth of God's love for us, a love that is not based on our merit but on His boundless grace. As we reflect on our own lives, we may recognize moments when we've strayed, when our choices have led us away from the path God has set before us. Yet, the promise remains that our repentance is met with open arms and a restored place of honor in God's kingdom. This truth should inspire us to approach God with confidence, knowing that His love is unwavering and His forgiveness is complete [01:26:52].
Luke 15:20-24 (ESV)
"And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take today to move towards His open arms of forgiveness and celebration?
Day 2: Love as the Foundation of Faith
The essence of our faith is rooted in love—love for God and love for others. The Ephesian church was known for its steadfastness and adherence to sound doctrine, yet they were reminded that without love, their efforts were incomplete. As followers of Christ, it is crucial to ensure that love is the driving force behind every action and decision. This love is not a passive emotion but an active choice that influences how we live out our faith. It is a love that seeks to align with God's heart, embracing what He cherishes and rejecting what He despises. In our interactions with others, this love should be evident, guiding us to act with compassion, kindness, and humility. When love is at the core of our being, our faith becomes a powerful force for transformation, both in our lives and in the lives of those around us [01:31:04].
1 John 4:20-21 (ESV)
"If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate God's love to someone in your life today, especially someone with whom you may have theological differences?
Day 3: Living Out Our Royal Identity
As believers, we are not only saved for a future in heaven but are also called to reign and rule with Christ in the present. This profound truth speaks to our elevated spiritual status and purpose. We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, a position that is not earned but graciously given. This royal identity is not for boasting but for active participation in God's kingdom. As co-heirs with Christ, we are called to live lives that reflect our divine connection, impacting the world with the authority and grace that comes from our union with Him. This understanding of our identity should shape our daily lives, influencing our decisions, actions, and the way we interact with the world around us [01:21:51].
Ephesians 2:6 (ESV)
"And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,"
Reflection: In what ways can you exercise your royal identity today to bring about positive change in your community or workplace?
Day 4: The Continual Process of Repentance
Repentance is often misunderstood as a singular moment of sorrow or confession. However, true repentance is a continuous journey of aligning our thoughts and actions with God's will. It is a beautiful and powerful process that involves a change of mind and direction, leading us to a closer relationship with God and a more authentic expression of our faith. As we grow in our understanding of God's character and His desires for our lives, we are called to continually evaluate our hearts and minds, turning away from sin and towards God's righteousness. This ongoing transformation allows us to live out our faith with integrity and to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us [01:25:07].
Acts 3:19-20 (ESV)
"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,"
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to practice repentance, and how can you take a step towards change today?
Day 5: Rekindling Our First Love for God
Remembering the fervor and commitment of our early faith is essential to rekindling our first love for God. It is easy to become complacent or to lose the passion that once drove our relationship with Him. To reignite this passion, we may need to revisit the spiritual disciplines and acts of service that once fueled our zeal for God. By engaging in these practices, we can rediscover the joy and purpose that come from a deep, intimate connection with our Creator. This renewed sense of love for God will not only invigorate our own spiritual lives but will also enable us to impact the world around us with the transformative power of Christ's love [01:29:57].
Hebrews 10:32-34 (ESV)
"But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one."
Reflection: What spiritual discipline or act of service can you reintroduce into your life this week to help rekindle your love for God?
Quotes
- "When we forget first love, we build camps and our love for each other deteriorates, and also the gospel loses its power." [01:11:16] (Download | )
- "We loved more when we knew less. It would be good for us to know less and to love more." [01:12:22] (Download | )
- "Love is first. We have to have truth and we have to have love, and they have to be married together." [01:13:04] (Download | )
- "The word is not meant to be a weapon to be used against people; it's a weapon that's used against powers, principalities of the Unseen World." [01:13:39] (Download | )
- "Remember the love you have at first or I will come and remove your lampstand from its place." [01:14:18] (Download | )
- "If there's not love, if I'm not the first thing, then my presence is not going to go with you and you're not going to be effective anymore." [01:15:32] (Download | )
- "Remember how far you have fallen when was your love for Jesus at its peak when it was just so evident in you and in people's lives." [01:17:09] (Download | )
- "You are seated right now with Christ Jesus in The Heavenly Realms; you are to Reign and Rule with Jesus Christ." [01:21:51] (Download | )
- "We don't fight people; we fight the influence behind the influence. We got to learn to love people." [01:32:11] (Download | )
- "Jesus didn't die for you just to have a religion; Jesus died for you so would have a relationship with him and the father." [01:33:24] (Download | )
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