Rekindling Our First Love for Christ

Summary

In reflecting on the journey of marriage, from the early days of passionate love to the heartbreaking distance that can sometimes develop, it becomes clear how easily relationships can shift from vibrant connection to mere routine. This same dynamic is possible in our relationship with Christ, both individually and as a church community. The early church in Ephesus, despite its remarkable spiritual heritage—having been founded by Paul, pastored by Timothy, and shepherded by the apostle John—was not immune to this drift. Even with such a strong foundation, Jesus’ words to them in Revelation 2 reveal a sobering truth: it is possible to lose our first love, to let our devotion become a matter of habit rather than heartfelt affection.

The city of Ephesus itself was a bustling, influential center, home to one of the wonders of the ancient world, the temple of Artemis (later Diana). The church there was not a single building but a network of house churches, deeply rooted in the teachings and presence of some of the most significant leaders in early Christianity. Yet, Jesus’ message to them was not just a commendation of their good works and spiritual pedigree, but a call to remember who truly holds authority over the church—Jesus Himself, the one who walks among the lampstands and holds the messengers in His right hand.

This image of Jesus as the ever-present, authoritative Lord of the church is both comforting and challenging. It reminds us that no matter how strong our history or how well-structured our community, our true foundation and ongoing vitality come from Christ alone. He is intimately aware of our lives, our gatherings, and our hearts. The call is to return to the passionate, covenantal love that first drew us to Him, to resist the drift into spiritual autopilot, and to remember that our relationship with Christ is meant to be living, vibrant, and deeply personal.

Key Takeaways

- The journey from passionate love to routine is not just a marital issue but a spiritual one. Just as couples can drift from intimacy to indifference, so can believers and entire church communities lose the fervor of their first love for Christ. Recognizing this drift is the first step toward renewal and deeper relationship. [33:50]

- Spiritual heritage and strong foundations, while valuable, are not enough to sustain a living relationship with Jesus. The church in Ephesus had been taught and led by giants of the faith, yet still faced the danger of losing their focus and affection for Christ. Our past faithfulness must be matched by present devotion. [45:18]

- Jesus’ authority over the church is not distant or abstract; He is present, walking among His people, holding leaders and communities in His hand. This means He is both aware of and invested in the life of every believer and congregation, calling us to accountability and intimacy. [47:50]

- The structure of the church is ultimately simple: Jesus as the chief shepherd, under-shepherds (leaders), and the people of God. All authority, guidance, and vitality flow from Christ Himself, not from human systems or hierarchies. This keeps our focus on Him as the source of life and direction. [48:51]

- Returning to our first love requires intentionality—remembering the covenant, rekindling affection, and resisting the pull of mere routine. Whether in marriage or in faith, the call is to pursue the highest good of the other, to love with purpose, and to let that love shape every aspect of our lives together. [34:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:10] - A Pause for Care and Prayer
[29:29] - Preparing for Marriage: The Covenant Process
[31:09] - The Passion of Engaged Couples
[32:28] - The Pain of Lost Love
[33:13] - From Bliss to Distance: What Happens?
[33:50] - Losing Our First Love
[34:53] - Going Through the Motions in Faith
[35:41] - Christ and the Church: The Bridegroom Analogy
[37:12] - Angels, Messengers, and Church Leadership
[38:48] - Ephesus: City and Church Context
[40:15] - The Temple of Artemis/Diana
[41:53] - The Early Church in Ephesus
[43:17] - Paul, Timothy, and John: A Spiritual Legacy
[45:18] - The Strengths of the Ephesian Church
[46:56] - Jesus’ Unique Self-Description
[47:50] - Jesus’ Authority Over the Church
[48:51] - The Simplicity of Church Structure
[49:53] - Jesus Walks Among His Churches

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Returning to Our First Love

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### Bible Reading

- Revelation 2:1-7 (Jesus’ letter to the church in Ephesus about losing their first love)
- Ephesians 5:25-27 (Christ’s love for the church compared to a husband’s love for his wife)
- 1 Peter 5:1-4 (Jesus as the Chief Shepherd and church leadership)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Revelation 2:1-7, what does Jesus commend the church in Ephesus for, and what does He have against them?
2. According to the sermon, what was unique about the spiritual heritage of the church in Ephesus? ([45:18])
3. How does Jesus describe Himself in His message to the church in Ephesus? What is the significance of Him “walking among the lampstands” and “holding the seven stars”? ([47:50])
4. In Ephesians 5:25-27, what kind of love does Christ have for the church, and how is this used as an analogy for marriage?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why is it possible for a church with such a strong foundation and history—like Ephesus—to lose its first love for Christ? ([46:56])
2. What does it mean for Jesus to be “present” and “walking among” His churches? How might this affect the way a church views its relationship with Christ? ([49:53])
3. The sermon compares the drift in marriage from passion to routine with the drift in our relationship with Christ. What are some signs that this drift is happening in a believer’s life or in a church community? ([33:50])
4. How does the structure of the church, with Jesus as the chief shepherd and leaders as under-shepherds, help keep the focus on Christ rather than on human systems? ([48:51])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon described how couples can move from passionate love to just going through the motions. Have you ever felt like your relationship with Jesus has become routine? What were some signs? ([34:53])
2. Jesus calls the church in Ephesus to “remember” and “return” to their first love. What are some practical ways you can intentionally rekindle your affection for Christ this week? ([34:53])
3. The church in Ephesus had a great spiritual legacy, but Jesus still called them out for losing their focus. Are there ways you rely on your past faithfulness or church background instead of present devotion? ([45:18])
4. The sermon mentioned that Jesus is always aware of what’s happening in His church and in our lives. How does this truth comfort you? Does it challenge you in any way? ([49:53])
5. In what areas of your life or church involvement do you find yourself “just going through the motions”? What is one step you can take to move from routine to real relationship? ([34:53])
6. The analogy of marriage was used to describe our relationship with Christ. If you were to “pursue the highest good” of Jesus in your daily life, what would that look like this week? ([34:53])
7. The sermon emphasized that all authority and vitality in the church come from Christ, not from human systems. How can you help keep Jesus at the center of your small group or church community? ([48:51])

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Devotional

Day 1: Rekindling Your First Love for Christ
It is possible for both individuals and entire church communities to drift from a passionate, loving relationship with Jesus into a routine of simply going through the motions. Just as a marriage can lose its initial fervor and become distant, so too can our walk with Christ become a matter of duty rather than delight. The call is to remember the love and devotion that once marked our relationship with Jesus and to seek a renewal of that affection, refusing to settle for a faith that is merely habitual. [34:53]

Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally rekindle your love for Jesus today, moving beyond routine to genuine affection?


Day 2: Christ’s Authority and Presence in the Church
Jesus is not a distant figure but the one who holds authority over the church and walks among His people, intimately aware of their lives and the state of their hearts. He is described as holding the seven stars in His right hand and walking among the seven golden lampstands, reminding us that He is both sovereign and present, actively involved in the life of His church. This truth calls us to recognize His leadership and to submit to His guidance, knowing that He cares deeply for His bride. [47:50]

Revelation 2:1 (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.'"

Reflection: In what area of your life or our church do you need to acknowledge Jesus’ authority and presence more fully today?


Day 3: The Church’s Spiritual Heritage and Foundation
The church in Ephesus had a remarkable spiritual legacy, having been founded and nurtured by leaders like Paul, Timothy, and John, and receiving direct teaching and encouragement from them. This strong foundation was a gift, but it also came with the responsibility to continue building upon it, not resting on past achievements but pressing forward in faithfulness. We are reminded that a rich spiritual heritage is meant to inspire ongoing devotion and growth, not complacency. [44:41]

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

Reflection: How can you honor the spiritual foundation you’ve received by actively building upon it in your walk with Christ?


Day 4: The Danger of Distraction and Losing Focus
Even a church with a strong history and sound teaching can become distracted, losing sight of its true purpose and the One to whom it is betrothed. The pressures and attractions of the surrounding culture, as seen in Ephesus with its commerce and pagan worship, can subtly draw hearts away from wholehearted devotion to Christ. Staying focused requires vigilance, self-examination, and a continual return to the centrality of Jesus in all things. [35:41]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What distractions or influences threaten to pull your focus away from Jesus, and how can you lay them aside today?


Day 5: The Call to Repentance and Renewal
When Jesus addresses the church in Ephesus, He not only points out their loss of first love but also calls them to remember, repent, and return to the works they did at first. This is a gracious invitation to renewal, not condemnation—a chance to realign hearts and actions with the love and purpose of Christ. Repentance is not just feeling sorry but making a decisive turn back to the vibrant relationship God desires for His people. [33:50]

Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV)
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."

Reflection: Is there an area where you need to repent and seek God’s renewal today? What step can you take to return to Him with a whole heart?

Quotes

And I would say as a whole, and this is a very general statement, but as a whole, it's because that couple has lost their first love. What was once done from passionate fervor becomes little more than a chore. [00:34:00] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

Because it is possible as a Christian to move from a passionate following in your relationship with Christ to just going through the motions. That it becomes a chore. That you know Jesus and you know what He expects of you, and so you just go through the motions of listening to what He's saying, and yes, I'm a Christian, so this is what I should do. [00:34:44] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip

And I would also say that it is just as possible for a church community to be guilty of going through the motions. They gather, they sing, they hear a sermon, but they're just going through the motions. [00:35:10] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

And it's that thought of a church community losing its first love. The affections that it has for the one that they are to be betrothed to, committed to. And the scriptures use that kind of language to talk about the relationship that Christ has with His church. That He is the bridegroom and we are the bride. [00:35:28] (00:00:23 seconds) Edit Clip

Because in each of the seven letters that are written, Jesus is described in a specific way. To the angel of the church in Ephesus write, the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this. This is really important. Because this descriptor reveals something about the quality of the character of Jesus, who he is as Lord. [00:47:28] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

To Ephesus, Jesus reveals that he is the one who holds authority over the church. So, if you are newer to our church, and you're trying to figure out, okay, what's North Anvil Bible Church all about? What's the structure? What's the leadership structure of the church? Very simply, I would say to you this. It starts with Jesus. And it stays with Jesus. [00:47:59] (00:00:27 seconds) Edit Clip

And as the Messiah, as the king of kings, he has, by his grace, given instructions to people under him. As he is the chief shepherd, he tells his under -shepherds. And Peter borrows this language from 1 Peter 5, when he gives instruction to the elders. And he says, you're just an under -shepherd of the chief shepherd. [00:48:26] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

And he walks among the seven golden lampstands. He's the one that holds the seven stars, the messengers, the shepherds, and his right hand, the hand of authority. And he walks in the midst of the lampstands, and the lampstands are the churches. [00:49:47] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

Jesus is like the teacher that is teaching a class and giving a test, and, you know, he's the teacher that's kind of walking through the classroom, making sure the students are okay, making sure nothing crazy is going on. Like, hey, why's your phone out? Or why are you talking to the person next to you? Jesus is walking through the church. He's always aware of what's going on in his bride's life. [00:50:09] (00:00:32 seconds) Edit Clip