Rekindling Our First Love: Lessons from Ephesus
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound spiritual lessons from the early church in Ephesus, as depicted in the New Testament. Ephesus was a city that mirrored many aspects of our modern society—wealthy, inclusive, and hypersexualized. Despite these challenges, the church in Ephesus emerged as a beacon of faith, demonstrating the power of the gospel to transform lives and communities. The church was commended for its hard work, perseverance, and commitment to orthodox teaching, even amidst persecution and false teachings. However, Jesus, through John's letter in Revelation, highlighted a critical flaw: they had lost their first love. This serves as a poignant reminder that no matter how active or doctrinally sound a church may be, the heart of our faith must always be a deep, abiding love for God and others.
The message challenges us to reflect on our own spiritual lives. Are we, like the Ephesians, busy with religious activities yet neglecting our first love? Jesus calls us to remember, repent, and return to the deeds we did at first. This involves rekindling our passion for God, serving others, and living out our faith with authenticity and love. The warning to Ephesus is a warning to us all: without love, our works are empty, and our witness is compromised. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, we must hold fast to the truth that Jesus is coming soon, and our love for Him should be our guiding light.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Importance of First Love: The church in Ephesus was commended for its hard work and doctrinal purity, yet criticized for losing its first love. This teaches us that our relationship with God should be rooted in love, not just duty or doctrine. Without love, our faith becomes hollow and ineffective. [01:07:09]
2. Vigilance Against Complacency: The Ephesians were warned against complacency, a danger that arises when life becomes easy and comfortable. We must remain spiritually vigilant, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and resisting the temptation to settle into a routine that lacks spiritual fervor. [35:08]
3. The Role of Peace and Conflict: While peace is desirable, it can sometimes lead to spiritual complacency. True peace should not lull us into a false sense of security but should be a time to strengthen our spiritual defenses and prepare for the challenges ahead. [37:08]
4. The Power of Community and Teaching: The early church in Ephesus thrived because of strong community and sound teaching. This highlights the importance of being part of a faith community that encourages growth, accountability, and adherence to biblical truth. [47:54]
5. Reflect, Repent, and Return: Jesus' call to the Ephesians to remember, repent, and return to their first deeds is a timeless message for us. We must regularly evaluate our spiritual condition, turn away from distractions, and renew our commitment to God and His purposes. [01:13:25]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [33:39] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [34:16] - Challenges in Spreading the Gospel
- [34:50] - Staying Spiritually Awake
- [35:08] - The Call to Spiritual Vigilance
- [36:07] - The Reality of Eternal Choices
- [37:08] - Understanding Peace and Conflict
- [38:22] - The Importance of Spiritual Warfare
- [39:12] - The Unveiling of Jesus
- [40:11] - Introduction to Ephesus
- [41:04] - Historical Context of Ephesus
- [43:14] - Cultural Parallels with the West
- [45:07] - Emperor Worship in Ephesus
- [47:12] - The Birth of the Ephesian Church
- [50:56] - The Riot in Ephesus
- [53:14] - Paul's Letter to the Ephesians
- [58:06] - Jesus' Letter to the Church in Ephesus
- [01:00:14] - Jesus' Presence Among the Churches
- [01:01:58] - The Report Card for Ephesus
- [01:07:09] - The Loss of First Love
- [01:13:25] - Steps to Rekindle First Love
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Revelation 2:1-7
- Ephesians 1:15-16
- Matthew 24:11-12
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Observation Questions:
1. What commendations did Jesus give to the church in Ephesus according to Revelation 2:1-7? How did these commendations reflect their spiritual condition? [58:26]
2. In the sermon, what historical and cultural aspects of Ephesus were highlighted to draw parallels with modern society? [46:31]
3. According to Ephesians 1:15-16, what was Paul's attitude towards the church in Ephesus, and what did he continually do for them? [53:14]
4. What warning does Jesus give to the church in Ephesus about losing their first love, and what are the consequences mentioned? [01:07:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "first love" in Revelation 2:1-7 relate to the overall health and effectiveness of a church community? [01:07:09]
2. In what ways might the cultural environment of Ephesus have contributed to the church's struggle with maintaining their first love? [46:31]
3. How does the warning in Matthew 24:11-12 about love growing cold apply to the church in Ephesus, and what factors might lead to this condition? [01:11:21]
4. What role does spiritual vigilance play in preventing complacency, as discussed in the sermon, and how can this be applied to modern believers? [35:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you experienced a time when your love for God felt more vibrant than it does now? What factors contributed to that change, and how can you begin to rekindle that passion? [01:13:25]
2. The sermon mentioned the danger of spiritual complacency. Are there areas in your life where you have become complacent in your faith? What steps can you take to become more spiritually vigilant? [35:08]
3. Consider the cultural parallels between Ephesus and modern society. How do these similarities challenge your faith, and what practical steps can you take to resist cultural pressures that lead away from a Christ-centered life? [46:31]
4. Jesus calls the Ephesians to remember, repent, and return to their first deeds. What specific actions can you take this week to return to the practices that once fueled your love for God? [01:13:25]
5. How can you actively participate in a faith community that encourages growth and accountability, similar to the early church in Ephesus? What role can you play in fostering a community that prioritizes love and sound teaching? [47:54]
6. Reflect on the concept of "first love" in your relationships with others. Are there relationships where you need to renew your commitment to love and serve? What practical steps can you take to demonstrate this love? [01:07:09]
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of being spiritually awake. What distractions in your life might be lulling you into spiritual sleep, and how can you address them to stay focused on Jesus? [34:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Love as the Foundation of Faith
The church in Ephesus was praised for its hard work and adherence to doctrine, yet it was criticized for losing its first love. This serves as a powerful reminder that our relationship with God should be rooted in love, not just duty or doctrine. Without love, our faith becomes hollow and ineffective. The Ephesians' experience teaches us that love should be the driving force behind our actions and beliefs. It is not enough to be busy with religious activities; our hearts must be deeply connected to God and others. This connection is what gives meaning and power to our faith. [01:07:09]
"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 2:4-5 ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when your love for God felt most vibrant. What specific actions or practices helped cultivate that love, and how can you reintroduce them into your life today?
Day 2: Guarding Against Spiritual Complacency
The Ephesians were warned against complacency, a danger that arises when life becomes easy and comfortable. Spiritual vigilance is essential to maintaining a vibrant faith. When we become complacent, we risk losing our spiritual fervor and drifting away from our first love. The call to vigilance is a call to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, resisting the temptation to settle into a routine that lacks spiritual depth. This involves actively seeking God's presence and being intentional about our spiritual growth, even when life seems stable and secure. [35:08]
"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12 ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your spiritual life where you have become complacent. What steps can you take this week to reignite your passion and commitment in that area?
Day 3: True Peace and Spiritual Readiness
While peace is desirable, it can sometimes lead to spiritual complacency. True peace should not lull us into a false sense of security but should be a time to strengthen our spiritual defenses and prepare for the challenges ahead. The Ephesians' experience reminds us that peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God in our lives. It is a time to deepen our relationship with Him and to be ready for whatever may come. This involves being proactive in our spiritual disciplines and staying connected to our faith community. [37:08]
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you use times of peace to strengthen your spiritual life and prepare for future challenges? Consider specific practices or habits you can adopt.
Day 4: The Strength of Community and Teaching
The early church in Ephesus thrived because of strong community and sound teaching. This highlights the importance of being part of a faith community that encourages growth, accountability, and adherence to biblical truth. A supportive community provides the environment needed for spiritual growth and resilience. It is within this context that we can learn, be challenged, and hold each other accountable. The Ephesians' example shows us that we are not meant to journey alone but to be part of a body that supports and nurtures our faith. [47:54]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your current involvement in your faith community. How can you contribute more actively to the growth and encouragement of others within your community?
Day 5: Remember, Repent, and Return
Jesus' call to the Ephesians to remember, repent, and return to their first deeds is a timeless message for us. We must regularly evaluate our spiritual condition, turn away from distractions, and renew our commitment to God and His purposes. This involves a conscious effort to reflect on where we have strayed and to take deliberate steps to realign our lives with God's will. The Ephesians' experience serves as a reminder that repentance is not just about turning away from sin but also about returning to the love and passion we once had for God. [01:13:25]
"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." (Revelation 2:5 ESV)
Reflection: What distractions have pulled you away from your first love for God? What specific actions can you take today to begin the process of returning to that love and commitment?
Quotes
I know your Deeds your labor and your perseverance I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil you have tested and exposed as Liars those who falsely claim to be Apostles without growing weary you have preserved persevered and endured many things for the sake of my name but I have this against you you have abandoned your first Love Therefore keep keep in mind how far you have fallen repent and perform the Deeds you did at first but if you do not repent I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place but you have this to your credit you hate the work of the nicians which I also hate he who has an ear let him hear what the spirit says to the churches to the one who overcomes I will grant the right to eat from the Tree of Life in The Paradise of God. [00:58:06]
Jesus is not looking down from above and I think this is an important statement for us to remember because sometimes we get a little bit like with well Jesus he's physical on the throne like in heaven and then the Holy Spirit and then he's different he's above or we feel God is distant and what do we find Jesus doing here he's walking among the lampstands he's right there with his church and he's evaluating them and I think that's important for us to remember that he is walking right Among Us evaluating us. [01:00:14]
I know your Works he's evaluating his church and his people and what does he see toil and patient endurance well that's a really good thing to see what is that hard work toil and patient endurance they work hard they don't shy away from something because it's difficult when suffering comes when when hardship comes they have counted the cost of discipleship and they're in we're going to do the work that God asks us to do right so that's the first one it's toil and patience and the second one is they don't tolerate uh false teaching. [01:01:58]
They are Orthodox in their teaching isn't that a good thing I mean so much Progressive Christianity our day don't you want to be in a church that has Orthodox teaching that's close to what the historical Christians have always believed what the Bible teaches not compromising on the word Jesus said that about this church like I would just I mean if if I would get that report card about us I'd be like yes I want to take a week off and just that's a huge pressure off wow I can't believe that Orthodox teaching like faithful to the word that's what I want that's what we all want that was Ephesians the church in Ephesus they're faithful so they're hardworking very hardworking and this is by Jesus's standard of hard work. [01:03:40]
They had lost their First Love First Love isn't just a small thing in Jesus's eyes and we see it we see it here right here in that in in the in the letter to the Church of Ephesus this is no small deal to Jesus in fact he said a failure to correct it would result in the removal of their lampstand wait again pause the removal of their lampstand that he would take away them as being a church a flagship an epicenter a church that is known for Orthodoxy for hard work a church that is known for standing against harmful ideologies. [01:07:09]
Ephesus reminds us when everything else is Stripped Away the most important thing is Who Do You Love because when we stand before him we all get the the the we all get the desire of our heart that's why first love is so important you know first love what is first love like okay well I'll kind of when I met Lou she's sitting over there she like first love with her yes you know our story and it's starts on a terrible footing and yet she was the first girl that I'd ever met that had me totally and completely Tongue Tied. [01:09:34]
Loss of your first love is not primarily the death of passion as in a stale marriage but the failure to maintain the commitment once made to help and serve one another here as everywhere in the Bible love for God and love for one another are inseparable Church in Ephesus though Mighty in success they had fought a good fight they had stood firm on Truth resisted false teaching andure a hard thing but they had lost sight of their love for God and people you know I think there's a warning for us. [01:11:25]
Matthew 24:11 to12 Jesus said many false prophets will arise and Lead many astray and because lawlessness will be increased the love of many will grow cold Ephesus suffered exactly this their love grew cold there's a multiple reasons for that right before he talks about false prophets or false teachers leading many astray lawlessness increasing I mean I think those are the two kind of ingredients that leads to because of this the love of many grow cold and I think we see both of those in our society today both of those are strong in the west and strong within our churches. [01:13:25]
There are things in your life that you know are competing for your affection I would encourage you don't waste another day deal with it Jesus in his kindness actually gives three steps steps back to First Love First if you reflect so if you stood before Jesus I want to ask that that question again if you stood before Jesus and gave a and he gave you a report card this is from another angle has your love grown cold now it's from the angle of he if he gave you a report card what would it say what would he say what is the good in your life that he would encourage and what is the compromise in your life that he would warn you and admonish you to correct. [01:15:50]
Remember where you have fallen from this is right from the passage that we looked at remember where you have fallen from when you first received Jesus when you first said yes to him why why did he matter then when we lose first love we're to remember that then we are to repent turn from whatever we've given our hearts to according to James friendship with the world is enmity to God he actually calls that spiritual adultery that's the words he uses in James you adulterous people do you not realize that friendship with the world is enmity with God. [01:18:07]
He actually calls that spiritual adultery that's the words he uses in James you adulterous people do you not realize that friendship with the world is enmity with God he's not talking about enjoying the created things he's talking about the devotion of your heart your love and your affection your worship and then lastly do the things that you did at first you're going to see a bunch of things on there and there I highlighted the important parts serve forgive love give did I have that on there twice no I didn't invest in prayer scripture worship disciple others share your faith. [01:20:32]
Lord if you gave us a report card as a church but also as individuals if we stood before you today and truthfully Lord none of us knows the day or the time or the hour when we will stand before you we don't know how many breaths are left in our lungs Lord if we stood before you today and and you showed us how you have been evaluating Our Lives what would you say are there sins we need to confess and turn from are there good things we might need to put aside are there people in our lives that need to know your name are there needy in our lives that we can bless is there offense that we can forgive all for the honor and Glory of your name Jesus we commit our hearts to you. [01:22:40]
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