Rekindling Our First Love: The Heart of Discipleship
Summary
In our journey through the Book of Revelation, we have been exploring the letters to the seven churches, which offer us profound insights into the heart of God for His people. Today, we delve into the letter to the church in Ephesus, a message that resonates with us as much now as it did two millennia ago. The central theme of our discourse is encapsulated in four words: "It's all about Jesus." Our focus, our love, our very being must revolve around Him.
The church in Ephesus was commended for its hard work, perseverance, and intolerance of wickedness. They were vigilant against false apostles and endured hardships for the sake of Christ. Yet, despite these commendable traits, they were rebuked for having forsaken their first love. This is a stark reminder that our deeds, however noble, are hollow without love at their core.
We must ask ourselves if we are truly growing in love. Are we spending time with Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of a desire to know Him more? Is there evidence of moral purity in our lives? Do we carry a strong awareness of His presence daily? The love we exhibit must be active and demonstrated through our deeds, for love is the key that opens the door to life.
The church in Ephesus was warned that without repentance, their lampstand would be removed. This is a sobering thought, for it implies that a church can lose its witness if it loses its love. We must rekindle our love for Jesus and for one another, ensuring that it is the main thing in our lives.
As we reflect on our own church, we must consider whether we are known for our love. Are we a family, not just in word but in deed? Our love should be supernatural, reflecting the love Jesus has for us—a love that led Him to the cross for our redemption.
In closing, I encouraged each of you to connect with someone new, to foster relationships within our church family, and to let love be the defining characteristic of our community. It is through love that lives are transformed and through love that we truly reflect Christ to the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Love must be the central theme of our lives and our church. Without love, our actions, no matter how righteous, are empty. Love is the evidence of our discipleship and the means by which we reflect Jesus to the world. [49:23]
- Repentance is not merely asking for forgiveness; it is a commitment to turn away from sin and to pursue righteousness. It is a daily decision to choose Jesus and His ways over our own. This is how we maintain our first love and keep our witness alive. [25:40]
- Our love for Jesus is not static; it grows over time through consistent engagement with Him in prayer and the Word. As we draw closer to Him, our love deepens, and it overflows into our relationships with others. [48:19]
- The church is called to be a family, where love is not just a cliché but a lived reality. This supernatural love is a witness to the world and a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love in us. [40:48]
- Love is the key that opens the door to life. When we love as Jesus loved, sacrificially and unconditionally, we unlock the fullness of life that He offers. This love compels us to action and changes not just us, but the world around us. [45:22]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 2:1-7
2. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
3. John 13:34-35
#### Observation Questions
1. What commendable traits did Jesus acknowledge in the church of Ephesus? ([08:41])
2. What was the main issue Jesus had against the church of Ephesus? ([09:11])
3. According to the sermon, what does Jesus mean by "removing the lampstand" from the church? ([16:34])
4. How does 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 relate to the message given to the church in Ephesus? ([19:31])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus commended the church of Ephesus for their hard work and perseverance but still rebuked them for forsaking their first love? ([09:11])
2. How does the concept of "first love" in Revelation 2:4 apply to modern-day believers and their relationship with Jesus? ([16:01])
3. What does it mean for a church to have "supernatural love," and how does this differ from natural love? ([40:33])
4. How can the warning to the church in Ephesus about losing their lampstand serve as a cautionary tale for contemporary churches? ([16:34])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal relationship with Jesus. Are you spending time with Him out of obligation or a genuine desire to know Him more? How can you deepen this relationship? ([23:45])
2. Consider the evidence of moral purity in your life. Are there areas where you need to repent and turn back to Jesus? What steps can you take to pursue righteousness daily? ([25:32])
3. How can you actively demonstrate love within your church community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to show love to someone in your church. ([50:02])
4. Think about your awareness of Jesus' presence in your daily life. How can you cultivate a stronger sense of His presence throughout your day? ([23:53])
5. Evaluate your enthusiasm for gathering with your church. If it has declined, what practical steps can you take to rekindle your passion for corporate worship and fellowship? ([28:03])
6. How can you contribute to making your church known for its love? What specific behaviors or attitudes can you adopt to foster a loving and welcoming environment? ([41:00])
7. Reflect on the idea that love is the key that opens the door to life. How can you embody sacrificial and unconditional love in your interactions with others this week? ([44:46])
Devotional
Day 1: Love as Our Foundation
Love is not merely an emotion; it is the bedrock upon which all Christian virtues stand. Without it, even the most righteous deeds are rendered empty. The church in Ephesus was commended for its hard work and perseverance, yet it was rebuked for losing its first love. This serves as a powerful reminder that actions without love are like a clanging cymbal, devoid of the melody that gives them meaning. Love must be the driving force behind every action, the lens through which all is viewed, and the ultimate measure of one's discipleship.
As believers, it is crucial to examine the motivations behind our deeds. Are they driven by a genuine love for Jesus and others, or are they fueled by a desire for recognition or a sense of duty? The love that is spoken of here is not passive; it is active and visible in the way one lives. It is the kind of love that Jesus exemplified—a sacrificial, unconditional love that seeks the best for others and glorifies God in the process. This love is transformative, not just for the individual, but for the entire community of faith.
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." - John 13:35 ESV
Reflection: How does your daily life demonstrate your love for Jesus and those around you? [49:23]
Day 2: The True Nature of Repentance
Repentance is often misunderstood as simply asking for forgiveness. However, true repentance involves a complete turning away from sin and a commitment to walk in righteousness. It is a daily, conscious decision to choose Jesus and His ways over our own desires and inclinations. The church in Ephesus was warned that without repentance, their lampstand would be removed, signifying the loss of their witness. This stark warning underscores the importance of maintaining a repentant heart, one that is continually realigned with the heart of God.
Repentance is not a one-time event but a journey of transformation. It requires humility, a willingness to acknowledge one's shortcomings, and the courage to change. This process is not about earning God's love but about responding to the love that has already been given. It is about keeping the flame of our first love for Jesus alive, ensuring that our witness remains vibrant and effective in a world that desperately needs to see His light.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10 ESV
Reflection: What is one specific way you can practice repentance in your life today? [25:40]
Day 3: Growing in Love with Jesus
The love for Jesus is not meant to be static; it is intended to grow and deepen over time. This growth occurs through consistent engagement with Him in prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. As one draws closer to Jesus, the natural response is a deepening love that begins to permeate every aspect of life. This love is not just a feeling; it is a commitment that influences decisions, shapes character, and guides interactions with others.
The process of growing in love with Jesus is akin to nurturing a relationship. It requires time, effort, and intentionality. It is about seeking to know Him more, to understand His heart, and to align one's will with His. As this relationship deepens, it becomes the source of strength, joy, and peace, and it overflows into a love for others that is genuine and impactful.
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18 ESV
Reflection: In what practical ways can you deepen your relationship with Jesus this week? [48:19]
Day 4: The Church as a Family of Love
The church is called to be more than a gathering of individuals; it is to be a family where love is not just spoken of but actively lived out. This supernatural love is a reflection of the love Jesus has for us—a love that led Him to the cross for our redemption. When the church embodies this kind of love, it becomes a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ's love within us.
Living as a family of love means being intentional about building relationships, caring for one another's needs, and supporting each other in times of joy and sorrow. It is about creating a community where everyone feels valued and where the love of Christ is evident in every interaction. This kind of love is not natural; it is supernatural, made possible only through the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." - John 13:34 ESV
Reflection: What is one action you can take today to strengthen the bonds of love within your church community? [40:48]
Day 5: Unlocking Life Through Love
Love is the key that unlocks the fullness of life that Jesus offers. When believers love as Jesus loved—sacrificially and unconditionally—they not only experience the richness of life in Christ but also become conduits of His love to others. This love compels action and has the power to change not just individual lives but the world around us. It is through this love that the message of the gospel is most effectively communicated.
The call to love is a call to live a life that is outward-focused, one that looks beyond personal needs and desires to the needs of others. It is a call to be generous, kind, and compassionate, to serve without expecting anything in return. When love is the driving force, it leads to a life of purpose and fulfillment, a life that truly reflects the heart of Christ.
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." - 1 John 4:7 ESV
Reflection: How can you demonstrate sacrificial love in a tangible way to someone in your life this week? [45:22]
Quotes
1) "Jesus wanted their hearts just like he wants your heart. Sincere love for Jesus should be evident in our personal priorities and everything that we're doing." [21:36] (Download)
2) "Our love can't be an abstract theory we only talk about, but a way of life demonstrated through our loving deeds." [20:17] (Download)
3) "Jesus says our love for one another is the very thing that will attract the people in this world to me. That's why we should, of all the people in the world, love really well." [41:29] (Download)
4) "Love is the key that opens the door to life. So what does this look like? Well, Jesus said this: 'As I've loved you, you also are to love one another.'" [45:22] (Download)
5) "It's all about Jesus. That's what this is about; everything that we're doing, everything that we're focusing on, is how are we centering everything in the local church and in our lives on Jesus." [04:13] (Download)
6) "If you speak in the tongues of angels and you prophesy and do all these things but you have not love, you're nothing more than a noisy gong and a clinging symbol." [19:45] (Download)
7) "When we start to love Jesus more, you change. And when you start to change because you're loving Jesus more, your marriage changes. The more you love Jesus, the more you love your spouse." [43:38] (Download)
8) "Jesus is watching you. Meet somebody you hadn't met before, encourage somebody that you've not encouraged before, and let somebody encourage you as you need to be encouraged." [49:57] (Download)
9) "The church had everything but the greatest thing, and the greatest thing is actually the main thing, and that main thing is the fact that we need to love Jesus and one another." [17:27] (Download)
10) "Jesus can build the church, Jesus is also saying here I can kill the church. I can snuff this thing out. So what did that mean? That meant that the people in Ephesus had to change their focus." [16:50] (Download)
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