Returning to Our First Love for Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we embarked on a journey through Revelation chapter 2, focusing on the letter to the church at Ephesus. This exploration is part of a seven-week series examining the seven churches of Revelation. The central theme is the importance of maintaining our first love for Jesus and the dangers of losing focus on Him. We began by reflecting on the imagery of Jesus holding the church in His right hand, symbolizing His authority and intimate involvement with His church. This serves as a reminder that the church belongs to Jesus, not to us, and we must remain humble and dependent on Him.
The church at Ephesus was commended for its doctrinal purity and perseverance but was warned for having abandoned its first love. This serves as a cautionary tale for us today. We must guard against becoming like the Pharisees, who were more concerned with outward appearances than with the heart. The call to the Ephesians was to remember, repent, and redo—to return to their initial passion and love for Christ. This message is timeless, urging us to examine our own hearts and motivations.
We also discussed the strategic importance of Ephesus in the early church and how its decline serves as a warning. The church's failure to heed the call to repentance led to its eventual disappearance, a fate we must strive to avoid. The promise to those who overcome is the right to eat from the tree of life, symbolizing eternal communion with God.
As we concluded, we were invited to partake in communion, a tangible reminder of Christ's sacrifice and a call to examine our hearts. This act of remembrance is a powerful way to renew our commitment to Christ and His mission. We were encouraged to reflect on our personal walk with Jesus and consider any necessary steps of repentance and renewal.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus Holds the Church: Jesus actively holds and walks among His church, emphasizing His authority and intimate involvement. This reminds us that the church belongs to Him, and we must remain humble and dependent on His guidance and strength. [35:01]
2. The Danger of Losing Our First Love: The church at Ephesus was commended for its doctrinal purity but warned for abandoning its first love. This serves as a cautionary tale for us to examine our own hearts and ensure our motivations are rooted in love for Christ, not mere duty. [39:56]
3. The Call to Remember, Repent, and Redo: The formula for spiritual renewal involves remembering our initial love for Christ, repenting of any drift, and returning to our first works. This process is essential for maintaining a vibrant relationship with Jesus. [41:52]
4. The Promise of Eternal Communion: Those who overcome are promised the right to eat from the tree of life, symbolizing eternal communion with God. This promise motivates us to persevere in our faith and love for Christ. [58:00]
5. Communion as a Call to Reflection: Partaking in communion is a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice and a call to examine our hearts. It invites us to renew our commitment to Jesus and His mission, ensuring our lives reflect His love and grace. [01:04:27]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [05:23] - Invitation to Connect
- [26:04] - Acknowledging Our Need for God
- [27:38] - Introduction to Revelation Series
- [29:05] - Reflections on Church Decline
- [30:40] - Personal Church Journey
- [32:12] - Revelation 2:1-3 Discussion
- [33:34] - Jesus Holds the Church
- [35:01] - The Authority of Jesus
- [36:38] - The Church as a Lampstand
- [38:14] - Jesus Knows Us Intimately
- [39:56] - The Danger of Legalism
- [41:52] - Call to Repentance
- [43:33] - Historical Context of Ephesus
- [45:00] - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
- [46:37] - Paul's Warning to Ephesus
- [48:06] - The Risk of False Teaching
- [49:41] - Indicators of Lost Love
- [51:27] - The Nicolaitans' Influence
- [53:10] - The Trap of Legalism
- [54:47] - Seeking Approval of God
- [56:12] - The Promise of Eternal Life
- [58:00] - Steps to Spiritual Renewal
- [59:50] - Daily Dependence on God
- [01:01:21] - The Gift of Repentance
- [01:02:50] - Questions for Reflection
- [01:04:27] - Communion as Remembrance
- [01:05:51] - Invitation to the Table
- [01:07:19] - Prayer and Reflection
- [01:10:53] - Next Steps and Invitation
- [01:12:03] - Call to Salvation
- [01:12:56] - Commitment to Local Church
- [01:13:40] - Generosity and Worship
- [01:14:27] - Closing and Mission Statement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Revelation 2:1-7
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Observation Questions:
1. What commendations did the church at Ephesus receive from Jesus in Revelation 2:1-3? How does this reflect their initial strengths? [32:12]
2. According to the sermon, what specific imagery is used to describe Jesus' relationship with the church, and what does it signify? [35:01]
3. What was the primary issue Jesus had against the church at Ephesus, and what were they instructed to do about it? [41:52]
4. How does the sermon describe the strategic importance of Ephesus in the early church, and what warning does its decline serve for us today? [43:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is it significant that Jesus holds the church in His right hand, and how does this imagery affect our understanding of His authority and involvement with the church? [35:01]
2. The sermon mentions the danger of becoming like the Pharisees. What does this mean in the context of the church at Ephesus, and how can this apply to modern churches? [39:56]
3. What does the call to "remember, repent, and redo" imply about the process of spiritual renewal, and why is each step important? [41:52]
4. How does the promise of eating from the tree of life serve as motivation for believers to overcome challenges in their faith journey? [58:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal walk with Jesus. Have you noticed any areas where you might have lost your first love for Him? What steps can you take to rekindle that passion? [49:41]
2. The sermon warns against legalism and losing the right motivation. How can you ensure that your actions and service are rooted in love for Christ rather than mere duty? [39:56]
3. Consider the call to "remember, repent, and redo." Is there a specific area in your life where you need to apply this process? What practical steps will you take this week? [41:52]
4. How can the imagery of Jesus holding the church in His right hand encourage you to trust in His authority and guidance in your personal and church life? [35:01]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of communion as a call to reflection. How can you use this practice to regularly examine your heart and renew your commitment to Christ? [01:04:27]
6. Think about the strategic role of the church in your community. How can you contribute to ensuring that your church remains a vibrant and effective light in the world? [43:33]
7. The sermon discusses the importance of forgiveness. Is there someone you need to forgive to prevent bitterness from taking root in your heart? How will you approach this situation? [54:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Authority and Intimate Involvement
Jesus holds the church in His right hand, symbolizing His authority and intimate involvement with His people. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder that the church belongs to Jesus, not to us. It is a call to humility and dependence on His guidance and strength. As we navigate our spiritual journeys, we must remember that Jesus is actively involved in our lives, walking among us and guiding us with His wisdom and love. This understanding should lead us to a posture of humility, recognizing that our strength and direction come from Him alone. [35:01]
"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 areas of your life do you need to acknowledge Jesus' authority and seek His guidance more intentionally today?
Day 2: Guarding Against Losing Our First Love
The church at Ephesus was commended for its doctrinal purity but warned for abandoning its first love. This serves as a cautionary tale for us to examine our own hearts and ensure our motivations are rooted in love for Christ, not mere duty. It is easy to become like the Pharisees, focusing on outward appearances while neglecting the heart. We must guard against this by continually nurturing our love for Jesus, ensuring that our actions are motivated by a genuine passion for Him rather than obligation. [39:56]
"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: What specific actions can you take today to rekindle your love for Jesus and ensure your motivations are rooted in genuine passion rather than duty?
Day 3: The Call to Remember, Repent, and Redo
The formula for spiritual renewal involves remembering our initial love for Christ, repenting of any drift, and returning to our first works. This process is essential for maintaining a vibrant relationship with Jesus. It requires honest self-examination and a willingness to change course when necessary. By remembering the passion and love we once had for Christ, we can identify areas where we have drifted and take steps to return to our first works, reigniting our relationship with Him. [41:52]
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." (Psalm 51:12, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when your love for Christ was at its strongest. What steps can you take today to return to that place of passion and commitment?
Day 4: The Promise of Eternal Communion
Those who overcome are promised the right to eat from the tree of life, symbolizing eternal communion with God. This promise motivates us to persevere in our faith and love for Christ. It is a reminder that our journey with Jesus is not just about the here and now but also about the eternal reward that awaits us. This eternal perspective should inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that our perseverance will lead to a deeper, everlasting communion with God. [58:00]
"To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7, ESV)
Reflection: How does the promise of eternal communion with God influence your daily walk with Christ? What can you do today to persevere in your faith?
Day 5: Communion as a Call to Reflection
Partaking in communion is a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice and a call to examine our hearts. It invites us to renew our commitment to Jesus and His mission, ensuring our lives reflect His love and grace. This act of remembrance is not just a ritual but a profound opportunity to reflect on our relationship with Christ and make any necessary changes. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the depth of Christ's love for us and are called to respond with a renewed commitment to live out His mission in our daily lives. [01:04:27]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: As you prepare to partake in communion, what areas of your life need examination and renewal? How can you ensure your life reflects Christ's love and grace today?
Quotes
1) "Lord, may we all be reminded today humbly. May we remember and reflect on your goodness, your grace, your sustaining power, our absolute dependence on you for life. life and for breath, and our dependence on you every moment of every day, both for eternity and in the here and now. And so in that humility, Lord, we want to acknowledge your presence this morning. We anticipate coming to the table, collectively remembering your goodness. And may we now cling on your word with desperation that we may grow in you this morning." [26:04] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "I don't know about you and your story, I have been a part of churches in the past in my life that have argued a lot, that have fought, that have divided, that have been filled with sin, that have not been unified, that have not been on mission and so if you have that part of your story and you can see the contrast of what healthy and non-healthy looks like, it makes me even more so grateful to be a part of this church where God's hand of favor is on it and so in humility with open hands and desperate need for him, we seek him every day because this is his church and we are just stewarding what he has entrusted to us." [30:40] (40 seconds)
3) "The church belongs to Jesus. And maybe the path that we most quickly begin to err is when we think with pride and arrogance that the church belongs to us. It isn't ours. It is Jesus who holds it grasped in his right hand. Why? Because he did the hard work that only he could do to purchase us with his own blood. And therefore, he holds us dearly. And he not only holds the leaders and the church, the lampstand, he walks among them. The tense of this word is important. It's a continuous active present tense. In other words, Jesus does not just take joy in purchasing us. He is engaged with us. He's in the middle of all that's going on every single day. Therefore, nothing is hidden from him. Nothing catches him by surprise." [35:01] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "What we do for the Lord matters. But why we do it matters more. The why and the heart and the motivation is more important than the action. This is an Old Testament challenge. To obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of lambs. So this should bring a warning for us. I don't know about you. I'm starting to internalize. Have I lost my first love? What is that even look like? What does that even mean? Let me quickly give you, through my research, kind of four indicators, four indicators that maybe we've lost our first love." [49:41] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Remember, remember the time, for those of you who may feel like you've grown stale and you've grown stagnant, maybe you feel today that you're distant from God and you want to rekindle what once was there. Let me just ask you something. What is the moment of desperation? What is the moment of desperation? What is the moment of repentance? Are you spending time in His Word? Is there a rhythm in your life every day of talking with Him and communicating with Him? Or have you broken that rhythm and that time with Him? You may say, I remember how I used to pray. Well, let's remember, let's repent, and let's redo in that same heart and in that same spirit." [59:50] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Repentance means literally to have another mind. And here's the beauty of it. Repentance is a divine gift from God that shows His steadfast loyalty, and it must be met with human responsibility. God gives us the ability or the desire to repent, but we have to exercise the will to repent. And we have to exercise the will to repent. We have to exercise the will to act on that spirit of repentance, to say, I'm going to make some changes. I'm not going to keep doing the same thing with the same people in the same way. I'm going to turn to Him." [01:01:21] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Tell me what you think about the most, and I'll tell you what you love the most. Tell me what you talk about the most, and I'll tell you what you love the most. Tell me what excites you the most, I'll tell you what you love the most. My prayer for you, my prayer for me, my prayer for us is that the answer to all of those things, what we think about the most, what we talk about the most, what excites us the most would be one answer, Jesus, and Jesus crucified. May he be our life and our breath." [01:02:50] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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