Returning to Our First Love for Christ
Summary
Today is a call to move beyond simply going through the motions of faith and to return to a place of wholehearted devotion to Jesus. God is not looking for people who just show up out of routine or obligation, but for those who come with expectation, hunger, and a desire to be changed by His presence. The book of Revelation, often misunderstood as a book of fear or only about the end times, is actually a message of hope and victory for the church—reminding us that Jesus is alive, victorious, and at the very center of His church. He walks among us, and He desires to speak directly to our hearts.
The letter to the church in Ephesus is a sobering reminder that it is possible to do all the right things—serve, give, persevere, and even suffer for Christ—yet lose the very heart of our relationship with Him. Jesus commends the Ephesians for their faithfulness and discernment, but He confronts them for losing their first love. The danger is that we can become so busy with good works, ministry, and even defending truth, that our affection for Jesus grows cold. He wants more than our hands; He wants our hearts. The call is to remember what it was like when we first encountered Him, to repent of anything that has taken His place, and to return to the passionate, surrendered love we once had.
This is not a call to abandon good works or service, but to ensure that everything we do flows from a place of love and devotion. When our hearts are aligned with Jesus, serving, giving, and sharing our faith become a joy, not a burden. Our strength is renewed in His presence, and our lives become a testimony of His love to the world. The invitation is to come back to our first love, to consecrate ourselves afresh, and to let our lives be marked by genuine devotion rather than empty routine.
Key Takeaways
- Revelation is a Book of Hope, Not Fear
The book of Revelation is not meant to create anxiety about the future, but to fill us with hope in the victory of Jesus. It reveals that, despite opposition and hardship, Christ is alive, victorious, and present with His church. Our confidence is not in our circumstances, but in the One who holds the keys of death and hell and promises ultimate triumph for His people. [02:47]
- God Desires Our Hearts, Not Just Our Hands
It is possible to be active in ministry, faithful in service, and even doctrinally sound, yet miss the heart of what God desires—our love and devotion. Jesus rebuked the Ephesians not for what they were doing, but for losing their first love. He wants transformation from the inside out, where our actions are fueled by a deep, personal relationship with Him, not just by duty or routine. [10:24]
- First Love is Marked by Sacrifice and Joy, Not Complaint
When we are living from a place of first love, sacrifice is a joy and not a burden. Complaints and a sense of obligation are signs that our hearts have drifted. True devotion to Jesus makes us willing to give, serve, and endure for Him without counting the cost, because our affection for Him outweighs any inconvenience or sacrifice. [21:28]
- Devotion Fuels Our Strength and Witness
Burnout and weariness often come when we serve from obligation rather than devotion. Our spiritual vitality is sustained by intimacy with Jesus—He is our source of strength. When we are close to Him, our passion is renewed, and sharing our faith becomes a natural overflow of our love for Him, not a forced duty. [26:07]
- Returning to First Love Requires Remembering, Repenting, and Returning
The way back to first love is clear: remember what Jesus has done, repent of anything that has taken His place, and return to the practices and passion of our early days with Him. This is not just a one-time event, but a continual posture of the heart—choosing daily to put Jesus first, to seek His presence, and to let our lives be marked by wholehearted consecration. [28:40]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - Opening Prayer and Expectation
[02:47] - Revelation: A Book of Hope and Victory
[05:36] - Jesus Among the Lampstands: His Presence in the Church
[06:29] - Hearing What the Spirit Says
[07:50] - The Letter to the Church in Ephesus
[09:56] - The Danger of Losing First Love
[12:18] - From Motions to Devotion: A Personal Story
[14:16] - Heart Motivation vs. Outward Actions
[16:32] - Autopilot Living and Missing God’s Purpose
[18:11] - Living with God’s Purpose in Everyday Life
[19:36] - Giving, Expansion, and Heart Motivation
[21:28] - Signs of Lost Devotion: Complaints and Duty
[23:53] - First Love Fuels Evangelism
[26:07] - Strength from Devotion, Not Duty
[28:40] - Remember, Repent, and Return
[33:24] - The Early Church’s Consecration
[37:07] - Consecration and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Returning to Our First Love
---
### Bible Reading
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.’”
---
### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the things Jesus commends the church in Ephesus for doing well? ([08:48])
2. According to the passage, what does Jesus have against the church in Ephesus? ([09:56])
3. What specific instructions does Jesus give to the church in Ephesus to help them return to their first love? ([28:40])
4. In the sermon, what are some signs mentioned that show when someone has lost their first love for Jesus? ([21:28])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think it’s possible for a church or a person to be active in good works and still lose their first love for Jesus? ([10:24])
2. What does it mean for our actions to flow from devotion rather than duty? How might this look different in everyday life? ([14:16])
3. The sermon mentions that burnout and weariness can come from serving out of obligation. How does intimacy with Jesus renew our strength and passion? ([26:07])
4. Jesus tells the church to “remember, repent, and return.” Why are each of these steps important in restoring wholehearted devotion? ([28:40])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us not to just “go through the motions” of faith. Are there areas in your life where you feel you’re just doing things out of routine or obligation? What would it look like to invite Jesus into those areas afresh? ([16:32])
2. Think back to when you first encountered Jesus or had a season of passionate faith. What was different about your attitude, actions, or priorities then compared to now? ([28:40])
3. The message says, “God wants more than our hands; He wants our hearts.” What is one practical way you can shift your motivation from duty to devotion this week? ([10:24])
4. Complaints and a sense of obligation are signs that our hearts have drifted. Are there things you find yourself complaining about in your walk with God or in serving others? What might this reveal about your heart? ([21:28])
5. The sermon talks about remembering, repenting, and returning. Is there something specific you need to repent of—something that has taken Jesus’ place in your heart? How can you take a step to return to your first love this week? ([30:05])
6. When was the last time you shared your faith or talked about Jesus with someone out of genuine excitement, not obligation? What could help you recapture that joy? ([23:53])
7. The early church in Ephesus was marked by radical devotion and sacrifice. What is one area of your life where you sense God inviting you to consecrate yourself more fully to Him? ([33:24])
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person remember, repent, and return to their first love for Jesus.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Desires Our Devotion, Not Just Our Actions
Jesus calls us beyond routine and outward works to a living, passionate relationship with Him. He is not satisfied with mere activity or religious duty; He wants our hearts, our affection, and our wholehearted devotion. When we focus only on doing the right things, we risk losing the joy, strength, and intimacy that come from loving Him first. Let us remember that Jesus is in the midst of His church, longing for us to return to our first love, to seek Him above all else, and to let every act of service flow from a place of deep love for Him. [10:24]
Revelation 2:2-5 (ESV)
“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.”
Reflection: In what area of your life have you been going through the motions, and how can you intentionally return to loving Jesus with your whole heart today?
Day 2: Remembering and Repenting Restores Our First Love
When our hearts grow distant, Jesus invites us to remember His goodness and repent for letting other things take His place. Remembering awakens gratitude and stirs up our love for Him, while repentance clears away distractions and idols that have crept in. As we recall how He has saved, comforted, and transformed us, we are drawn back to the wonder of His love. Repentance is not about shame, but about realigning our hearts so that Jesus is once again our greatest treasure and first love. [30:05]
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: Take a moment to remember a time when you felt closest to Jesus—what has changed since then, and what do you need to surrender or repent of to return to that place of intimacy?
Day 3: Our Strength Is Renewed in God’s Presence
True strength for life’s challenges comes not from our own efforts, but from time spent in God’s presence. When we are connected to Him, our passion is rekindled and our spiritual flame is fueled. Burnout often comes when we lose touch with the source of our strength—Jesus Himself. As we hope in the Lord, He renews us, enabling us to soar above weariness and walk in His power. Let us make space for Sabbath, worship, and daily moments of devotion, knowing that our strength is found in drawing near to Him. [26:07]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Reflection: What is one practical way you can pause today to be in God’s presence and allow Him to renew your strength?
Day 4: First Love Fuels Sacrifice and Generosity
When our hearts are set on Jesus as our first love, sacrifice and generosity become a joy, not a burden. We no longer count the cost or give out of obligation, but out of devotion and gratitude for all He has done. Our giving—whether of time, resources, or service—flows from a place of love, not duty. When we unite our hearts with God’s purpose, we find freedom and fulfillment, and our lives become a living testimony of His grace. [21:28]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Reflection: Is there an area where giving or serving has become a duty for you? How can you invite God to rekindle joy and devotion in that area today?
Day 5: Consecration Means Returning to Wholehearted Surrender
God calls us to consecrate ourselves—to set our hearts apart for Him and surrender every area of our lives. The early church in Ephesus was marked by radical devotion, willing to give up anything for Jesus. Over time, fervency can fade, but the invitation remains: return to wholehearted surrender. Whether it means stepping out in worship, letting go of distractions, or saying “yes” to God in a new way, He desires our full consecration. Let us break out of routine and offer Him our hearts afresh, declaring that He is worthy of our all. [33:24]
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Reflection: What is one specific step you can take today to consecrate your heart and life more fully to Jesus?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jul 06, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?