Church Love Me Ephesus Title: Church, Love Me! Text: Revelation 2:1-7 Tracing: Preached 5/20/90 at SDCC. Topic: First Love Theme:
Nutshell:
Objectives:
Prim Goal :
Intnd Aud.:
Intro.: John’s long life – outlived other apostles, preached in Ephesus for many years – was banished (by Diocletian?) to the isle of Patmos late in life – while there was praying on the Lord’s Day when Jesus appeared, beginning John’s Revelation – Jesus dictated letters to the seven major churches in the province of Asia. These feature commendations, condemnations, and cures for the churches. Some question as to the application of the letters: – to the actual churches (certain) – to these characteristics in any church (certain) – to the ages of History (?) This possibility will become especially significant when we study the letter to the Laodiceans. Ephesus – principle city of Asia (Ephesians named for it) center of Business, Political Power, Religion. Very idolatrous — but the church was strong: Paul’s 3-yr stay, no “prominent” problems. It is to this city that Jesus directs His first letter: perhaps because of its importance! First & last positions are of greater importance, linguistically in Greek, in Greek thought, in common knowledge among communicators (what people remember is the first and last two minutes of a message). Interesting to note that the first and last of these letters deal with related problems, the most insidious of all: Loss of first-love and Lukewarmness. Both are related to apathy and complacency. Read Revelation 2:1-7. Body: Jesus says,”I know your deeds…”. Can be good or bad — He knows ours as well. I. Notice 1st His Commendation v. 1-3 A. Hard work and perseverance v.2a,3 This was not a church prone to “throw in the towel”. They were hard working and persistent. Not daunted by labor (the work of evangelism is hard) or hardships. They must have been a model of consistency – always trying to advance the kingdom. B. Hatred of false teaching v.2b They investigated the claims and debunked those claiming equal authority with the apostles. This was surely not a claim to be among the original Twelve but instead either a claim to have been appointed later, probably with a miraculous appearance (as Paul) or to be successors to the Twelve. Either could be investigated and this was done. We say, “Yes, this relates! I’ve worked hard, etc.” but then… II. Notice also His Criticism: They had lost their first love! v.4 – For God (most suppose) Remember the excitement of your earlier Christian life? Was there a time when you had more joy, more enthusiasm, a greater desire to study and share with others? If so, you must take care to rekindle it — its loss is a disappointment to God and, uncorrected, a death sentence to the church!. – (or) For Brethren (and, necessarily, for God) This would corrupt, destroy, and disprove their love for God! See I Jn. 4:20-21! It is possible that the very trait for which they were commended, when allowed to get out of balance, led to their problem. Isn’t it likely that in their commendable hatred of false teaching they gradually began to hate the false teachers and those who, in deception, followed them? This would lead to divisiveness and a lack of love! THIS IS A DANGER TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE ZEALOUS IN THE DEFENSE OF TRUTH! There is the tendency to want to condemn those that are deceived or are deceivers instead of to correct them. THERE MUST BE BALANCE! We need to hate the teaching but not the teacher or the deceived. III. There is a Cure. v.5 1. REMEMBER – Recall what things were like at first. Remember your excitement, your hunger for His word, your view of the church, your trust in Him. Remember what you did, said, and thought. 2. REPENT – Recognize and turn from your shortcomings. Give them up! 3. REPEAT – Return to your deeds of the past: do the things you did and think the way you thought and that will lead to feeling the way you felt. FAILURE TO RECOVER FIRST-LOVE LEADS TO THE DEATH OF THE CHURCH! Conc.:
Comments: Prepared by Scott L. Purcell Minister of Stokelan Drive Christian Church 1501 Stokelan Drive Malden, MO 63863 (314) 276-2343 Reproduce, modify, and use freely for the glory of God and the Growth of the Kingdom! If these outlines are of some benefit to you, a note, postcard, or phone-call would be most welcome!