SCRIPTURE: Revelation 2:1-7

INTRODUCTION:

In the second and third chapters of the Revelation contains messages directed to each of the specific churches.

Each message begins with the words UNTO [ or, to] the angel of the church of [ or, in ]. . . . . Each message ends with the words "HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES."

This is followed by a special promise to the church.

It is reassuring and challenging to be reminded that the Spirit does speak to churches even today.

In (Acts 13:1-3) it is reported that, while the leaders of the church of Antioch prayed and fasted, the Spirit spoke to them.

One wonders if, should the Church pray and fast more often, it might hear the Spirit speaking more precisely and frequently.

However, there does seem to be a pattern of the Spirit’s message in these two chapters.

There is a word of commendation, a word of condemnation, and a word of challenge.

The Spirit reminds churches that He knows all about them, and whatever their condition, the possibility of overcoming is always there.

I. THERE IS A WORD OF COMMENDATION SOUND IN DOCTRINE, BUT SHORT ON LOVE

A. First . THE PASTOR OF THIS CHURCH IS TOLD THAT THEIR INTENSE DEVOTION IS KNOWN.

They have made clear distinctions between RIGHT and WRONG.

Between LOYALTY and DISLOYALTY, between TRUTH and ERROR.

B. Second . THEY HELD PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY LEADERS, UNDER THE JUDGMENT OF THESE CLEAR DISTINCTIONS.

They did not take people for what they said they were but what they had found them to be.

There is much that can and ought to be said for a strict holding to fundamentals. LOOSE and CARELESS thinking that allows the lines to BLUR takes a tragic toll of the spirit.

C. Third . FAILURE TO DISCERN OPENS THE DOOR FOR THE EROSION OF CONVICTION.

TOLERANCE at its best has limits, or it results in PERMISSIVENESS.

II. THERE IS A WORD OF COMMENDATION I KNOW THY WORKS (v.2)

A. First . A LITTLE CRACK IN THE WALL ALLOWS THE FLOOD TO SWEEP IN.

It is a long and tiring battle to stand firm against compromise. Jesus reminds this church that He knows of their determination to be true and that they have not grown weary.

B. Second . THEY WERE TIRELESS DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH.

III. THEIRE IS A WORD OF CHALLENGE NEVERTHELESS I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THEE. (v.4)

A. First . The commendation is followed by the warning.

This is the warning that the church at Ephesus will always be remembered.

They had left their first love. What a tragedy!

B. Second . THE CITY OF EPHESUS WAS LOCATED BY A HARBOR.

There was continually changing because of it situation. The water became land, and land became water. Like the city harbor, the church’s love had moved.

The glow and excitement that had equaled Pentecost, in WARMTH if not in NUMBERS. Had been lost. DOCTRINALLY CORRECT, the church was yet lacking in the LOVE which had accompanied its birth.

C. Third . MAINTAINING THE GLOW IS NOT AN AUTOMATIC EXPERIENCE FOR THE CHRISTIAN.

One must be constantly aware of trends which allows the loss of love. There is, of course a natural rhythm to life that cannot be ignored.

IV. REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHENCE THOU ART FALLEN AND REPENT. (v.5)

A. First . THE LORD SUGGEST, REMEMBER THEREFORE,

From whence thou art fallen, indicates it is not the natural rise and fall of feelings that is condemned. It is rather the loss of one’s highest love. They had settled for less than one’s highest. They had a consistent discernment without steadfast commitment a peril all must avoid.

B. Second .THE DEEDS OF THE NICOLAITANS INDICATED THAT THEY WERE BETTER AT HATING THAN LOVING.

If one loves as Jesus loves, then he can hate what Jesus hates (EVIL DEEDS). Hated of sin, so important for the Christian, must not be had at the cost of love. This church was against sin with such vigor that it had left its first love.

C. Third . TWO ACTIONS ARE ADVISED: REMEMBER AND REPENT.

Then followed by the second "DO THE FIRST WORKS."

In the midst of struggles one must find time to remember.

It is not that advances by always looking back, but the reflection of viewing again one’s first love first commitment.

The call to repent is the Lord’s solution.

Identifying and turning away from compromise of commitment means returning to the first works.

V. TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH I WILL GIVE TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE, (v.7)

A. First . THE MESSAGE CONCLUDES WITH A PROMISE AND A CHALLENGE.

The loss of their first love can be regained.

The church can overcome the problem and deficiency. The speaking Spirit may point out failures or inadequacies, but He also calls to victorious outcomes.

B. Second . IN EVERY SITUATION THE PEOPLE OF GOD CAN AND SHOULD OVERCOME.

The promise for those who follow Jesus await’s the successful conquest.

C. Third . THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS IS PROMISED THE OPPORTUNITY OF EATING OF THE TREE OF LIFE, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

( Genesis 2) tells that in the Garden of Eden God made trees to grow pleasant to the sight and good for food. Among these trees were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve lost, but what the Bible is saying is that loss thing can be recovered. And it also has far reaching and long lasting possibilities.

CONCLUSION:

Where are you in your Christian walk,? have you lost your first love?