CENTRAL THOUGHT
God is displeased when His Grace is taken for granted.
Hymn: “Take my life, and let it be…”
TEXT: REV. 2:1-7
INTRODUCTION:
The Lord Jesus Christ knows His church fully well. He is the Head, while the church is His body. The church derives her ministry and authority by being firmly rooted on the eternal foundation laid by Christ. Seven revelational letters were written to seven churches as direct messages from the glorified Christ. Each letter follows a similar pattern of an introduction of Himself, commendation for the church, complaint against the church, a call to action, and a promise to the faithful. The common theme of the letters is “Persevering in faith” and is designed as a reminder of their allegiance to God. The letters are addressed to the “Angel” (Guardian, Pastor, Overseer) of the church.
Ephesus was a famous city and the church here was a center for the spread of the gospel in Asia. This church was in constant struggle with false teachers, and this attracted the attention of Jesus Christ.
In this study we shall examine the contents of Christ’s letter to the church in Ephesus with a view to drawing valuable lessons.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this lesson are to:
- Explain the significance of Christ’s introduction
- Identify points of commendation for this church
- State points of complaint against this church
- Discuss the instructions and promises to this church
- Relate the state of this church to present day Christian experience
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) HOW DID CHRIST INTRODUCE HIMSELF, AND OF WHAT SIGNIFICANCE IS IT?
Rev. 2:1
Jesus Christ introduced Himself to the church in Ephesus as “He that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candle sticks.” The stars refer to God’s agents of leadership in the Church, while the golden candle sticks refer to the church itself (Rev. 1:20). Both the stars and the candle sticks are known for light which shines brighter in darkness. “Right hand” is indicative of authority, while “golden” implies high level of treasure. Ministers are extensions of Christ’s authority and the church is a treasure of high value to Christ. He sustains His ministers and looks after His church.
QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE THE POINTS OF COMMENDATION FOR THIS CHURCH? Rev. 2:2-5
The commendation of this church is capped in “works and labor” that is known to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. They were commended for their diligence in duty, patience, suffering, and zeal against what was evil. Diligence and good works must be accompanied with patience to bear,and patience to wait to receive the promise. They exercised the gift of discernment and were able to detect “apostolic imposters”.
QUESTION 3) WHAT WERE THE POINTS OF COMPLAINT AGAINST THIS CHURCH? Rev. 2:4
The Lord expressed just one reservation about this church, and it bothered on the foundation of Faith. “Thou have left thy first love.” It was not stolen, neither was it lost. It was carelessly consigned to the background, perhaps due to much labor and much pains from trials. They started gradually to ignore that warm and lively affection for Christ and for one another, and soon it abated and cooled off. Love is the basic law of the kingdom. First love is love for God at all times. Second love is love for one self and neighbor. First love is the foundation for the true manifestation of the second love.
QUESTION 4) DISCUSS THE INSTRUCTIONS AND PROMISES PLACED BEFORE THIS CHURCH. Rev. 2:5-7
The instruction given to the church at Ephesus was a warning with consequences for disobedience. The warning has three prongs has follows:
a. Remember whence thou art fallen: They must compare their present state with former state, meditatively, to see how much they degenerated i.e self evaluation.
b. Repent: This means to return, endeavor to revive and recover their first zeal.
c. Do the first works: This means to begin again, and rebuild their love and lively affection for God.
They are warned of severe consequences if they neglect to heed the instructions. First, they will be caught unawares by God’s judgement. Also, the grace of God bestowed on them will cease to function. A slight on the Spirit of God will definitely attract His displeasure.
The promise of reservation is however restated by Christ to this church (Rev. 2:7). To him that overcometh, there is a promise of great mercy, glorious triumph, and the reward of eternal life.
QUESTION 5.) HOW DO WE RELATE THE STATE OF THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS TO PRESENT DAY CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE?
It appears that everything mentioned about the church in Ephesus are complete in today’s church. Today, the church is busy with programmes and projects all year round. Yet there is an upsurge of false prophets and deceivers doing everything to make merchandize of the church. The church has departed from her first love (which is to fully love God) and are busy with motivational quotes and talks instead of doctrine. The present-day church has not been able to resist the god of mammon.
The same warning Christ gave to the church in Ephesus practically applies:
a. Remember from where you have fallen
b. Repent, revive, and recover from slumber
c. Do the first works. The church must return to Godly priority and order.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
Christ has great affection for His ministers and the church, who are His agents of continuity here on earth. He is interested in how the church is faring with the divine resources He has bestowed on her. Leaders and members must give due diligence to Scriptural details of doctrine and faith. For no reason must the church submit to compromise and false apostles. To slight the grace of God is to attract the displeasure of our Lord Jesus Christ.
MEMORY VERSE:
REV. 2:7A
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches…”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
MON: The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous. Psalm 1:6
TUE: Try the spirits, whether they be of God. John 4:1
WED: Christ endured the contradiction of sinners. Hebrews 12:3
THU: Deceitful workers and angels of satan.
2 Corinthians 11:13-14
FRI: Let us not be weary in well-doing. Galatians 6:9
SAT: Beware of false prophets with damnable heresies.
2 Peter 2:1