Sermon Notes:
EXPOSITIONS OF REVELATION 2 & 3
I. THE LEITER TO EPHESUS: LOVE. 2:1-7
AUGUST 13, 2006
Introduction.
Ephesus was situated on a trade route from Rome to the East. Its temple in honor of Diana was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. St. Paul spent 2.5 years in Ephesus preaching and teaching the Gospel. Acts 19. Paul leaves Timothy in Ephesus when he departs.
I. Christ's commendation of the Ephesians.
In each of the seven letters the Lord Jesus passes moral judgment on the local church. Three virtues are exhibited by the Church at Ephesus for which she is commended:
a) Love for the Lord. These people worked diligently for the Kingdom of Christ.
b) Endurance in the face of strong opposition. The Church was opposed by those involved in the worship of the goddess Diana.
c) Faithfulness to the Word of God. The Church stood firm in the face of false teaching.
II. Christ's complaint against the Ephesians.
They had left their first love, their love for Christ. They had fallen into a form of mediocrity. The Ephesians, like the ancient Hebrews, had flirted with the world and had been influenced by the world. But the Lord Jesus calls them back to Himself, even as He did His people of old. Colossians 3:14. Christian love should pervade all our thoughts, words and deeds. This will have great effect in the life of a believer:
a) It produces in us a deeper worship of the Triune God. The love of Christ compels us to true worship.
b) It produces a prompt obedience in us. Love = loyalty to Christ and His Word. It is bringing our sinful wills under His control. John 14:15, 21, 23. The church which loves is a church which obeys.
c) It produces more sacrificia1love for others. The love of Christ is eminently practical for daily Christian living. I John 4:20. The world says love means "getting." The Bible teaches that love means "giving." I John 3:17-18.
III. Christ's command to the Ephesians.
He recalls the Church to her first love by the use of 3 words:
a) Remember - what you once were in terms oflove for Christ.
b) Repent - immediately.
c) Rekindle - your early devotion to the Lord.
