Love Lifted Me
Revelation 2:1-7
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The church at Ephesus was active but deficient in love. Matthew 23:27 (NIV). May we learn from this church and discover how the Spirit would have us respond.
- Someone has moved.
- Remember your beginnings.
- Repent and change.
1. Someone has moved. Revelation 2:4 (NIV)
Ephesus was a commercial, political, and religious center for western Asia. The temple of Diana was located there. Diana was the goddess of fertility. Paul labored there for three years and built a strong church. As a result, many who once worshipped the goddess now had turned to Christ. It caused many who supplied silver to those who offered sacrifice to Diana, to lose trade and money. This church was great, but something happened. They moved away from God. They became too busy, full of pride, consumed with making money, and complacent.
They were still full of good works. They made money and they tithed. They prayed, but without compassion. It was the prayer of the Pharisee, "Help me, Lord, I'm worthy." God spoke to John on the Isle of Patmos and said, "I see your works. I see your perseverance. I know you have not become weary. What's the problem?" They had become divided. They had lost their first love. They were bankrupt in passion, and they were building a house on sinking sand. Matthew 7:26, 27 (NIV).
2. Remember your beginnings. Revelation 2:5a (NIV)
On every surveyor's map, you will see three letters - P.O.B. It means simply, "Point of beginning." In other words, every part of the accuracy of the survey is dependent upon where the starting point was located. John said, "Remember the height (the beginning) from which you have fallen." He challenged them to remember the:
- Thrill of knowing the truth.
- Joy of being liberated from selfish bondage.
- Happiness of being guilt-free.
- Passion of loving so much, it dominated their actions.
- Privilege of close fellowship with God.
God spoke through Isaiah in Isaiah 1:18 (NIV). This church is challenged to return to the point of beginning and this would enable them to find a treasure now buried in sinful ways.
Example of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-24:
- Had all he needed,
- Was heir of his father’s estate,
- Left for greener pastures,
- Came to his senses.
Luke 15:17 (NIV). What did he decide to do about his plight once he remembered his beginnings? He went home! Luke 15:18-20 (NIV). Far too often it takes a real pig pen to cause us to remember the blessing of our first love's beginning.
3. Repent and change. Revelation 2:5b (NIV)
God gave the door of grace a shove open and shoved the road map back to the beginning:
- repent.
- return to your first love.
- re-establish God's place in your heart.
Revelation 3:20 (NIV). True repentance is an admission of wrong, change of actions, and pursuit of God. Jeremiah spoke to the people of Israel in Jeremiah 35:15 (NIV). God gave this church a consequence if they did not repent:
- "I will remove the lampstand from its place."
- "Hear what My Spirit is saying."
In other words, if you do not, “I will remove My Spirit, anointing, and divine favor from your presence.” He also stated that if they would repent,
- He would restore them.
- He would place them in high favor.
Revelation 2:7 (NIV)
- Stay close to God.
- Keep Godly passion alive.
- If you move, repent and seek God's grace!