The Message to Ephesus
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The Message to Ephesus
1. Stand Strong in the Truth
Jesus begins his message to the church in Ephesus by commending their endurance and discernment. This church was located in a significant city—the fourth largest in the Roman Empire—and had a rich spiritual heritage, having been served by Paul, Timothy, and John. It was also a center of religious pluralism and idol worship, notably the temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Despite this environment, the Ephesian believers stood strong. Jesus says, "I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance... you have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false." They worked hard, endured much, and remained doctrinally sound. Even in the face of opposition and cultural pressure, they refused to compromise.
They also rejected the teachings of the Nicolaitans, a group likely promoting syncretism—a dangerous blend of Christian faith with pagan practices. The Ephesians would not tolerate such false teaching, and Jesus commended them for it.
This is a call to us as well. In an age where truth is often sacrificed for relevance or cultural acceptance, we are reminded that true faith clings to truth. We must not let the message of the world dilute the gospel.
2. Stay Tender to Love
After the commendation, Jesus gives a sobering rebuke: "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first."
This "first love" likely refers both to their love for God and their love for others. It is the eager, joyful, sacrificial love that characterizes the beginning of a walk with Christ. It's the kind of love that drives someone to share their faith, devour the Word, and seek God's presence with passion.
Over time, this love had faded in Ephesus. Perhaps it was due to persecution, inner conflict, or just the familiarity of routine. Whatever the cause, their passion had waned.
The dangerous part is that this lack of love was happening alongside sound doctrine and faithful service. It's entirely possible to be busy in church, theologically correct, and still have a cold heart.
Jesus calls them (and us) to:
Remember where you were
Recall the joy, zeal, and devotion that marked your early days of faith.
Repent of where you are
Acknowledge the drift. Stop pretending. Be honest about the condition of your heart.
Return to what can be
Do the things you did at first. Pursue God in the same ways, and let your heart catch up. Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
If they refuse to repent, Jesus warns, "I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." The lampstand represents the church itself. Without love, their light would be extinguished. Doctrine without love leads to death.
3. Strive for Future Reward
The message ends with both a call and a promise:
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."
This reward points all the way back to Eden and forward to Revelation 22. The tree of life, once barred to humanity because of sin, will one day be restored to those who overcome.
The one who "conquers" is the one who endures, who repents, who returns to first love and lives out their faith in obedience and affection.
This message is not just for Ephesus. It is for every church. Every believer. Jesus is calling us not only to truth and endurance but to tender-hearted love for him and for others. That is the light that shines. That is the life that lasts.
Final Challenge
How is your spiritual love life? Are you still burning with first love for God? Do you still pursue him with joy? Or have you become content with knowledge and activity alone?
If your love has grown cold, you know the steps:
Remember where you were
Repent of where you are
Return to what can be
Do not let the light go out. Rekindle the love. Return to Jesus.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Revelation
Sermon Title: The Message to Ephesus
Date: Feb 4, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Revelation 2:1–7
Acts 19
Acts 20
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