Have you lost your first love?

The Gathering

Wednesday September 28, 2011

“Have you lost your first love?”

Revelation 2:1-7

Theme Verse: Revelation 1:19

Author: John

Background: This book was intended to encourage Christians through the centuries, especially the Christians in the 1-3 centuries who faced the fiercest of persecution for their faith (death, homeless, etc). In the midst of these fierce persecutions, God had John write a letter to encourage all who read and give a better understanding of His plans.

Things which are

Church Age

(Present)

Background of city of Ephesus:

-1) Largest city (approx. 25000)

-2) Important for commercial center and great seaport

-3) Known for their devotion to the cult Artemis (Latin: Diana) (Acts 19:28)

-4) Church known for their works, faithfulness to sound doctrine, labor…

-5) Begin on Paul’s third missionary people turned from sorcery to Christ.

-6) Their motives gradually moved from love to duty

-7) Repent and turn to their first love.    

“The church of Ephesus was described as the typical church of the first century.”

Two fold purpose for this letter:

1) Christ’s commendation

          -Works

          -Labor

          -Patience

          -Faithfulness

          -Intolerance to the wrong teaching

2) Christ’s warning

          -To “return to its first love”

No amount of religious ceremony, labor, or loyalty can make up for a lack of Christian love.

(1 Cor. 13:2-3; Matthew 22:37-40)

          -Motives shifted from love to duty

-God will remove the witness if they don’t repent

Recognize:

1) Need of a daily walk with God in a vibrant, live-giving relationship, confessing sin, finding guidance in Him.

2) The difference this love for God makes in our lives

3) The severity of the problem of losing our love for Christ.

Who holds the keys of hell and death and determines the destinies of nations and individuals (Psalms 9:16; Acts 17:31).

How about you?

Have you lost your connection with God?

Is there sin blocking your love?