“When love dies, orthodox doctrine becomes a corpse, a powerless formalism.” — C. H. Spurgeon
The first letter from Jesus in the book of Revelation is to the church in Ephesus. Scholars believe that John was serving this church when he was arrested and sent into exile. Ephesus had the benefit of the apostle John’s teaching over the course of many years. While there, he wrote 1, 2, and 3 John. These epistles primarily deal with the issues of love and truth. Jesus’ words of rebuke are interesting when we consider that this church personally received in-depth teaching and the life example of the “Apostle of Love.”
Jesus acknowledges and commends this church’s commitment to sound doctrine and to purity and their faithful labors and perseverance for His sake. But He confronts them with the fact that they have abandoned the love that was once the spring of their orthodox doctrine and practice.
In spite of His concern, Jesus doesn’t leave these believers without hope; He gives the prescription to regain what they’ve lost. He includes a stern warning to those who neglect their love relationship with Him but ends with a gracious promise to those who “overcome.” (Some translations read “the one who conquers.”) The concept of a true Christian being one who “conquers” or “overcomes” is a thread throughout the book of Revelation. This topic will be explored at the conclusion of this study.
MAKING IT PERSONAL:
Read Acts 18–20 to gain helpful background information about the history and spiritual heritage of the church in Ephesus. How long did Paul spend in Ephesus establishing and teaching this church (see Acts 20:31)? Keep in mind that the message in Revelation 2 was sent almost four decades after the church was founded.
Read Jesus’ message to the church in Ephesus (Rev. 2:1–7).
What does He commend these believers for (Rev. 2:2–3)? What does this indicate about God’s view on holding “right doctrine”?
What is Jesus’ problem with this church (Rev. 2:4)? Place this answer in the “Concerns” column. Jesus is issuing the cry of a wounded lover. We’ve heard strains of this same chorus before (Jer. 2:2, 5, 11–13, 32; Hos. 4:12 6:4, 6–7, 13–14; 11:4; 12:6; 2 Cor. 11:2–3.)
How would you describe your current relationship with Jesus? Where is your heart in relation to loving Him? To help in this spiritual evaluation, review Nancy’s “40 Evidences That You May Have Left Your First Love” (Appendix C ).
What things in your life compete with your love for Christ?
What instructions did Jesus give to those who have left their first love (Rev. 2:5)? In light of this counsel and the list you compiled above, what steps could you take to restore your love for Christ?
What warning does Jesus issue to this church (Rev. 2:5)? What might it look like for a church to have its “lampstand removed”? (Perhaps you have seen a church that is still functioning, programs are fully operational, and plenty of people filling the pews—but the “light” of God’s glory has departed.)
What promise is given to “the one who conquers” (Rev. 2:7)? Read more about this tree in Revelation 22:1–5. This promise is a reversal of the consequences of sin in the garden of Eden (Gen. 3:22–24)!
What “tree” opened the way for us to partake of the tree of life? (See 1 Pet. 2:24.) Spend some time thanking Him for that today.
Adapted from Learning From the Churches of Revelations Based on the Teachings of Nancy Leigh DeMoss
