Revelation 2:1-7 -- The LOVELESS Church (Part 1)

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’
Revelation 2:1-7

Pastor Danny Forshee, Great Hills Baptist Church, March 9 2014:



Outline:

1. Identification (v. 1):
   - Jesus
   - The City
   - The Church
   - Acts 19:27 -- Paul rebuked the cronyism in the 'temple' of Diana
2. Commendation (v. 2-3, 6)
   A. Works
   B. Labor (to the point of Exhaustion)
   C. Perseverance
   D. INTOLERANCE OF SIN
   E. Church Discipline
        - Acts 20:28-31
   F. Tireless Labor
   G. Hatred of the deeds of the Nicolaitans.

Highlights:

• In New Testament times, it was inconceivable for believers no to join up with a local church.

• In all their activity for Jesus, the Church at Ephesus had forgotten intimacy WITH Jesus.

• When Jesus says something at the beginning of Revelation, He returns to it at the end.

• Apostle Paul spent three years at Ephesus
• Longer than any other location.

• Apostle John was the Pastor of Church at Ephesus for 30 years.

• Ephesus was a cross "between Bourbon Street and the red-light district" in Amsterdam.
• DEEPLY tied to sexual immorality.
• Glorified prostitution tarted up as "worship" at the "temple" of Diana.

• Churches that survive HAVE to stand strong for the truth.

• "There are times the Church of Jesus Christ needs to be intolerant."

• Church discipline -- Taxing, demanding, and difficult.