REVELATION: Ephesus: The Detached Church

Title: Revelation: Ephesus: The Detached Church Pt 2
Text: Revelation 2:1-2
Vital Verse(s): ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Revelation 2:4
Nuggets to Nibble:
Messages given to the seven churches in Revelation provide an indication of the final judgment. What does God expect from the ekklesia? How should individuals loved by God, released from sin by the blood of Jesus, and made to serve as a kingdom of priest live? Love for God remains the first priority. A lawyer desired to test the Lord asking, “what is the greatest commandment?
22:37 And He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 22:38 “This is the great and foremost commandment. 22:39 “The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 22:40 “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Believer at Ephesus forgot the first and greatest commandment. The church must love God. Living morally in daily deeds, toiling through tough times, and passionately persevering with correct doctrine does not guarantee love for God. Attentively listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit maintains a fervent love for the Lord.

Outline of text
1. Commendation to the church in Ephesus. Revelation 2:1-3

2. Condemnation to the church in Ephesus. Revelation 2:4

3. Correction for the church in Ephesus. Revelation 2:5-7

Impact Fact
Serving does not prove a love for God; instead, a love for God should motivate one to serve.