DEAR CHURCH: Forgetting What Matters Most (Ephesus)

SCRIPTURES

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 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.’(Rev 2:1-7)

• Jesus commended the Ephesians for their hard work, endurance, and doctrinal faithfulness. Which Christian activities could make us appear spiritually healthy while allowing our love for Jesus to grow cold?

• Jesus says, “He who has an ear, let him hear.” What usually prevents us from truly hearing Christ’s correction: distraction, defensiveness, pride, shame, or something else?

• Jesus tells the Ephesians to remember, repent, and return. What has your relationship with Jesus lost, what may have displaced it, and what “first work” could you return to this week?

• Revelation describes conquering as remaining faithful to Jesus, including responding to His correction. How does understanding repentance as a form of victory change the way you think about spiritual failure?

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