Ephesus – The loveless church

Revelation 2:1-7

Luke 10 – Mary vs Martha 

Report Card – 7 criteria

1. Who is the letter written to? What is the meaning of the name?
2. Which period of church history is represented by this church?
3. The characteristics of Jesus given
4. Commendation
5. Correction
6. Exhortation – how to change
7. Promise 

1. This letter is written to the church of Ephesus

•  A Capital city of the Roman Empire
•  Home of the temple of Artemis 
•  Visited by Paul in Acts 

The church in Ephesus was a strong church

2. The Apostolic church period, where the apostles were still leading the churches

3. Jesus is standing in the midst of the 7 lampstands and is holding the 7 stars. Jesus is walking amongst the 7 churches, and observing, and holding in His hand the 7 leaders of the churches

4. Commendations:

         a. Didn’t tolerate nonsense 
b. Laboured for the Gospel
c. A very strong church, according to outward appearance

5. Correction: 

     a. The Church in Ephesus has left its first love – they no longer put Jesus first.

6. Exhortations:

      a. Remember what it was like when Jesus was first in their life.
     b. Repent
 c. Start doing those things again

 If you lose your love, the good works that you do will start to fade.

7. Promise

a. Those who overcome will live with God in Paradise, and eat from the tree of life.

What is the main issue of the church? It was too much of a Martha kind of church. Jesus wants more of a Mary kind of church, focused on loving, not on serving.

It is great to do things for God, but not at the expense of loving Him. We are special to God. Jesus is holding us in His right hand. Jesus is walking amongst us today, examining our hearts. Is Jesus first in your life?

The more we love Jesus, the more we will be blessed