114. Beholding Christ | Studies in Revelation Part 9: Church #1 - Ephesus

Revelation 2:1-7

 

We left off discussing the various views of these churches, and today we jump into the letter to the first of these churches. Christ presents Himself to the church at Ephesus—who had been given premier teaching on the church from Paul and the qualifications for church leaders through Paul’s letter to Timothy—as the One who cares for the messengers of the church and walks in the midst of His body. Most of the contents of this letter to Ephesus is praiseworthy, but there is a warning issued them to return to their first love. There is much for us to learn from the letter to this church.

 

Ephesus: the Loveless church

  I. The Location (literal local church) #1 

• • Very important Roman city in the province of Asia
  • City of Diana the pagan Greek goddess
  • Church Paul spent the most time at
  • Timothy ministered there, as did John, possibly as elders
  • Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians is the masterpiece treatise on the church, there were no problems addressed in this epistle, contains spiritual depth, it is in the letter to Timothy we have the qualifications for pastor and deacon
  • Gave his parting sermon in Acts 20

 II. The Likeness of Christ

• • Christ’s relationship with His church
  • Caring for the elders and walking in the midst of the members

III. The Letter to the church (merits and warnings)

• • ✅Intolerance towards evil & error
  • ✅Hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans (domineering over the people)
  • ✅Had remained faithful and patient in their works and labor
  • ❎Left their first love
    • Their fervor and affection was abated over time
    • Probably due to trials due to their location

IV. The Lineup in Church History (representative) #3 

• • Represents the Apostolic Age AD 70-170
  • This is a call to patience, to bear under great trials, to continue long in obedience

 V. The Lesson for us (type of church) #2 

• • Wilmington’s helpful outline:
  • Remember the faith they had loved (give their heads to Christ)
  • Repent (give their hearts to Christ)
  • Repeat their first works (give their hands to Christ)