Scripture Focus (Revelation 2:1-7) – “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. [2] “‘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. [3] I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. [4] But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. [5] 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. [6] Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. [7] 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.’
I. The Head of the Church Speaks (Revelation 2:1)
A. He wanted them to hear Him – “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write…”
B. He wanted them to honor Him – “The words of Him who holds the seven stars in his right hand…”
C. He wanted them to experience Him – “…who walks among the seven golden lampstands.”
II. The People of the Church Listened (Revelation 2:2-3, 6)
A. He affirmed their hard work (Revelation 2:2a) – “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance…”
B. He applauded their spiritual discernment (Revelation 2:2b) – “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.”
C. He supported their enduring commitment (Revelation 2:3) – “I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for My name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.”
D. He confirmed their holy zeal (Revelation 2:6) – “…you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”
Ephesus was a stout, actively serving, courageous, loyal church, positionally aligned with the mission of Jesus Christ
III. The Correction of the Church Was Needed (Revelation 2:4-5)
A. Something which must be addressed (Revelation 2:4) – “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.”
B. Something which must be acknowledged (Revelation 2:5a) – “Remember therefore from where you have fallen…”
C. Something which must be activated (Revelation 2:5b) – “…repent, and do the works you did at first.”
D. Something which must be avoided (Revelation 2:5c) – “If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”
IV. The Motivation to the Church Was Offered (Revelation 2:7)
A. The never-ending need – “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Some will hear, some won’t
B. The ever-present possibility – “To the one who conquers…”
C. The unstoppable destiny – “…I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the paradise of God.”