THEME: It Is Written
SERIES: Seven
TITLE: Split Personality
Scripture: Revelation 2: 1-7
I. THE COMMENDATION
The city of Ephesus was wealthy, politically influential, and pagan. Paul, with the help of Priscilla, Aquila and Apollos’ help, planted a church here.
They are commended for three things:
1. He commends them for their (works and toil). The word toil is better translated (diligent labor).
2. He commends them for their (endurance). Not just endurance but (patient) endurance.
3. He commends them for their (spiritual discernment).
II. THE COMPLAINT
Our greatest (strengths) can become our greatest (weaknesses).
They stood strong against doctrinal drift and guarded the truth and worked hard in loving others. BUT they forgot (WHO) the doctrines pointed to. They forgot (Jesus), the first love. All that was left in their lifestyle was truth without (grace), law without (love).
2 Corinthians 5:14: “For the love of Christ controls me.”
III. THE COMMAND
Jesus offers them three way to make a turnaround:
1) (Remember) from where you have fallen. [v.5a]
2) (Repent) [v.5b]
3) (Do the works) you did at first. [v.5c]
“In this letter, Jesus is generous in His praise, direct in His rebuke, helpful with a remedy, and completely no-nonsense about consequences if the Ephesians ignored His advice.” Swindoll
SERIES: Seven
NEXT WEEK: Hang in There! Rev.2: 8-11
