SPECIAL SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES
ADULT STS LESSON 955
DATE: 28-06-2020
TOPIC: LOSS OF FIRST LOVE
MEMORY VERSE: Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love (Revelation 2:4)
TEXT: Revelation 2:1-7
In the preceding study (Revelation 1), which is the first division of the book ofRevelation, we have discovered the vision of the glorified Christ. In this second part (Revelation 2 and 3), we shall considers
the things which are (the spiritual state of the churches at that time and by extension, the whole of church age). The last part (Revelation 4 to 22) deals with eschatological events (events after the church had been raptured-Revelation 1:19).
The first message of Christ was sent to the “the angel” (the leader of the church) at Ephesus. Ephesus was a city reputed for games, pagan religion, idolatry and superstition. It was in such a city that God
used Aquila, Priscilla, Apollos, Paul and Timothy to establish the Ephesian church (Acts 18:19-21, 24; 19:1, 17; 20: 17, 31; 1 Timothy 1:2, 3). In later years, Apostle John pastored the church before he was banished to the isle of Patmos. There is no place the gospel cannot take root in the hearts of men and thrive when dedicated believers obey the great commission with great courage and determination. In t he royal mail from Christ to this church we have indispensable revelation of truth for the church and individual christian today.
READ MORE:
Senior Children Search The Scriptures Study 6 - Loss Of First Love
Youth Search The Scriptures Study 955 - Loss Of First Love
Keeping The Spirit's Seal By Not Grieving Him By Pastor W.F Kumuyi
Question 1: What challenge do we receive from the presence of a strong church in Ephesus despite the corruption in the city?
1. DESCRIPTION AND DECLARATION OF CHRIST, THE LORD
(Revelation 2:1; 1:12, 13, 20; Matthew 18:20; 28:18; Psalm 18:35; Isaiah 41:13-16; 2 Corinthians 6: 16, 17; John 14:23).
The description of Christ in Revelation 2: 1 accurately captures the spiritual condition of the church at Ephesus then and it is conveying a contemporary message to us as individuals and church. Christ presents Himself as the one: “that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand”. He holds (Psalm
18:35) every sheep and every shepherd, haven saved, sanctified, anointed, chosen, appointed them to service. He holds us to help us and make us rejoice and glory in the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 41: 13-16). He does not abandon them after commissioning. What a guarantee and divine assurance for our security!
Question 2: How can a believer be safe and secure in perilous times?
Christ is also described as the one “who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks”. Christ walks in the midst of His church (Matthew 18:20; 28:18; 2 Corinthians 6:16-promise to dwell and walk in the church; promise to make abode with those who love and keep His commandments John 14:23). His walking is for relational fellowship, regulatory supervision and regular examination.
In this capacity, Christ: 1. Examines and evaluate our works and ways, 2. Corrects us and encourages us, 3. Delivers and defends us against all onslaught and assault of the enemy, 4.Trims our lamps and pour oil in our vessels to keep us spiritually awake, 5. Prunes and purges us for more fruitfulness in life and ministry These facts about Christ, the owner of His church, who holds and walks in the midst of the church should strengthen and encourage us and motivate us to be strong and faithful at all times.
2. DEDICATION AND DISCERNMENT WITH CONSTANT LABOUR
(Revelation 2:2, 3, 6; 1 Thessalonians1:3; Hebrews 6:10-12; 2 Corinthians 4:1, 16-18; Acts 20:17, 27-32; 2 Corinthians 4:13-15; Romans 16:17, 18; 2 John 6-11)
“I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience… (Revelation 2:2, 3). Many of the things referred to in these points of acknowledgement and commendation are things pertaining to the heart the feelings, the state of the mind. Christ has an intimate acquaintance with the heart of man. Christ
indicates His acknowledgement of and commendations for their:
1. Works (I Thessalonians 1:3- Works of faith; Hebrews 6:10-“work and labour of love…”
2. Labours (I Thessalonians 1:3- Labour of love ;)
3. Patience (I Thessalonians 1:3- Patience of hope; Hebrews 6:12-“through…patience inherit the promise).
4. Intolerance with those that are evil (Acts 20:27,29; Romans
16:17,18)
5.Refusal to accord apostolic honour, accommodation and acceptance of pretenders and false (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 John 6-11).
6. Bearing the burden of ministry for His name sake.
7. Tireless laboring tirelessly for His name sake (2 Corinthians 4:1, 16-18;
We are going to be commended for our works in the gospel enterprise (Soulwinning, discipleship and
spiritual mentoring, raising up workers), vigilance in detecting and dispelling errors, false teaching and error peddlers, patience in all things and tirelessly serving the Lord.
Question 3: What can believers learn from Christ’s commendation of the Ephesian church?
Christ was well pleased that the Ephesians did not accommodate and tolerate the doctrinal deeds and practices (emanating from their teachings) of the Nicolaitans. All sinful practices is hateful to Christ.
Whatever is hateful to him should be to us, as his people. Christ took special note of the Ephesian leaders and believers’ hatred of sinful deeds and practices. If in the name of unity and tolerance we accommodate truth and error, good and evil, true preachers and false teachers, we cannot please Christ.
3. DECLINE AND DEMAND FOR CHRISTIAN LOVE
(Revelation 2:2, 5, 7; Jeremiah 2:2; Matthew 24: 12; I Timothy 5:12; John 21:15-17; Proverbs 1: 23-33; Isaiah 1: 18, 19; 55:1; Psalm34: 18; Joel 2:13)
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:4). Behind the façade of dedication to the Lord, dynamic labour, determined long suffering, discerning in leadership, and disciplined lifestyle hid the declining love for the Lord in the heart of
the believer. First love is characterised by fervency, sincerity, passion, commitment, obedience to Gods word and submission to divine will in all matters. Should any of these be missing we The antidote for declining first love is repentance: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (Revelation 2:5). The emphasis on “repent” is strong. The repentance must flow from a deep reflection and recollection of the starting point of the faith and the decline point. The Lord emphasised the indispensability of repentance and the dare consequences of failure to repent: or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” When the light bearing candlestick is removed the light, strength and power are removed. Darkness and death result.
Question 4: What is the consequence of failure to repent as demanded by Christ?
Why do believers lose their first love?
1. Exclusive preoccupation with earthly engagements choking fellowship with Christ
2. Little acts of carelessness and thoughtlessness in relating and appreciating Christ
3. Missing regular personal devotion meant to nourish spiritual growth and strengthen the spirit
4. Repeated disobedience, delayed disobedience and procrastination
5. Entertaining wrong notions concerning faithfulness and steadfastness in sound doctrine
6. Preoccupation with personal needs at the expense of fervent love for God.
Question 5: Give reasons why many believers lose their first love for Christ.
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that
overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7”.“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches is a graphical way the Lord employed to express importance of His warning and message (Matthew 11:15; Mark 4:23; 7:16) He now employs the same to get the attention of the church and the christian. Individual application is implied. Inspiration of the message is affirmed. Indispensability of obedience is demanded.
“To him that overcometh”. Completing the Christian race is not negotiable. We strive against temptation and the tempter to conquer, we run to reach the finishing point. The need to overcome suggests that there will be and is contention, challenge and conflict that we must overcome. This
advance notice is aimed at preparing us for the reality of the Christian race.
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God”. It is possible to overcome. It is certain there would be overcomers. There is reward awaiting overcomers. It is an encouragement and incentive to choose and pursue to be numbered among the overcomers.
CONCLUSION
There is a call and a charge to every believer for inward looking and self-examination. Let each believer examine and evaluate: Is my love for Christ fresh and hot? Currently, Am I close to Christ in loving, continual devotion? Am I very sensitive and obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit? Am I always eager to do God’s will and obey His word? Is my devotion to spiritual things deep and refreshing?
If they who have "left their first love" will not repent at the call of the Saviour, they have every reason to apprehend some fearful judgment some awful visitation of his Providence that shall overwhelm
them in sorrow, as a proof of his displeasure.
GHS: 74``` *(THE HEART THAT WAS BROKEN FOR ME)*
🎶🎶🎶```GHS: 78:``` *(FAITH OF OUR FATHERS)*
🎶🎶🎶```GHS: 157``` *(WONDERING CHILD, O, COME HOME)*
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