[YOUTH SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES: Vol. 74: STUDY 955]
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
Christ speaks directly to His Church in chapters two and three of Revelation. He gave direct instructions to all the leaders of the churches in Asia minor. His messages in these letters to the churches have
(1) a primary association - these messages were sent to real churches existing at that time;
(2) a personal application - the messages are applicable to every church and every Christian today; and
(3) a prophetic anticipation - the letters contain prophecies and call to prepare for the coming of Christ, our Lord.
The first out of the seven letters was sent to "the angel", the leader of the Church at Ephesus. Ephesus was known for famous games, pagan religion and it was anotorious centre of idolatry and superstition.
Yet, Christ had a dynamic and strong Church in Ephesus. God used Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos, Paul and Timothy in establishing this Church (Acts 18:19-21,24; 19:1,17-20; 20:17,31; 1 Timothy 1:2,3). In later years, the apostle John was the pastor in the Church before he was banished to the Isle of Patmos. They started well but eventually lost their first love. Christian Youths should watch against such
retrogression as they journey in this life.
THE DECLARATION AND DESCRIPTION OF CHRIST (Revelation 2:1; 1:12,13,20; Matthew 18:20; 28:18-20; Isaiah 41:13-16; 2 Corinthians 6:16,7; John 14:23)
"Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks" (verse 1). Each of the seven
letters contains Christ's description of Himself. Christ described Himself to each church in the most appropriate spiritual condition of the church. To this church in Ephesus, Christ presents Himself with
two descriptions; as the One "that holdeth the stars", (the leaders) "of the churches" and the One who "walketh in the midst" of the churches.
Question 1: What do you understand from how Christ described Himself?
Christ holds every sheep and shepherd in His fold. He has saved, sanctified, anointed, chosen and appointed His servants and He does not leave or abandon them after commissioning them. Our security is assured if we remain in His hand while doing His work. He has appointed us to build His church along with Him. As Christian youths, when we submit to His control we are safe and secure under His authority.
Today, Christ also walks-in the midst of His Church, to
(1) examine and evaluate,
(2) correct and. encourage,
(3) deliver and defend in times of danger, (4) trim our lamps and pour oil in our vessels,
(5) prune and purge for more fruitfulness.
DISCERNMENT AND DEDICATION OF A CONSISTENT CHURCH (Revelation 2:2,3,6,7; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 6:10-12; 2 Corinthians 4:1,16-18; Acts 20:17,27- 32; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Romans 16:17,18; 2 John 6-11)
"I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience; and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars" (verse 2). Christ, the Head of the Church, commended this church for her works, labour, Patience,
perseverance, forbearance, discernment and uncompromising stand for sound doctrine. The minister together with members in the Ephesian church worked selflessly and laboured to the point of
exhaustion. They were willing to bleed in order to bless others. Their patience was mentioned twice.
First, they had patience in service and second, they had patience in suffering for Christ. They accepted suffering and hardship as they patiently waited for their rewards in glory.
Question 2: How will you describe the commitment of the Ephesian church?
This Church was commended for labouring, "...not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life..." (John 6:27). Neither weariness nor personal problems could stop their labour of saving and maturing souls. In our labour to prepare a holy and sanctified church for
Christ's second coming, we must refuse to give up our faith, as we maintain a consistent commitment in nurturing souls for the Kingdom. This church was characterised by spiritual and scriptural
discernment. They observed and tried professing apostles and found them to be deceitful and evil. Christian youths are admonished to “... believe not every spirit, but try .the spirits whether they are of
God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).
Question 3: Mow can Christian youths act like the church in Ephesus in standing against false teachers and prophets?
The church in Ephesus also resisted and rejected false apostles, false prophets, deceivers and deceitful workers spreading doctrines hated by Christ. It is worthy of note that the whole church stood against
error. In like mariner, Christian youths must unite with their leaders to fight against error and corruption in all ramifications.
THE DECLINE OF AND DEMAND FOR CHRISTLIKE LOVE (Revelation 2:4,5; Ephesians 1:4,15; 2:4-6; 3:17,19; 4: 2, 15,16; 6:23,24; Matthew 24:12,13; Jeremiah 2:2,3; ew 22:37-39; 1 Corinthians ans 13:1-13; 1 Peter 1:22)
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love'' (verse 4). Since Jesus walks in the midst of His church, He can easily tell the status of such assembly. The church is the Bride of Christ and our relationship with Him is evidenced and sustained by a warm and fervent love. His love for us is unending, uninterrupted and undying (John 13:1). We too must love Him in return. The first love of the Ephesian church was fervent, sincere, passionate, committed, obedient and submissive. Later, they lost it. Although they were still dedicated to the Lord, dynamic in labour, determined in
longsuffering, discerning in leadership, and disciplined in lifestyle, they had declined in love. It is possible to be involved in activities without the real and genuine love of the Master; to be religious without righteousness; to be diligent without dedication; and to be committed without consecration.
Question 4: What can Christian youths do to avoid service without reward?
"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" (verse 5). As the Lord demanded the recovery of first love from the Church in Ephesus, today, He wants every Christian youth to remember their first love. Repent of the loss of the first love. Repeat earlier actions and affections of the first love. Otherwise, there will be removal of the light - the light-bearing
candlestick. Do you still love the Lord above money, men, ministry, and material things? Do you still love Christ more than self and success? Do you still love Christ enough to read His Word and to hear Him affectionately and obey Him promptly? How refreshing are your morning and evening devotions or quiet time? Are
you still sensitive to His wish and will? Are you still retaining the first love? All these you must remember, repent, and repeat lest there be a removal.
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