“Jesus’ Assessment of the Church at Ephesus” 2/17/08

Revelation 2:1-7

Economic city with major harbor. Crossroads which brought many riches.

Political metropolis of Asia. Free-city; democratic government

Religious capital of Artemis/Diana worship. Vile, immoral, superstitious

BACKGROUND of PATMOS

READ Revelation 1:9-20

A. The letter to the church contains the CORRESPONDENT’S TITLE

(John 10:28-29)

B. The letter to the church contains Jesus’ COMMENDATION

He knows their works:

1) LABOR - work which is exhausting

2) PATIENCE - better as “triumphant strength” or “endurance”

ILL- Beethoven ILL- paralyzed girl, wrote book

3) HATE EVIL - “You who love the Lord, hate evil.” Ps 97:10

4) THEOLOGICAL PURITY – Acts 20:29-32; 2 Tim 2:15

2 Tim 4:2-4 Church is GULLIBLE today.

5) PERSEVERED through ministry challenges- 2 Tim 2:10

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9

C. The letter to the church contains Jesus’ CRITICISM 2 GREAT commandments Deut 6:5; Lev 19:18

1) They have lost their first Christian LOVE

(John 13:35; Matthew 7:1-5; 1 Corinthians 13)

2) They have lost their first love of JESUS

(Deut 6:5; Matt 22:37; 2 Tim 4:8; John 14:15, 21; 1 John 5:21)

“For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” 2 Tim 3:2, 4 Entertainment, hobbies, even work for Lord

D. The letter to the church contains Jesus’ COUNSEL

(Remember, Repent, Do the first works or ELSE) Removed- 5^th century

A BURNT LIGHT BULB IS WORTH NOTHING

E. The letter to the church contains Jesus’ CLOSURE

(Do you have an ear to HEAR? Tree of life in God’s Paradise!)

“Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:5

Going God wants you to REMEMBER, REPENT, and to DO works that

Deeper are in accordance with that first love you had for Jesus!