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{SEVEN CHURCHES} #2

{SEVEN LETTERS} 

Lost Love_ 

Revelation 2:1-7 

 
As Jesus moves among his churches in Revelation 2-3, he looks carefully at each group of Christians and evaluates what they are doing in his name. In the church at Ephesus, Jesus finds a lot to praise, but his heart is broken by one glaring absence... 

 

[Read Revelation 2:1-7] 

 

If you had just relocated to Ephesus and visited the Ephesian church, what would impress you about this group of believers? 
 

 

How does it make you feel to hear Jesus say to you, “I know your deeds”? 

 

What do you think Jesus would commend about Oakham church? 

 

How would you or the leaders of your church test people who came into your church community claiming to have spiritual authority? 

 

What would you do if they were shown to be false teachers? 

 

The Ephesian church was full of hard-working, dedicated believers, but as Jesus looked deeper, what is one thing he found that bothered him (verse 4)? 
 

 

Why is this “first love” so crucial for effective ministry? 

As you look at and think about your own ministry to others and your activity in Jesus’ name, honestly evaluate why you do it... 
Is it because you ought to, because someone has to, because you were asked to – or is there another motive? 
Explain. 

 

In verse 5, Jesus tells the Ephesian church to take steps. 
What would each involve for a church? 

  • “Consider” - 

 

  • “Repent” -  

 

  • “Do” -  

 
What warning does Jesus give if they refuse to repent, and what might that judgement look like? 

 

In verse 7, what does Jesus promise to “the one who is victorious,” that is, the one who perseveres in faith? 

 

Each of these letters ends with a promise to “the one who is victorious” or “the one who overcomes”. 
Read 1 John 5:4-5. How does John describe the one who overcomes the world? 

 

 

When Jesus makes a promise to the person who overcomes, is he talking more about something we earn by our effort or something we receive by faith from God – or some combination of our perseverance and God’s grace? 

 

What can you do to stop the fire of devotion and love for Jesus from fading over time? 
Try writing down some very specific steps, to help you, taken from this letter. 

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