Rediscovering your passion
Rev. Joey Crisostomo
Director for Central Operations
January 10, 2010
Key Scripture
Revelation 2:1-7
A Brief Introduction
* It can be interpreted Historically …We’re dealing with real churches, historical churches
* It can be interpreted Pastorally…I believe the Lord has something specific to say to our church
* It can be interpreted Practically …He has something to say to you and to me about our relationship with Him.
A Sevenfold Pattern
1. A Destination …to whom the letter is addressed
2. A Description…the Lord Jesus is described
3. A Commendation …the good qualities and strength of each congregation is recognized
4. A Censure …the serious fault or faults is brought to their attention
5. A Demand and Remedy …the Lord makes an authoritative command and offers a remedy
6. A Warning …the price to be paid for permissive disobedience
7. A Promise … a promise is held out to each to encourage its reformation
The Destination and Description
1To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:
The Destination …Church of Ephesus … Ephesus was the largest city in Asia minor and it was the Capital of the province … Paul started the church and it became the Christian Capital.
The Description …
* …“him who holds the seven stars in his right hand”…Christ came as the sustainer of the church
* …“walks among the seven golden lampstands” …
He is actively walking about seeing the true condition of each church … He sees; He is near ; He is working.
The Examination
2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
He Commends Their Service …2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance
* Your deeds
* Your work
* Your perseverance
He Commends Their Separation … I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men,
* These people were living a separated lifestyle.
* They took a stand on the side of morality and they lived differently than the world around them.
He Commends Their Standards… that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false…
* These people are praised because they held fast to correct doctrine.
* They refused to allow false doctrine to exist in their fellowship.
He Commends Their Steadfastness… 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary
* They were a very steadfast congregation.
* They are a church that deserves to be commended.
THE REALITY
4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.
A Personal Problem…4Yet I hold this against you
A Passion Problem… You have forsaken your first love.
“What is first love?” It is the love you felt for Jesus when you first came to know HIM.
Marks of First Love
1. Exciting
2. Emotional
3. Vibrant
4. Extravagant
5. Passionate
THE REMEDY
5Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place
* He Calls On Them to Remember …5Remember the height from which you have fallen!
* He Calls On Them To Repent … Repent
* He Calls On Them To Repeat … do the things you did at first
THE WARNING
If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
* The Lord is telling this church when judgment comes, it will be swift and sure.
* This means that they will cease to exist as a congregation.
* The Lord will not tolerate deadness and a lack of love among His people for an extended period of time
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
1. How much do you love Christ?
2. Are you growing in your love for Christ?
3. Do you love him more now than you have in the past?
4. Do you desire him more now than you did in the past?