This study was first taught on December 9, 2018

Topic: The Assessment of the Churches (3): The Church of Ephesus (What Leaving Your First Love Is)

(use the audio to study)

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Background
Last week, as we began the assessment of the church of Ephesus, and by extension, the church of God today, we saw that even though they were engaged in some commendable activities, yet there was something missing, which is so significant, it cancels out any commendation. That one thing is that they had “left” their “first love”!

We noted that the “first love” being referred to, is the Lord Jesus, Who is truly our first and, indeed, only love, Who saved us from death and brought us into life. We also noted that in general terms, the Lord was addressing the issue of spiritual adultery, disloyalty, faithlessness, and our unwillingness to stand for what He stands for!

We noted further, that the issue the Lord raised is very significant, because, without our love, loyalty, and devotion to God, any work we do counts for nothing in eternity. Also, our love for God must be in all areas of life, and with our entire being—body, soul, and spirit—and involves loving all men including even our enemies, as exemplified by the “Good Samaritan”.

This led us to ask who our first love really is; and, if we have substituted the Lord Jesus with other things—wealth, fame, church attendance, ministry title, etc.

Scripture Text(s)
Revelation 2:1-7
We shall press further today, as we take a more detailed look at the phrase, “you have left your first love”.
What was it that the Lord saw in the church of Ephesus that made Him say, “you have left your first love”? What are we engaged in today, that would make the Lord’s statement applicable to us today?
Luke 5:11; 1 Corinthians 7:11-12, 13; Malachi 2:13-16; Matthew 24:9-12; 1 John 5:1-3; John 14: 15, 21, 23-24; 1 John 4:20-21; 3:10-18; Psalm 50:20-21; 1 John 2:15-16; James 4:4; John 21:15-22; Matthew 24:45-51; Romans 5:5; John 2:17; 2 Corinthians 11:28-29; Galatians 5:22-25, 16; Mark 11:12-14; Matthew 21:18-19; 1 John 4:15-18; Matthew 15:7-9.

Conclusion
2 Chronicles 25:1-2, 3-24
Amaziah did what was right, but his heart was not perfect, loyal, single, right, before God. At one time, he took counsel from God through the prophet, but later, he disdained the prophet’s counsel. After gaining victory over the Ethiopians, he then turned to bow down to their gods (having made them his gods)!

In the church of Ephesus, they were doing many good works (right things) but their hearts were far away from God [remember that God looks on the heart; not just the hands!].

To the church today, God is saying, “I am seeing all that you are doing, but it is not with a perfect heart. Indeed, you have left (forsaken, abandoned, divorced) Me. You say, “no, we have not”; but look at yourselves: see how you have turned to the world for approval; see how you have loved the world; see how you have stopped focusing on Me; see how you have stopped teaching my word faithfully, but have turned to Harvard, Trump, and the like. Where was the zeal you had in the beginning? You quarreled and debated vigorously with people who spoke ill of Me; but not it’s all about you! See the hypocrisy, even in your singing (you sing, “I love You”, but your heart is towards another), and in your life (you are in church, but your desire is for the world)! Repent and return to Me and I will receive you to Myself again!”

LET US PRAY!!!

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