Our First Love

OUR FIRST LOVE

(Based on Revelation 2: 4-5)

Before I get into the meat of the lesson, please turn to Revelation 1: 19-20. 19. “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Why would Christ say this and reveal this to John? The goal of Christ’s message to the seven churches that existed in Western Asia Minor (Modern Day Turkey) was to: challenge, encourage, warn, and buildup believers and churches throughout church history, even to this day.

The value of these messages include:

1) A revelation of what Jesus himself loves and values as well as what he hates and condemns.

2) The consequences of disobedience and spiritual neglect.

3) The rewards for spiritual alertness, diligence, and faithfulness to Christ.

4) A standard to judge our own true spiritual condition in relation to our relationship with God/Christ.

5) An example of Satan’s methods for attacking us and the church.

Spiritual decline can be stopped and corrected if there is a sincere repentance and a sincere return to the original love, truth, purity, and power of Jesus and his original biblical revelation.

Please turn to Revelation 2: 4-5 in your bible. Let’s look at verse 4 first. “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou has left thy first love.”

What was the Ephesians first love? Christ! This verse refers to the deep love and passion that the Ephesian Christians had I the past, when they first became believers. You can read about hat in the Book of Acts, Chapter 19, Verses 11-20.

As Christians, we can do the right things, to include enduring hardships, traits & trials, tribulations for the cause of Christ. But, where we can fail is to be lacking in our personal relationship with Christ. Here, Christ is telling the Ephesians, you are giving me your service but not yourselves.

What does Christ say about loving him and fellowshipping with him?

John 14:15 says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

John 14:21 says, He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my father, and I too will love him and manifest myself to him.” Brethren: what an awesome promise!

John 15:9 says, “As the father has loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” Thank you Jesus!

Jesus wants all believers and churches to have a sincere love for him personally. (2 Corinthians 11:3 and Deuteronomy 10:12) Our sincere love for Jesus should be evident in our personal priorities and daily life.

Here in verse 4, revelation calls this lack of passionate devotion toward Christ as “falling spiritually”, serious enough, calling for repentance.

We must constantly ask ourselves: Are we staying both doctrinally pure (in belief and in teachings) and spiritually passionate with Christ, OR, Are we simply trying to do things for him and not with him? How much of our time do we give him?

Paul uses the term “in Christ” or it’s equivalent 160 times in his letters/epistles – 36 times in Ephesians. I think Paul is telling us “This is important.”

Jesus’ words say in John 15:10, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.”

Obedience and love must always go together in our relationship with God. (1John 2:5, 5:2-3) For example, Love for God (Mark 12:30, Deuteronomy 6:4), and obedience (John 2:3, 3:23)

OK, Let’s look at verse 5 now. “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.”

Ouch! What is Jesus saying here? He will remove any congregation, church, or believer from its place and destiny in God’s kingdom if it has lost it’s true passion and purpose for God and does not repent and renew their love and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. (See 1 John 5:3 and 2 John 1:6)

We reap what we sow and all believers will answer for their actions at the Judgment Seat of Christ. We won’t lose our salvation, BUT, we can lose crowns and rewards. Do you want to kneel before the throne of Christ with that burden?

As Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the lord.” You have the right to choose. The question is: Whom do you choose?

Let us pray. Father we thank for this day and this lesson on first love. Please open our eyes so we can see Lord and our ears so we can hear. Holy Spirit we pray you not only dwell in us but that you fill us with your spirit, guiding, teaching, and helping us in walking with Christ in love, adoration, and obedience. Thank you, Lord for all you do for us. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.

Perhaps you are experiencing troubles in your walk with Christ and want to renew your love for him, repent, and turn back to following him as this lesson teaches. Peace and love can be found in life by turning to Jesus. Maybe you never accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior in your life. If this applies to you and you want to turn to Jesus, will you please come to the pulpit and let us pray with you. Today is the day, right now is the time, as we never know if the next hour, day, etc.. will ever come.

May The Lord bless thee, and keep thee, The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee, The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. AMEN