THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA #1

Rev. 2:1-7 (Church at Ephesus - Loyal but Lacking)

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. The short epistles to the seven churches of Asia in chapters 2 
      and 3 of the book of Revelation reveal the good and bad        
      conditions of each church.
   B. No doubt the Lord wanted these revealed because they are
      general conditions that would be found in churches in all
      generations.
      1. Hence, a close study of the letters will reveal the strong  
         and weak points of any church and will show how it stands in
         relation to Christ.
      2. Application of the principles are necessary for all churches
         of all time.
   C. Some claim that the seven churches represent seven             
      dispensations through which the church must pass.
      1. This appears to be an unreasonable interpretation.

I. THE LORD'S INTRODUCTION.
   A. The "angel of the church" probably refers to the life, spirit, 
      and destiny of each church.
   B. The angel was addressed but the church was to hear.  Rev. 2:1,7
   C. Christ addressed Himself as holding the seven stars in His     
      right hand.
      1. The seven stars are the seven angels of the seven churches. 
         Rev. 1:20
   D. Christ is walking among the seven golden candlesticks.
      1. These are the seven churches.  Rev. 1:20
      2. "Lampstands" well represent the churches because they are
         "light bearers" to the world.
   E. The verse illustrates that Christ watches over His churches and
      cares for them.

II. COMMENDATION.
   A. There were at least three things for which the Lord commended
      the church at Ephesus (vss. 2,3,6).
      1. Their work.  They were praised for:
         a. Their work (the rendering of actual service), and labor
            (toiling effort that produces, even at the cost of pain).
            (1) There is no place for an idler in the kingdom of
                God.  We all are laborers in the vineyard.  Matt.
                20:1
         b. Laboring for "My name's sake."  Matt. 19:29; 1 Pet.
            4:14
         c. Persistence and steadfastness.  They had "not fainted." 
            Gal. 6:9
      2. Patience - mentioned twice.
         a. When work had to be done under trying circumstances,
            they had endured with steadfastness.  Matt. 24:12-13;
            Heb. 10:36
      3. Defense of truth and purity.  In this they were praised for:
         a. Not bearing them who were evil, vs. 2.
            (1) For example, those who are evil in morals.  1 Cor.
                5:9-11; 2 Thess. 3:6
            (2) We should hate even the garment spotted by the
                flesh.  Jude 22-23
         b. Testing and rejecting false apostles, vs. 2.  2 Cor.     
            11:13-15; 12:12
            (1) There are many passages which show our duties
                toward false teachers.  1 John 4:1; Rom. 16:17-18;
                2 John 9-11
            (2) The most condemned sin in the N.T. is teaching or
                following false doctrine.
         c. Hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans, vs. 6.
            (1) There has been much speculation concerning the
                Nicolaitans, but we can only conclude that they
                were followers of a man named "Nicolas," whose
                deeds and doctrine (vs. 15) were condemned
                without being mentioned.
            (2) In both cases, the Lord said he hated the deeds
                and doctrine of the Nicolaitans, and this clearly
                exemplifies His attitude toward false doctrines and
                practices.
            (3) Jesus, in His ministry, often condemned the
                traditions and doctrines of men.  Mark 7:9

III. CONDEMNATION.
   A. In spite of the praise, Jesus had something against them.
      1. Thus, the warm praise now changes to reproof and rebuke.
      2. Commendations for virtues will not atone for faults.
   B. They had left their first love.
      1. "Lack of works" is a demonstration of "lack of love" or     
         vice-versa, "lack of love" is demonstrated by "lack of      
         works."
         a. The Lord commands them to do their first works.  (Vs.
            5).
         b. Normally, when a few individuals establish a church in
            their community, they are diligent in zeal and work, but
            as they become more stable in numbers, they often grow
            lax in their enthusiasm and rest on past
            accomplishments.
         c. When they grow lax in their service, they demonstrate
            they don't love the Lord as they once did.
      2. It is possible that at Ephesus, formality and outward
         faithfulness had been persistently practiced, but they had  
         lost genuine love and devotion in their hearts.
         a. We must worship in spirit as well as in truth.  John     
            4:23; Ezek. 33:31
      3. It is possible that Ephesus had given up their struggle of
         maintaining truth.
         a. Many disciples drift away into the traditions and
            doctrines of men, and when they do so, they show they
            no longer love the Lord.
         b. Matt. 15:8-9 - From this passage, please consider that
            people are hypocrites when they worship God after the
            commandments of men.
            (1) They are hypocrites because if they truly loved and
                honored God as they claim, they would worship
                Him only as He directs.
            (2) Though they strongly claim love and respect
                toward Him, when they teach as doctrines the
                commandments of men, God Himself calls them
                "hypocrites."
   C. Notice the Lord's admonition - vs. 5.
      1. This shows they were lacking in the works they once had
         done.
         a. We show our love for the Lord by keeping His
            commandments.  John 14:15, 21
         b. Anytime we fail in keeping His commandments, we fail
            in our love toward Him, and we need to repent, and do
            better.
      2. Removing the candlestick represents removing their identity
         as one of His churches.
         a. Thus, it was absolutely important for them to correct
            their problem.
         b. Please notice that the candlestick of hat whole
            congregation was about to be removed.
            (1) Some problems are congregational problems and
                must be corrected congregationally.
         c. No doubt, many congregations in our nation who think
            they are a "church of Christ" have long since had their
            candlesticks removed.
            (1) Many churches fail to correct the problems which     

                they have.
         d. I don't know about you, but I don't want to worship
            with a false church!
            (1) Let us strive to maintain our identity with the
                Lord.
   D. Verse 7 - Those who have the disposition to hear - those who   
      will hear - let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
      1. These words were written to the churches which existed in
         John's day, but whoever will hear, let him hear.
         a. This emphasizes universal application.

IV. PROMISE.
   A. Those who overcome will be given to eat of the tree of life in 
      the paradise of God.
      1. They will inherit eternal life in heaven.  Rev. 22:1-4,14

Concl.
   A. At the close of each short epistle, there is a similar promise 
      to those who remain faithful.
      1. These promises are some of the most beautiful found in the
         Bible.  Rev. 2:11,17; 2:26-27; 3:5,12,21
   B. Let us remember these wonderful promises as we face some
      difficulty, trial, or hardship.
      1. Those who overcome (who remain faithful, who come out
         victorious in their trials and temptations) will be greatly 
         and marvelously rewarded.