- Jesus' Affirmation (vv.2-3, 6)
- Jesus' Rebuke (v.4)
- Jesus' Correction (v.5a)
- Jesus' Warning (v.5b)
- Jesus' Promise (v.7)
Summary: After communicating the sobering vision of who Jesus is and what the church ought to be, John now relays a personal letter from Jesus to each of the seven churches (Rev. 2-3). These letters show that the Jesus described in John's vision is the Jesus who is present with and intimately aware of each church and their circumstances. This can be either terrifying or comforting depending on the health of a given local church. Jesus wants every local church to be a faithful, conquering church regardless of the circumstances they face; therefore, He brings clear affirmation, rebuke, correction, warnings, and promises according to what each church needs to hear and heed. The first letter is to the church in Ephesus, a church affirmed for their steadfast commitment to the truth but firmly rebuked for their sad and serious neglect of love. Jesus tells them in no uncertain terms what they must do in order to conquer their sin and receive the promise.
Main Point: The church in Ephesus must remember the way they used to love one another, repent of their neglect of that love, and renew their efforts to love as they have in the past.
Main Point: The church in Ephesus must remember the way they used to love one another, repent of their neglect of that love, and renew their efforts to love as they have in the past.
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean that Jesus "walks among the seven golden lampstands" and what impression should this truth make on all churches, including FBC? (v.1cf. 1:13; 2:23)
- What does Jesus affirm about the church in Ephesus? (vv.2-3,6)
- What about the church in Ephesus provokes Jesus to firmly rebuke them? (v.4)
- What three steps does Jesus command Ephesus to take when He corrects them (v.5)?
- What is the meaning of the term repent?
- What warning does Jesus give them if they do not mend their ways (v.5b)?
- What promise does Jesus extend to them if they do mend their ways (v.7)?
- Why is it so important that we have strong minds committed to truth and big hearts engaged in acts of love?
- How firmly am I committed to learning and applying the truth of God's word in my life?
- How engaged am I in showing acts of kindness, compassion and self-sacrifice toward my brothers and sisters in Christ?
- Do I need to repent and mend my ways in one or both of these areas?
- What would it look like for me to be a head/heart person (one marked by truth and love)?
- Does my individual commitment to truth and love effect the brightness of our lampstand at FBC? Explain.
- Praise God for any ways we are excelling in our commitment to truth at FBC
- Praise God for any ways we are excelling in our love for one another at FBC
- Repent of any ways you have been personally neglecting truth and/or love
- Pray that God would help FBC to shine as a head and heart people
- Ask God to help you grow in your commitment to truth and your engagement in love so that you might do your part to help FBC shine brighter
