“Ephesus: When Love Grows Cold”
Revelation 2:1-7
August 1, 2021
Main Point: In four steps Jesus shows the church at Ephesus, and us, how to return to our first love for Christ.
I. Jesus Examines Their Reputation, Verses 1-3, 6
A. Sacrificial Deeds
B. Sound Doctrine
C. Steadfast Diligence
II. Jesus Exposes The Reality, Verse 4
“you have left your first love”
III. Jesus Explains The Remedy, Verse 5
A. Remember
B. Repent
C. Return
IV. Jesus Expounds The Reward, Verse 7
A. Commit
B. Conquer
C. Celebrate
Questions for Spiritual Growth
Our Cornerstone mission is To Know Christ and Make Him Known. Community Groups help us to live out our mission as Family, Missionaries, and Servants.
How are Christ’s care, presence, and protection communicated in verse 1?
What commendations did Christ have for the church at Ephesus?
How important is sound doctrine? How was doctrinal fidelity demonstrated in the church of Ephesus?
What is “first love”? Why are sacrificial deeds, sound doctrine, and steadfast diligence not enough to please Christ?
What things in your life have proved to be a distraction in your love for Christ? What things have you relied upon as “good enough” when your love for Christ has waned?
What is repentance? How is it connected with love and passion for Christ?
How important is it to keep remembering what Christ has done for you? How can you keep this a priority and daily practice?
What are some of the “deeds you did at first” when you first loved Christ? What are practices and habits that will help you grow closer to the Lord?
What will Jesus do if the church does not heed His warning?
Explain the concept of overcoming as used in Revelation 2:7. What reward does Jesus promise overcomers?