THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE
by Ike Reighard
The Church at Ephesus the Greatest of These Is Love
Ike Reighard
Revelation 2:1-7
Introduction:
Today, we begin our study of the seven churches of Asia by examining the church in Ephesus.
Keep in mind that these churches existed in the first century of the Christian era, and they were chosen because what the Lord says to them would be of lasting value through the ages. They carry a spiritual message and a personal message to believers and churches today.
The church at Ephesus is the only church in the New Testament that had two letters sent by different apostles -- Paul in Ephesians and John in Revelation.
In this scene, John describes Jesus as walking in His priestly robes in the holy of holies among the seven golden lampstands. As He walks, He pours in the oil, trims the wick and lets the light shine. He is walking among His churches with eyes of fire that recognize sin with perfect accuracy. He sees us (His church) very clearly. Ephesus to our eyes would seem perfect. Large, influential, growing in numbers, BUT the Lord Jesus has a strong message if they will hear.
I. A seven-fold compliment.
1."I know your deeds." v. 2 The name Ephesus means "desired one."
Dr. M. R. DeHann -- "To come to Christ cost nothing; to follow
Christ cost something, but to serve Christ cost everything."
READ Ephesians 2:8-10
John Philips -- pp. 49-50 -- Business.
2. Your "toil."
Toil is working at a cost. (Greek -- Kopos.)
Not only did they work for God, but they worked for God at a price, a cost.
It was a heartfelt task.
Sadly, most people are along for a free ride in church. They are going through a spiritual revolving door on somebody else's push. They yank out a paper on somebody else's quarter. You want to ride, but you don't want to push, and you surely are not going to help buy gas!
Too "busy" at church complaint.
3. Your perseverance
(Hupomone) -- A triumphant attitude that refuses to quit. You can't beat it out of them!
Stea ...
Ike Reighard
Revelation 2:1-7
Introduction:
Today, we begin our study of the seven churches of Asia by examining the church in Ephesus.
Keep in mind that these churches existed in the first century of the Christian era, and they were chosen because what the Lord says to them would be of lasting value through the ages. They carry a spiritual message and a personal message to believers and churches today.
The church at Ephesus is the only church in the New Testament that had two letters sent by different apostles -- Paul in Ephesians and John in Revelation.
In this scene, John describes Jesus as walking in His priestly robes in the holy of holies among the seven golden lampstands. As He walks, He pours in the oil, trims the wick and lets the light shine. He is walking among His churches with eyes of fire that recognize sin with perfect accuracy. He sees us (His church) very clearly. Ephesus to our eyes would seem perfect. Large, influential, growing in numbers, BUT the Lord Jesus has a strong message if they will hear.
I. A seven-fold compliment.
1."I know your deeds." v. 2 The name Ephesus means "desired one."
Dr. M. R. DeHann -- "To come to Christ cost nothing; to follow
Christ cost something, but to serve Christ cost everything."
READ Ephesians 2:8-10
John Philips -- pp. 49-50 -- Business.
2. Your "toil."
Toil is working at a cost. (Greek -- Kopos.)
Not only did they work for God, but they worked for God at a price, a cost.
It was a heartfelt task.
Sadly, most people are along for a free ride in church. They are going through a spiritual revolving door on somebody else's push. They yank out a paper on somebody else's quarter. You want to ride, but you don't want to push, and you surely are not going to help buy gas!
Too "busy" at church complaint.
3. Your perseverance
(Hupomone) -- A triumphant attitude that refuses to quit. You can't beat it out of them!
Stea ...
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