Revelation 2:1-11 – Lesson 4

 Revelation 2:1-7 – The Church in Ephesus, Left Their First Love

Through John Jesus identified Himself to the church at Ephesus.  He said He held the seven stars in His right hand and walked among the seven golden lampstands.  This emphasized His authority and presence in the church.  He knew all about the church; nothing was a mystery to Him.  He knew their deeds, hard work, patience, and perseverance. 

He encouraged them by telling them He knew how patient they were and that they couldn’t tolerate wicked men.  Nevertheless He had something against them.  They had forsaken their first love.  They once had the love they didn’t have anymore.  He wanted them to remember where they used to be in their love for God and one another.  They were to remember how they used to spend time in the Word and praying; remember how excited they were telling others about Jesus.  He told them to repent meaning to change direction before it was too late or He would remove His presence from the church. 

Remember from Revelation 1:20 the seven stars represent seven angels who watch over the churches and the seven golden lampstands represent the seven churches.  If they didn’t change direction, His presence would be removed.

Ways you can discern between true and false teaching are found in these passages...

Acts 17:11 – know and examine the Scriptures.

Romans 12:2 – don’t conform to the worlds pattern, but renew your mind to what is good and pleasing to God.

1 Corinthians 12:3 – if a person is specking by the Holy Spirit, they will not say Jesus is cursed but will say Jesus is Lord.

2 Timothy 3:16 – all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training.

Jesus said in Matt. 22:36-40 that the first and greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”  If you have forsaken your first love, then you might have stopped reading and studying the Word because you were too busy with life. God isn’t in the center of your life as He once was.  You put others things before Him.  You become self-absorbed and think only of yourself before the welfare of others. 

Ways to express your love for God is by praying, studying the Bible, loving those around you, tithing, fasting, and being encouraging and hopeful.  Show it in your words and your actions.

Repent means to stop doing what you are doing and turn around and do the opposite with the intention of never doing it again.  It’s a change of heart and mind that brings you closer to God.  It’s turning from sin and turning to God for forgiveness.

Genesis and Revelation talk about the Tree of Life.  Genesis tells us that God planted a garden with all kinds of trees and in the center of the garden He put the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  He told Adam and Eve to eat from any tree except the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  We know they disobeyed and ate from it anyway.  They were cursed and banished from the garden.  Now because of Jesus and the salvation He gives to those who believe and trust in Him, we can once again have access to the Tree of Life – the reward of eternal life in heaven.

Revelation 2:8-11 – The Church in Smyrna, The Suffering Church

Jesus describes Himself as the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.  He knew the church’s afflictions and poverty – yet they were rich.  He knew the slander of those who say they are Jews but are a synagogue of Satan.

He encouraged them by saying to not be afraid of what they are about to suffer.  They are to be faithful and He will give them the crown of life.

I think when Jesus said they were in poverty but rich, He meant they were in material poverty but they were rich in spirit.  They were storing up treasure in heaven instead of here on earth (Matt. 5:3; 6:19-20).  Jesus willingly became poor in suffering and died on the cross, yet He was rich and secure in the glory of heaven (2 Cor. 8:9).

Jesus faced slander and persecution and suffering; Smyrna too will face what He faced.  All believers will face persecution (John 15:19-20; 16:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:12).  The Apostles faced persecution; they were arrested and jailed and even killed for their performing miracles.  Christians today face the same persecution.  They’re mocked, thrown in jail, tortured, and some even killed for their faith.

Jesus told the Smyrna believers not to fear suffering.  Matt. 10:28-33 tell us “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”

Knowing Christ equips believers to be faithful in suffering.  Suffering and trials are part of our journey; it’s what makes us stronger, gives us endurance, and builds up our faith.  It causes us to turn to Him bringing us closer to Him.  Sufferings and tribulations don’t break our faith; it strengthens it.

Next week we will continue the study in Revelation.  –  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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