Remembering Our First Love Revelation 2:1-7
Good Morning
Stand with me and lift your bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you are seated, say, “Hello” to someone you have not met before.
Today, we’re going to journey into one of the most stirring letters written in the Book of Revelation—the letter to the church in Ephesus.
This church was commended for its hard work, perseverance, and doctrinal purity. But there was something deeply concerning: they had forsaken their first love.
As we explore this message, let us ask ourselves, "Have we drifted from our first love?"
There’s a story about a young couple who fell in love and married quickly. They were passionately devoted to each other, spending time together, laughing, talking late into the night, and supporting each other. But as time went on, they became busier with work, raising children, and dealing with responsibilities. Over the years, they started feeling more like roommates than lovers, their relationship running on routine.
One evening, after a particularly busy day, the husband came home to find his wife waiting for him with a photo album in hand. She flipped through the pictures of their early days together, pointing out memories of road trips, late-night dates, handwritten love notes, and spontaneous adventures. Tears filled their eyes as they remembered the joy they once had.
They realized their love wasn’t lost—it had simply been buried under life’s demands. So, they made a promise to revive that love. They started dating each other again, taking time for the small things, and their love blossomed as it had in the beginning.
Like this couple, the church in Ephesus was once passionately in love with Jesus. But their relationship had become routine, focused on responsibilities and doctrine while missing the heart of it all—their love for Christ. And Jesus, like that wife with the photo album, invites them to remember their “first love” and return to it.
1. Jesus’ Commendation of the Church (Rev 2:2-3)
Jesus acknowledges their good works, patient endurance, and opposition to false teachings. The Ephesian church was active in ministry, diligent in truth, and committed to standing against evil.
In our own lives, we often take pride in our accomplishments and spiritual devotion. But Jesus’ commendation is only the starting point.
Just as He calls us to do His work and stand for truth, He’s calling us deeper.
2. Jesus’ Warning: You Have Forsaken Your First Love (Rev 2:4)
- Despite all their good works, the Ephesians had grown distant in their passion for Jesus. Their zeal, love, and devotion for Christ had faded.
- Jesus speaks about "first love." This isn’t simply romanticized zeal; it’s the love we had when we first encountered His saving grace—the love that made us willing to follow Him anywhere, serve others, and worship Him wholeheartedly.
- Jesus calls us to reflect: Where is our first love? Are we merely going through the motions, or do we have that deep, abiding love for Jesus?
3. Remember, Repent, and Return (Rev 2:5)
Jesus provides the church with three specific actions:
1. Remember where you have fallen.
- Reflect on the passion you once had for Christ. Recall the days when you felt a fire in your spirit and the excitement of walking with Him.
2. Repent of allowing your heart to grow cold.
- Turning from any distractions or idols that have claimed our focus, we are invited to seek forgiveness and a new heart.
3. Return to doing the things you did at first.
- Return to worship, prayer, service, and sharing the gospel. Our actions often ignite our heart.
4. God’s Warning and Promise (Rev 2:5-7)
- Jesus warns that without repentance, the church’s “lampstand” would be removed. This meant they would lose their influence, their light.
- However, there is hope! Jesus promises that to those who overcome, He will grant access to the tree of life.
- If we rekindle our love, the promise is renewed fellowship with Christ, eternal life, and joy that overflows into all we do.
How Do We Remember Our Calling and First Love?
- We need daily *connection* with God, intentionally spending time in prayer, worship, and the Word.
- Seek *community* with others who love Jesus, encouraging each other to grow and remain passionate.
- Embrace a lifestyle of *serving and witnessing* so that our hearts remain aligned with His mission.
I want to take a few minutes for us to reflect and respond to this message.
- Take a moment to close your eyes and remember the moment you first encountered Jesus—how He transformed your life. Remember the joy, the passion, the love.
- Let’s ask Him to forgive us where our hearts may have grown cold. If we have let anything become more important than Jesus, let’s bring it to Him now.
- I want to invite you to come forward to pray for renewal and ask God to restore the fire of your first love.
If you feel God calling you to rekindle that first love or surrender something that has taken His place, come to the altar. Let’s ask God for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit.
Closing Prayer:
"Lord, thank You for loving us even when we falter. Help us to remember our first love and return to the passion and joy we had at the beginning. Give us the strength to keep You first in our lives. Restore our hearts so we may shine brightly for You. In Jesus' name, Amen."
May this message today remind us that our love for Jesus isn’t lost; it’s just waiting to be rekindled. As we reflect on our first love for Christ, may we return to that joy, passion, and wholehearted devotion, serving Him as our true love.
