Renewal

RENEWAL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Revelation 2:1-5

Life is full of seasons—times of growth, times of stagnation, and sometimes, times when we feel we have drifted far from where we once were. The Christian journey is no different. There are moments of spiritual passion, where our hearts burn with love for God, and then there are moments when that fire grows dim. In Revelation 2:1-5, Jesus speaks directly to the church in Ephesus about this very issue: the need for renewal.

The church in Ephesus was once vibrant. Paul had laboured among them, teaching them the truth of the gospel (Acts 19). They had experienced the power of the Holy Spirit, witnessed miracles, and stood firm in the midst of persecution. Yet, over time, something happened. Their works continued, their doctrine remained sound, but their hearts had grown cold.

1. THE PROBLEM: A LOST LOVE

Jesus acknowledges their hard work, their perseverance, and their rejection of false teaching. On the outside, they looked like the perfect church—active, disciplined, and committed to sound doctrine. But then comes the piercing truth:

"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." (Revelation 2:4)

Imagine a couple who once shared a deep, passionate love. They would do anything for each other, spend hours together, and cherish every moment. But over the years, routine replaced romance, duty replaced delight, and soon, love became an obligation rather than a joy. This was the state of the Ephesian church. They were still in the relationship, still serving, but the passion was missing.

Have you ever felt that way in your walk with God? Praying, reading the Bible, attending church—but deep inside, something is missing? That first love, that deep longing for His presence, has faded.

2. THE CALL TO REMEMBER

Jesus does not leave them without hope. He gives them the key to renewal in verse 5:

"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works."

The first step to renewal is remembrance. They had to look back and recall the passion they once had. They needed to reflect on where they started and see how far they had drifted.

Think of the prodigal son in Luke 15. He was lost in a far country, living recklessly, but his renewal began when he remembered his father’s house. The same is true for us. Renewal begins when we remember where we were with God before we drifted.

3. THE RESPONSE: REPENTANCE AND ACTION

Jesus does not just call them to remember; He calls them to repent and return to the first works. Repentance is not just feeling sorry—it is turning back. It is making a decision to change direction.

For the Ephesians, this meant going back to the deep love they once had for Christ. It meant making their relationship with Him their priority again. It meant serving, not out of duty, but out of delight.

Consider Peter after he denied Jesus. He was broken, ashamed, and distant. But after the resurrection, Jesus did not condemn him; He simply asked, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17). That was the heart of the matter. And when Peter reaffirmed his love, Jesus restored him.

4. THE WARNING AND THE PROMISE

Jesus warns that if they do not renew their love, He will remove their lampstand. This means their influence, their effectiveness, their very identity as a light-bearing church would be lost. A church can have structure, programmes, and doctrine, but without love, it loses its true power.

However, for those who return, there is a promise. Revelation 2:7 speaks of the reward awaiting those who overcome—a return to paradise, to eternal fellowship with God.

PERSONAL REFLECTION: DO YOU NEED RENEWAL?

Have you lost the joy of your salvation?

Do you feel distant from God, even though you are still active in His work?

Are you just going through the motions without real passion?

If so, Jesus' message to Ephesus is also His message to you:

Remember. Repent. Return.

Your love for God can be renewed. Your passion can be restored. The fire that once burned brightly in your heart can blaze again. The invitation is open—will you respond?