Rekindling the Flame: Returning to Your First Love
A sobering message, a message directed to the church at Ephesus, but one that resonates with us today. It is a message about the danger of losing our first love, a love that should be the very essence of our relationship with God. Let us examine the words of Revelation 2 and heed the call to return to our passionate devotion to Christ.
Lack of Enthusiasm and Zeal for the Work
Lack of Interest in Spiritual Things
- Personal Spiritual Growth
- Daily Prayer and Reliance on God
- Diligent Bible Study and Bible Classes
- Fellowship with Our Spiritual Family
- The Worship Assemblies
1. Recognition of Works and Effort: God Sees Our Labor
Revelation 2:2 begins with commendation: “I know your works, your labor, and your patience…” God sees our effort in faith and ministry. He acknowledges our dedication and service. He knows the sacrifices we make and the burdens we bear. This should encourage us, knowing that our labor is not in vain.
2. Zeal for Sound Doctrine: Defending the Truth, Losing Love
Revelation 2:2 continues, “…and you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not…” The church at Ephesus defended the truth. They were vigilant against false teaching, a commendable trait. However, in their zeal for sound doctrine, they lost something essential: love.
3. Perseverance in the Midst of Difficulties: Weariness Without Passion
Revelation 2:3 adds, “And you have endured, and have been patient, and have labored for my name's sake, and have not grown weary.” Even in the midst of faithful service, we can lose our true passion for Christ. They persevered through trials, yet their hearts grew cold. We can be active in ministry, yet disconnected from our Savior.
4. The Danger of Losing Your First Love: Activity Without Intimacy
Revelation 2:4 reveals the heart of the problem: “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” We can be active in ministry, but disconnected from Christ. We can be busy serving, but our hearts can drift away from the intimate relationship God desires.
Indifference and Apathy Set In
- Toward the Church
- Toward the Worship
- Toward the Work of the Church
- Toward the Spiritual Condition of our
- Fellow Christians
- Towards the Lost in the World
5. First Love: Passion and Intimacy with God: The Heart of Devotion
Deuteronomy 6:5 reminds us, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul…” First love involves dedication, communion, and pleasure in the presence of God. It is a passionate, wholehearted devotion that seeks His face above all else. It is the fire that fuels our service and sustains our faith.
6. The Call to Repentance: Returning to Our Roots
Revelation 2:5 calls us to action: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent…” Restoration begins with acknowledging the fall and genuine repentance. We must recognize where we went astray and turn back to God with a contrite heart.
7. The Importance of the First Works: Rekindling the Flame
Revelation 2:5 continues, “…and do the first works…” We need to return to the spiritual practices that brought us closer to God. We must revisit the disciplines that ignited our passion and fostered our intimacy with Him.
8. The Risk of Losing the Candlestick: Diminishing Light
Revelation 2:5 warns, “…or else I will come to you quickly and will remove your candlestick from its place, unless you repent.” A lack of love can result in the loss of God’s presence and brightness in our lives. Our light can dim, and our influence can wane if we neglect our relationship with Him.
9. God Values Faithfulness, But Desires Relationship: Heart Over Duty
Revelation 2:6 acknowledges, “Nevertheless you have this, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” God approves of doctrinal faithfulness, but above all, He wants a passionate heart. He desires a relationship built on love, not just duty.
10. The Promise to the Overcomers: Eternal Reward
Revelation 2:7 concludes, “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Those who remain in God’s love will be rewarded eternally. Those who rekindle their first love and persevere will inherit the promises of God.
- Preaching on The Great Commission Matthew 28:19
- Preaching on Jonathan and David: The Friendship
- Preaching on Jabez's Prayer 1 Chronicles 4:10
Conclusion
Let us heed the call to return to our first love. Let us examine our hearts, repent of our coldness, and rekindle the flame of passion for Christ. May we walk in intimacy with Him, allowing His love to fuel our service and sustain our faith. Amen.
