Church Message to Ephesus
“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who
holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the
seven golden lampstands: “I know your works (1), your labor (2), your patience (3), and that you cannot bear those who are evil (4). And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not and have found them liars (5); and you have persevered and have patience and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary (6). Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love (7).
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first
works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand
from its place—unless you repent (8). But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate (9). He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (10). To him who overcomes (11) I will give to eat from the tree of life (12), which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’” Revelation 2:1-7
1) The works of the church at Ephesus.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
2) The labor of the church at Ephesus.
Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Ephesians 4:28
3) The patience of the church at Ephesus.
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of
the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and
gentleness, with long suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
4) Church at Ephesus defense against evil.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do
not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against
spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take
up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13
5) Church at Ephesus knew that the era of the apostles was over.
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow
citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having
been built on the foundation
of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief
cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows
into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built
together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22
6) The perseverance of the church at Ephesus.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the
breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the
preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of
faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the
wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and
supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance
and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be
given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery
of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may
speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:14-20
7) All is lost without sincerely loving Jesus Christ.
Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Ephesians 6:23-24
8) Have you repented of your sins?
But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of
the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and
idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see
nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their
sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. Revelation 9:20-21
9) The Nicolaitans were an early
Christian sect condemned in the Book of Revelation for teaching
spiritual compromise, idolatry, and sexual immorality.
10) There is no one “true” organized church.
11) Have you overcome the world by your faith in Jesus Christ?
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone
who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this
we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His
commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His
commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is
born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has
overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:1-5
12) Will you eat of the tree of life and drink of the water of life?
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to
everyone according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the
Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Blessed are those who
do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life,
and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and
sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever
loves and practices a lie. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to
you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of
David, the Bright and Morning Star.” And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:12-17