As we examine each of the seven churches of Asia, the first in particular to be considered is the church at Ephesus. We read the Lord’s message to them in Revelation 2:1-7.
A Working Church:The Lord said, “I know your works, your labor…you have labored for My name’s sake” (Rev. 2:2-3). These brethren had labored for the Lord. The apostle Paul had given a good example of a proper work ethic to the church at Ephesus while he was with them (cf. Acts 20:35). We should take note that, just as the Lord knew the work of the church at Ephesus, He knows the work of this church. He knows what we are doing and may be failing to do in His service. We must work the works we are created to do (Eph. 2:10), and thereby edify the church (Eph. 4:16). Let us ever see the need to be a working church!
An Enduring Church:The Lord found the Ephesians as those who “have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary” (Rev. 2:3). The church at Ephesus had endured much persecution. We note some of the early persecution this church endured in Acts 19. In all these things they had endured patiently. We will face persecution today, knowing that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). When persecution comes, like the Ephesians we must also endure knowing that the Lord promised, “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God” (Rev. 2:7). We need to be an enduring church!
A Testing Church:Jesus said the Ephesians had “tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars” (Rev. 2:2). The Ephesians were confronted with those who claimed to be apostles when they were not. They tested them, found them to be false, and rejected them. They also hated “the deeds of the Nicolaitans” which the Lord said, “I also hate” (Rev. 2:6). There are many who would teach, claim, and practice false things today. Like the Ephesians, we must “not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 Jn. 4:1). We must test the doctrine of those claiming to teach the things of God to see if it is in accordance with God’s word. If not, we cannot bear them nor their doctrine (Gal. 1:6-9). We must be a testing church!
A Love-Lacking Church: The Lord only had one thing against the church at Ephesus: “that you have abandoned the love you had at first” (Rev. 2:4). It is possible for one’s love to “grow cold” (Matt. 24:12). That was Ephesus’ problem; they had lost the state of love that they once had. Thus, the Lord implores that they would “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” (Rev. 2:5). We are commanded to put the Lord before ourselves, our family, and our possessions (cf. Lk. 9:23, 14:26, 27, 33). He is to come first in everything (Matt. 6:33). Many churches seem to suffer from a lack of love for the Lord – they are apathetic about the things of the Lord and lack fervor and enthusiasm in His service. Do you love the Lord even more than when you first obeyed His will? If not, you need to repent! Let us examine ourselves individually and congregationally to ensure that we have a love for the Lord that is ever growing and never decreasing!
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 2:7).
David Eldridge