Revelation 2:1-7 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

“Write to the angel of the church in Ephesus: “The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and who walks among the seven gold lampstands says:

2 I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars.

3 You also possess endurance and have tolerated many things because of My name and have not grown weary.

4 But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.

5 Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

6 Yet you do have this: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in God’s paradise.

Three Main Points:

1. Remember - Think about the healthiest and most-productive seasons in your spiritual life. If you find yourself at a place where your love for Jesus has waned, return to the things that were present when you were walking closely with God.

2. Repent - Anything, no matter how good, that keeps you from your love for Jesus is a sin. Surrender these things before Jesus and watch Him begin to move in your life once more.

3. Return - At the heart of Jesus’ message is a loving call: “Return to Me.” As we turn from sin, we turn toward Jesus. We simply must return to Jesus.

Conclusion/Closing/Exercise:

How do we return to our first love? Consider the following suggestions as you follow Christ in the days to come -

1. Remember - Write down the top three things that describe your Christian walk at its most healthy.

2. Repent - Spend time identifying any habits or patterns in your life that are detrimental to your love for Jesus. Repent right now before God. Turn from those sins today.

3. Return - Write down a practical plan for drawing closer to God. This may be a renewed commitment to daily Bible reading, prayer, sharing your faith, and so on.