Sermon Central
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Back To The Main Thing Series
Contributed by Bong Baylon on Feb 11, 2009 (message contributor)
Summary: No one wants to be forgetful. But when we forget something that is really important, like forgetting our true mission on earth, we can get into big trouble. Not just because we might fail, but because we might be judged by the One who called us in the fir
Our First Mail
“Back to the Main Thing”
Revelation 2:1-7; 3:14-22
THE MAIN PROBLEM
1. What do you think is the main problem in the Church in Ephesus?
4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.
a. Does this refer to their love for ONE ANOTHER?
b. Does this refer to their love for the LORD JESUS CHRIST?
c. Does this refer to their love for the LOST?
2. Let’s look at some “blues clues” in the letter:
a. The description of the SPEAKER
1 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands…
b. The description of the CHURCH
2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
c. The description of the WARNING
5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
d. The description of the PROMISE
7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
3. What do you think is the main problem in the Church in Laodicea?
14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm -- neither hot nor cold -- I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Does this refer to their SPIRITUAL FERVOR (or lack of it)?
4. Again, let’s look at some “blues clues” in the letter:
a. The description of the SPEAKER
14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.
b. The description of the CHURCH
17 You say, ’I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
c. The description of the ENCOURAGEMENT
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
d. The description of the PROMISE
21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
BACK TO THE MAIN THING
1. The situation is THE SAME in both the church in Ephesus and in the church in Laodicea.
a. They are both affirmed in terms of their DEEDS.
2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance.
15 I know your deeds…
b. They are both warned in terms of possible EXTINCTION.
5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
16 So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
2. The solution is THE SAME in both the church in Ephesus and in the church in Laodicea.
a. REPENT – Revelation 2:5 “Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.”
