Church of God Mission International SUNDAY, 5th MAY 2024. | CHRIST’S LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS
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CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
CENTRAL THOUGHT:
God is displeased when His grace is taken for granted
SUNDAY, 5th MAY 2024.
HYMN: S.S & S 616 “Take My life And Let It Be”
TOPIC: CHRIST’S LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS
TEXT: Rev 2:1-7
INTRODUCTION:
The Lord Jesus Christ knows His church fully well. He is the head, while the church is His body. The church derives her ministry and authority by being firmly rooted on the eternal foundation laid by Christ.
Seven revelational letters were written to seven churches as direct messages from the glorified Christ. Each letter follows a similar pattern of an introduction of Himself, commendation for the church, complaint against the church, a call to action and a promise to the faithful. The common theme of the letters is “Persevering in faith” and is designed as a reminder of their allegiance to God. The letters are addressed to the “Angel” (guardian, pastor, overseer) of the church.
Ephesus was a famous city and the church here was a centre for the spread of the gospel in Asia. This church was in constant struggle with false teachers and this attracted the attention of Jesus Christ.
In this study we shall examine the contents of Christ’s letter to the church in Ephesus with a view to drawing valuable lessons
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this study are to:
- Explains the significance of Christ’s introduction
- Identify points of commendation for this church
- State points of complaint against this church
- Discuss the instructions and promises to this church
- Relate the state of this church to the present day Christian experience
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1. HOW DID CHRIST INTRODUCE HIMSELF AND OF WHAT SIGNIFICANCE IS IT ? (Rev 2:1)
Jesus Christ introduced Himself to the church in Ephesus as “He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks”. The stars refer to God’s agents of leadership in the church, while the golden candlesticks refer to the church itself (Rev 1:20). Both the stars and the candlesticks are known for light which shines brighter in darkness. “Right hand” is indicative of authority while “golden” implies high level treasure. Ministers ate extensions of Christ’s authority and the church is a treasure of high value to Christ. He sustains His ministers and looks after His church.
QUESTION 2. WHAT ARE THE POINTS OF COMMENDATION FOR THIS CHURCH ? (Rev 2:2-5)
The commendation of this church is capped in “works and labour” that is known to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. They were commended for their diligence in duty, patience in suffering and zeal against what was evil. Diligence and good works must be accompanied with patience to bear and patience to wait, so as to receive the promises. They exercised the gift of discernment and we’re able to direct “apostolic impostors”
QUESTION 3. WHAT WERE THE POINTS OF COMPLAINT AGAINST THIS CHURCH ? (Rev 2:4)
The Lord expressed just one reservation about this church and it bothered on the foundation of faith. “Thou have left thy first love”. It was not stolen, neither was it lost. It was carelessly consigned to the background, perhaps due to much labour and much pains from trials. They started gradually to ignore that warm and lively affection for Christ and for one another and soon it abated and cooled off. Love is the basic law of the kingdom. First love is love for God at all times. Second love is love for oneself and neighbor. First love is the foundation for the true manifestation of the second love.
QUESTION 4. DISCUSS THE INSTRUCTIONS AND PROMISES PLACED BEFORE THIS CHURCH (Rev 2:5-7)
The instruction given to the church at Ephesus was a warning with consequences for disobedience. The warning had three prongs as follows:
A) Remember where thou has fallen: They must compare their present state with for mer state meditatively, to see how much they degenerated i.e. self-evaluation
A) Repent: This means to return, endeavour to revive and recover their first zeal
C) Do the first work: This means to begin again and rebuild their love and lively affection for God.
They are warned of severe consequences if they neglect to heed the instructions. First, they will be caught unaware by God’s judgement. Also, the grace of God bestowed on them will cease to function. A slight on the spirit of God will definitely attract His displeasure.
The promise of reservation is however restated by Christ to this church (Rev 2:7). To him that overcometh, there is a promise of great mercy, glorious triumph and reward of eternal life.
QUESTION 5. HOW DO WE RELATE THE STATE OF THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS TO PRESENT DAY CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE ?
It appears that everything mentioned about the church in Ephesus are complete in today’s church. Today, the church ch is busy with programmes and projects all year round. Yet there is an upsurge of false prophets and deceivers doing everything to makr merchandise of the church. The church has departed from her first love(which is to fully love God) and are now busy with motivational quotes and talk in place of doctrine. The present day church has not been able to resist the god of mammon.
The same warning Christ gave to the church in Ephesus practically applies:-
a) Remember from where you have fallen
b) Repent, revive and recover from slumber
c) Do the first works. The church must return to godly priority and order.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
Christ has great affection for His ministers and the churches, who are His agents of continuity here on earth. He is interested in how the church is faring with the divine resources He has bestowed on her. Leaders and members must give due diligence to scriptural details of doctrine and faith. For no reason must the church submit to compromise and false apostles. To slight the grace of God is to attract the displeasure of our Lord Jesus Christ
MEMORY VERSE:
Revelation 2:7a “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches… “
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