The Word and Our First Love: Lessons from the Book of Revelation

In 2 Timothy 3, the apostle Paul emphasises the profound importance of the Scriptures in the life of a believer. He writes, 

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

These verses highlight the transformative power of the Word of God, equipping us for every good work.

Paul’s letter to Timothy is not only a message of concern but also one of encouragement. He underscores the significance of the Word, suggesting that it serves four primary purposes:

  Doctrine: The Scriptures provide a foundation for our beliefs and creed.

  Reproof: They rebuke us when we stray from God’s path.

  Correction: The Word guides us back onto the right path.

  Instruction: It teaches us righteousness and equips us for every good work.

The Bible is our handbook and spiritual coordinates, helping us understand where we are and where we need to be in our faith journey. To further illustrate this point, we can turn to the Book of Revelation and specifically the address to the seven churches.

The Book of Revelation, particularly in Revelation 2, addresses the Church of Ephesus, which had left its first love. This passage warns the church about the danger of losing its initial zeal for Christ. The churches in Revelation received commendations, rebukes, and warnings, highlighting their need for faithfulness in the face of adversity. These churches played a vital role in Asia Minor’s Christian community due to their strategic locations.

“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, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” – Revelation 2:1-4 NKJV

This episode occurred during the New Testament dispensation. It was under a dispensation of Grace, yet the Lord had a strong rebuke. The apostle John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, received the vision. He authored five books in the New Testament, including the Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation.

The Church of Ephesus had a positive reputation, but there was a grievance against them. They had forsaken their first love, which should consist of dedication, consecration, and intimacy with Christ. The warning here is against getting so entangled in religious duties that we forget the primary reason for our faith.

“Many pastors and leaders have shifted from feeding the flock to entertaining the flock” – Shaun Smit

This is labour-intensive and performance-driven. Feeding the flock involves selecting, preparing, and dishing out spiritual nourishment, with the flock’s responsibility to partake in it. 

The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 illustrates the importance of choosing intimacy and fellowship with Christ over mere works. Distractions can lead to detours from intimacy. In the case of Martha, her concerns about being a proper hostess distracted her from the more important goal of being a disciple. Jesus didn’t negate Martha’s hospitality but highlighted the need to prioritise and avoid distractions.

However, we should still serve the Lord. Ephesians 2:10, Romans 12:1, and Ephesians 4:12 emphasise the importance of good works in the Christian life. Mary, however, chose intimacy and fellowship with Christ over works, while Martha chose works and distractions over intimacy.

The consequence of forsaking our first love is alarming, as Revelation 2:5 warns. It calls for repentance and a return to our initial works, or else the lampstand, representing our ability to shed the light of Jesus to the world, will be removed from its place. 

“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.” – Revelation 2:5

This passage underscores the need to keep God in the first place in our lives, whether it’s in our families, churches, programs, businesses, or careers.

In Revelation, each congregation is symbolically represented by a lampstand, and the light they shed is meant to illuminate Jesus and bring Him glory. Removing the lampstand implies the forfeiture of the right to shine the light of Jesus to the world. Our ultimate goal is to reflect the light of Christ in our lives, and maintaining our first love is crucial in achieving this.

“Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” – Psalms 51:11-12

As believers, we should remember Psalms 51:11-12 and Zechariah 4:6, emphasising the importance of God’s presence and the Holy Spirit in our lives. Our service to the Lord should always be rooted in intimacy and fueled by our first love for Christ. Detours and distractions will lead us away from the path of righteousness and our unwavering dedication to our Savior. 

Seek first His face, His presence and His voice, then the works will Glorify Him. 

Blessings 

Shaun Smit 

This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 29th of October, 2023. You can view the message below.