What trace will you leave behind when you are gone, and will it last longer than a footprint in the sand? That question leads us to the first of the seven letters in Revelation, the message of Jesus to the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2), a community that was persevering, courageous, faithful to the truth and morally upright, and yet heard the words: you have abandoned your first love. The sermon shows that all our achievements can turn out to be like a banknote with no marks of authenticity. Listen, and ask whether you are leaving the imprint of your heart on everything you do.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Jesus commends the church in Ephesus for their hard work, perseverance, exposing false apostles and rejecting the Nicolaitans. What does their faithfulness in a city full of emperor worship and the temple of Artemis tell us about them?
- Why does Jesus introduce himself to the Ephesians as the one who holds the seven stars and walks among the seven golden lampstands? What was this image meant to remind them of?
- How could a church that was faithful, knew the truth and lived morally still forsake its first love? What signs might show that love for God and for one another is growing cold?
- The story of the counterfeit banknote that bought so much yet ended up in the shredder shows that achievements cannot replace authenticity. What does it mean to you that Jesus will ask not how much you did, but how much you loved?
- Jesus calls them to remember the height from which they have fallen, repent and do the things they did at first. What might that kind of return to your first love look like in your life?
- The sermon admits that people can be difficult, yet God's love in us enables us to love others. Who do you want to leave a mark of love on this week, and what will you actually do?
