A Warning We Need to Heed! |

In the 1st century, the city of Ephesus was one of the largest and most impressive cities in the ancient world: a political, religious and commercial center in Asia Minor. It was also under Roman rule.

In A.D. 51, the apostle Paul came through Ephesus on his third missionary journey (Acts 19). As was his custom, he went to the Jewish synagogue and preached about Jesus. Some came to know Christ as their Savior. Paul stayed in that city for the next 2-3 years working and teaching. Thus, the Church at Ephesus was born.

Paul finally left to continue his missionary journey and the church seemed to thrive as a beacon of light and hope. Ten years later, around A.D. 61, the apostle Paul wrote a letter to this church to encourage them. Paul writes: “I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1). No doubt, the Church at Ephesus was on mission with Paul.

Fast-forward 30 years to around A.D. 95. The apostle John is in his 90’s by now and still preaching the Word of God. The emperor of Rome is Domitian, a ruthless dictator, and a terrible persecutor of Christians. Domitian tried to kill John, but when that didn’t work, he banished him to the Island of Patmos. But God wasn’t done with John. It was on this remote island that John received a vision – the Book of Revelation.

Jesus speaks to John about events yet in the future – end-time things. He also gives accolades and admonitions to 7 churches in Asia Minor. Ephesus is one of those churches. Ephesus had been going strong for 40 years by the time they receive this letter.

Jesus tells them what they are doing right… “I know the things you do. I have seen your hard work, and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not.” Revelation 2:2

Good job!

But then the letter turns somber. Listen to what He says: “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!” Revelation 2:4

Hence, the Church at Ephesus was still going strong, but their motives were all whacked out. At one time, they were driven by their love for Jesus and His people, but not any more. Forty years of struggles, watching their fellow Christians persecuted and dying, attacks, trying to accommodate the changing world, and just doing the same thing over and over seemed to hardened their hearts.

Can you relate? Have you ever found yourself serving out of obligation, duty, or because that’s what you’ve always done? Have you noticed that perhaps the passion and love that once drove you is no longer there?

From this word to the Church at Ephesus, I will tell you that our motives are more important than the works we do. God tells us that “[He] searches all hearts and examines secret motives” (Jeremiah 17:10). It’s important we serve Him from the right motives – namely, LOVE.

To make sure our motives are right and pure, we should do a self-evaluation every now and then. We can do this by asking ourselves questions…

Why am I doing this? Is it for recognition, to please someone, to feel good about myself, or out of obligation? Or is it out of love for Jesus and what He’s done for me?
Do I love Jesus and and His people as much as I should? Am I willing to do what He asks no matter the cost? Am I willing to stand up for Him even if no one else does? Am I putting others needs above mine?
Do I obey His Word? When reading the Bible, do I ask myself, “Am I doing what it says?” Do I obey even when it goes against my human flesh? Do I obey even if I have to say no when I feel it’s wrong.
Am I always striving to be more like Christ? In holiness, character, godliness, and in my actions? Do I ask for forgiveness when I know I’ve sinned against God?
Am I spending time with Him daily?

Remember that our MOTIVES matter. Why? Well, God tells the Church at Ephesus why. Here are two specific reasons…

If LOVE isn’t our driving force, then God will remove our lampstand (Revelation 2:5)! Hence, we become useless for the kingdom. We will no longer be a light shining.
If LOVE is our driving force, then God will give us fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God (Revelation 2:7)!

God loves to reward His people. And He wants to. Therefore, He gives us a chance to turn back to Him (Revelation 2:5).

So, let’s be careful to do things for the right reason.

Let’s heed this important warning.

Blessings,