Message Takeaways - A Church That Doesn’t Love Jesus

A Church That Doesn’t Love Jesus
Revelation 2:1–7

Jesus’ letter to the church in Ephesus reveals a congregation that was doctrinally sound, morally disciplined, and hardworking—yet dangerously lacking in love for Him. Though faithful in many ways, they had slowly abandoned their first love for Christ. Jesus lovingly commends their perseverance and purity, but He also confronts their heart problem and calls them to remember, repent, and return. This passage reminds us that obedience without affection is not enough. Christ desires both our faithfulness and our love.

Takeaways
Jesus is present with His church and sees both our actions and our motives.
Sound doctrine and good works cannot replace love for Christ.
Spiritual drift often happens slowly and unnoticed.
Renewal begins by remembering, repenting, and returning to Jesus.

Weekly Application
This week, take time to examine not just what you are doing for Christ, but why you are doing it. Ask the Lord to renew your affection for Him and to restore joy in your obedience.

Devotional 1: Christ Walks Among His Church
Revelation 2:1 - The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.”
Reflection Question:
How does knowing that Jesus is present with His church change the way you live and serve?
Prayer Prompt:
Thank Jesus for His protection and ask for a deeper awareness of His presence.

Devotional 2: Faithful but Forgetful
Revelation 2:4 - But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
Reflection Question:
Where might your love for Jesus have cooled over time?
Prayer Prompt:
Confess areas of spiritual drift and ask God to restore your love for Him.

Devotional 3: Remember, Repent, Return
Revelation 2:5 - Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.
Reflection Question:
What did your relationship with Jesus look like when your love for Him was strongest?
Prayer Prompt:
Ask God to help you return to joyful, love-driven obedience.

Devotional 4: A Promise for the Faithful
Scripture – Revelation 2:7 - To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Reflection Question:
How does the promise of eternal life encourage perseverance today?
Prayer Prompt:
Praise God for the hope of paradise and ask for strength to persevere.