To the Church in Ephesus

Introduction:

What is one of the more “out there” dreams you’ve ever had?  Do you think it meant anything?

How do you keep up with old friends?

Observation:

For some background reading on the church of Ephesus, check out Acts 19, I Timothy, and the Book of Ephesians.  What do we know about the church at Ephesus?

Where else do you see the phrase “who holds the seven stars in his right hand” and “walks among the seven golden lampstands” earlier in this book?

What the church’s strengths?  Weaknesses?

Interpretation:

Why would the facts that the Son of Man holds the seven stars in his right hand and that He walks among the seven golden lampstands be of particular importance to the church at Ephesus?

What do you think it means that the Ephesians have “lost their first love”?

Why is it so crucial for the church in Ephesus to “hate” the practices of the Nicolaitans? (look on ahead to v. 15)

Application:

What did you first do as a follower of Jesus that you don’t do anymore, or rarely do anymore?  How do you keep that first love alive?

The Ephesian church is commended for their belief, but rebuked for their lack of prophetic witness.  How does the word that Jesus brings to them have an impact on you?

How does this word help you to overcome?

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