Seven: Lesson in Love

Revelation 2:1-7

Church of Ephesus

Strengths:

• A serving church

• A discerning church

• A persevering church

Serious weakness: Abandoned their first Love

Signs of this happening:

How to keep your first love

• Remember

• Repent

• Return

Take Home Idea: Abandon Christ, as our Center and our impact is nothing.

“Ephesus: Lesson in Love” Small Group Questions

Revelation 2:1-7

Opening:

What was your “first love” in elementary school like?

Review Pastor Joel's sermon and Take Home Idea. What struck you about the sermon?

What do you have questions about?

Dig:

What do you know about the church in Ephesus (see Acts 19)?

What were the strengths of this church? What is their weakness? How might these strengths have contributed to its weakness?

Why is this weakness so serious?

What do you think their Sunday worship was like?

What was the “first love” they abandoned?

Pastor Joel listed three signs that this might be happening. What are they? Do you agree or disagree?

What are the necessary steps to correct this weakness? What is repentance?

Reflect:

Of the positive qualities mentioned about this church, which best describes you? Our church? Why?

In what ways have you moved away from your first love for Christ? What secrets have you found to keep that love alive?

Close this time sharing and praying together as a group.