Ephesian Church Left Their First Love for What or Whom?

[heb13-13]

Hi Rick, Have a blessed New Year.

It's really hard to be specific as to what caused them to leave their first love which of course would be love of Christ and doing things because of Him. However, one option could be they got focused on the 'work' and missed out on the personal and living reason for it. I don't know if self-focus and pride would be the issue, because I think if that was the issue, Jesus possibly would have pointed that out, because he lists so many positive attributes in v2:2,3

In verse Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; >>>> I think we all need to retain the understanding that we are sinners saved by God's grace and without Christ we can do nothing that pleases Him. Maybe they got so carried away doing those good things He commends them for, and they missed remaining rooted in Him, thereby leaving their first love. Obviously in order to leave their first love was a choice, and likely is found in the very act of obedience of picking up our cross daily. As believers, We can all do the 'job' of living for Christ, but we don't always do it because of Christ. If they were doing the things out of 'practice' or rote, despite having all the right doctrine, then maybe the work itself became the idol.

John 15:4-8 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.



Hi Vic,

Yes, maybe the work became the idol. They left their first love for another love. The love of works. They possibly became quite good at "doing" Christianity.

It is good that the Lord has shown us this through his conversation about the Ephesian church. I know many that have put them on such a high pedestal as the mature church to shoot for and yet we see that they are just mere men as we are.

Whatever it was, that captured their heart, it is a good reminder to us that our heart's affections must always be attuned to Jesus Christ. Idols are a very subtle thing and can be anything other than the Lord. I think anyone that has walked with the Lord for awhile, has found this out.

God's very best to you and your family in 2011.
Rick