Lesson 9 January 19, 2003
Chapter 2 The Message to Ephesus
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- The P/T as the messenger to the Church is responsible for taking the Scripture, the message from God and explaining it to the church, those assembled.
** Here we have in Ch 2-3 God's message for the churches; a message that if heeded will bring them blessing, and its sent through a messenger, mediately.
2. Location: Ephesus; for a believer in the first century it is hostile territory.
a. Major seaport in Western Asia Minor; therefore a major trade center.
b. it was the defacto capitol of the province; The Roman governor resided there.
c. It was considered a "free city" and was basically self-governed.
d. It was the center for worship of a "goddess" known as Artemis (Gk) or Diana (Romanized)
e. The Church was founded by Paul along with Priscilla and Aquila, (Acts 18:18-22) Paul didn't stay long; shortly after he left Apollos came and taught the Scriptures for a time. (18:24-28)
f. In 263 A.D. the Goths came in and destroyed the city and the temple. (never rebuilt).
*** What’s going on here?
For the message to have its desired impact it must be heard, responded to!
*** Four Steps for hearing the voice of God.
#1. 1:1 Revelation; God speaks; He discloses.
#2. Inscripturation; 1:11,19; 2:1 cmd to write;
#3. Exposition of scripture; Pastor communicates to the gathered the message of Scripture, from God; (not his agenda).
#4. Illumination; 2:7 says that the hearers of truth are to respond to the P/T! No!! to the Holy Spirit! (each msg ends with)
*** Structure of these 7 messages to the Churches.
1. Identification of the speaker; Christ; a characteristic of Him.
2. Commendation: see that He has intimate knowledge of each of these churches. None for 1.
3. Condemnation, complaint: failure of the church; none for 2.
4. Exhortation: course correction needed.
5. Promise: each is eschatological in nature. hope related to His rtn
3. ID of speaker to Ephesus
"The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this,"
- What we find here is His evaluation and recommendations for their proper function; if they are to fulfill their proper role and purpose in the plan of God.
Next we see a description of Christ in relationship to the church.
"the One who walks"
4. The Message to Ephesus: 2:2-7
a. Commendation; 2:2-3, also 6
Each of the messages to the 7 churches begins with the same statement, "I know". The emphasis is on the total awareness Christ has of the churches;
Items of Commendation for Ephesus.
#1. "your deeds"
- the word itself does not tell us whether the activity is good or bad; that comes form the context.
#2. "your toil" kopos
kopoj; strenuous effort; describes work to the point of being exhausted.#3. "and perseverance"
u`pomonh,; staying power, indicates ability to carry a load; patient endurance under pressure; hanging in there when it would be easier to pack it in.** Paul in his commendation of the new church at Thessalonica; one that he would dub the "Tupos" church; model/one who set an example; linked these same three characteristics to them. 1:2-3
#4. "and that you cannot endure evil men,"
Did you catch the contrast between #3 and #4 commendation??