Sermon 234

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SERMON 234 – THE VIRTUES OF THE EPHESIAN CHURCH

Text: Revelation 2:1–3, 6
Date: May 17, 1942
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

The Lord who revealed Himself to John now dictates the seven letters to the seven churches. The letter is addressed to the angel of the church, likely an elder or minister, but meant for the congregation. The first letter is to the church at Ephesus. The letter contains the Lord’s mention of what is good among them, followed by an accusation and warning. This sermon treats the virtues the Lord finds in this church.

Subject: The Virtues of the Ephesian Church

I. THE LORD’S KNOWLEDGE OF THEM

A. He reveals that He is in the position to know them
1. He stands in close contact with the church.
  a. He promised to be with His people always.
  b. He is the builder and keeper of the church.
2. He has personal contact with the angel of the church.
  a. He holds him in His hand.
  b. He is His representative.
  c. He leads the stars that guide the churches.
3. He moves about in the church.
  a. He walks among the candlesticks.
  b. He supervises the church continually.
  c. As Lord and owner of the church, He will not be ignorant of its affairs.

B. He states definitely that He knows them
1. No one needs to inform Him.
2. Their good works are not hidden from Him.
3. He knows what they have done and the effort involved.
4. This is encouraging. Good works are done to be seen of Him, and He appreciates them.
5. He knows the toil and patience with which good works are performed.

II. THE LORD’S MENTION OF THEM

A. Their toil and patience
1. The church worked hard, not doing only the easy things.
2. The church worked patiently, persisting in her efforts to please the Lord.
3. A question for us: does the Lord see toil and patience in us? Do we strive or follow the path of least resistance?

B. Their dislike of evil men
1. Evil men are worthless, unfruitful members of the church.
2. They bear no fruit; they are dead branches.
3. The Ephesian church would not tolerate such members and disciplined them.
4. Today discipline is often neglected. Matthew 18 is rarely followed because it requires self-denial.

C. Their faithfulness in keeping wolves in sheep’s clothing out
1. False teachers were present even then.
  a. They called themselves apostles but were false.
  b. Paul had encountered them before.
  c. They followed the apostles to ruin the work already done.
  d. Their exact identity is unknown, but clearly they were false.
2. The church prevented false doctrine from entering.
  a. They tested these teachers carefully.
  b. They discovered and exposed them.
  c. This shows strong knowledge of the truth.
3. The church endured patiently for Christ’s sake.
  a. They bore persecution steadfastly.
  b. They did not grow weary.
  c. They willingly carried the burden.
4. Their hatred of the works of the Nicolaitans.
  a. Their identity is uncertain.
  b. Likely they were professing Christians living shamefully.
  c. Christ hates them also.

CONCLUSION

Christ graciously notices the virtues and good works of His people. Does He find them in our lives? Can Christ boast of our good works?