INTRODUCTION:

       A.  The "uniqueness" of Revelation. 

            1.  The problem - oppression. 

            2.  Reason for style of writing - to teach God's word without conflict from 
                 government. 

       B.  Context of Rev. 1 - READ 

            1.  Jesus is the ruler of the churches. 

   I.  Authority to Speak - Jesus - v. 1

       A.  Why does He have this authority? 

            1.  v.5 - first born from the dead. 

            2.  v.5 - ruler of the kings of the earth. 

            3.  v.5 - loosed us from sin by His blood 

            4.  v.8 - He was the "Great I AM" - Alpha and Omega. 

            5.  v.12ff - Dressed in priestly garments. 

            6.  v.18 - resurrected Lord who is NOW living. 

       B.  He holds the 7 stars and walks in the midst of the churches - v.1 

            1.  Jesus is in control. 

                 a.  Eph. 5:23 - Jesus is head of the church. 

                 b.  Eph. 1:20-23 

                 c.  I Cor. 15:24 - Jesus has the kingdom, until the "end". 

  II.  Commendation From Jesus - v.2-3, (6).

       A.  "I know thy works" 

            1.  Jesus never overlooks the good deeds. 

            2.  Works - suggest "general conduct". 

                 a.  Toil - excessive labor even to the point of suffering. 

                 b.  Patience - steadfast endurance to right in spite of the influence of 
                      false teachers. 

       B.  Knew their "Intolerance" - v.2b. 

            1.  "Can't bear evil men". 

       C.  Knew their endurance - v.3. 

 III.  Condemnation From Jesus - v.4.

       A.  First Love NOT works, toil, patience. 

       B.  What is leaving First Love? 

            1.  Decay in love among brethren. 

            2.  Loss of early enthusiasm for Christ. 

            3.  Lowering of the progress of the church. 

            4.  They were not as untiring in their devotion to the church as they were 
                  to false teachers. 

       C.  The danger of leaving First Love. 

            1.  Over a period of years, losing all interest in the church. 

       D.  When the motive for worship is absent, service means NOTHING. 

  IV.  Remedy From Jesus - v.5a.

       A.  Remember - "Wake Up". 

            1.  Early joy, zest in love, driving force of love. 

       B.  Repent - "Turn Around". 

       C.  Return - "Do the first works". 

            1.  To the original state of service. 

   V.  Consequence of Not Obeying The Remedy - v.5b.

       A.  "Or else" 

            1.  I come to thee... 

            2.  You forfeit your right to exist as a church. 

                 a.  Remove their candlestick (church 1:20). 

                 b.  A church without a purpose is a church without a right. 

       B.  Known facts. 

            1.  Church had been there about 40 yrs. 

                 a.  Generation change. 

            2.  Today Ephesus stands as ruins. 

            3.  Destroyed about 100 yrs. after Revelation. 

                 a.  Candlestick was removed. 

  VI.  Preventive Measures - v.7.

       A.  Hear what Jesus says. 

            1.  Remember, repent, return. 

       B.  Receive the promises of God. 

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  This church does "good works". 

       B.  This church has performed many good works in the past. 

       C.  It seems that we have "left our first love". 

            1.  Serve with meaning. 

       D.  Our consequences will be the SAME. 

       E.  Let's take the preventive measures that Jesus left for us.