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ch5 be imitators of God, be the spiritually mature believers that God has called all of us to live The Church in Ephesus Be turning to NT book of Acts ch19... This morning going to talk about the church in Ephesus. This is that place where you might remember a bunch of witchcraft people were converted to Jesus, and they brought their books and magic stuff valued at 50k pieces of silver, and they burned it all for everyone to see! Paul came to that city during his 3rd missionary journey. [map] Ephesus was an ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia, in Western Asia, now known as the country of Turkey. It was built in the 10th century BC. [augustus] This is Augustus, who became emperor in 27 BC. He changed the capital city for that area from Pergamum to Ephesus. [gates] By changing the capital to there, that helped to make Ephesus very prosperous, turning it into a major center of commerce. [street/house] The city was perhaps best known for the Temple of Artemis. If you have the KJV, it says Diana. Artemis is Greek; Diana is from Latin translation in 4th century (which influenced some words chosen by KJV transltors) Scholars differ in identifying this goddess. Some say she was the daughter of Zeus in Greek mythology. Some say she was the goddess of fertility [artemis], while others say she was the goddess of the hunt, of wild animals in the wilderness. [artemis2] Regardless, the temple of Artemis was considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. [ruins] This is now, but: [temple model] Acts 19:23-31 Notice in v29 + v31 theater. This was the other great place for which Ephesus was known. [theater] It was capable of holding 25,000 spectators. They used it mostly for drama productions, but later on Romans used it also for gladiator fights. Acts 19:8-10 (Paul came here on 3rd miss journey; he had been there before for maybe a week or so back in ch18; now came and stayed for 2-3 years) Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 (maybe year later in Miletus) That’s it for the book of Acts. There is one interesting thing that Paul wrote to the Corinthians about when he was in Ephesus. In 1 Cor 15:32, Paul said, “I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus.” literal? figurative? Ephesians 1:15-17 (Few years later Paul prob prisoner in Rome, thinking about beloved brethren, so he writes) Glad to hear good things about them. ch2 reminds of abundant love and amazing grace ch3 unfathomable riches of being in Christ (great) ch4 being united in the family of God 4:22-24 (surrounded by paganism + worldliness) 6:10-12 (Wed night; if want to be strong wrap…) Obviously a lot we can learn from what Paul wrote… The next thing we find in Scripture about Ephesus is in 1 Timothy… When Paul came to end of time in Ephesus, went on to Macedonia. But apparently there were some people and/or issues that needed further attention, so… 1 Timothy 1:3 “As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus...” Paul unable to go, so Timothy went (or stayed after Paul left)... Then sometime after that, Paul wrote to Timothy about some of those issues going on in Ephesus. ch1 instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies...” (focusing on wrong kinds of things; perhaps arguing over matters of little importance) ch2 importance of prayer + instruction regarding the position of women within the church ch3 the need for elders and deacons and spiritual characteristics should be found in such men ch4 staying faithful and living godly lives ch5 caring for widows who are in need ch6 again being godly and spiritually-minded rather than caught up in worldliness Again think a lot we can learn from what Paul wrote… Now, unless I’m overlooking something, we don’t hear of anything further concerning the church at Ephesus for several years. In fact, 2-3 decades go by; it’s almost end of 1st century, and every apostle has died . . . except for one: there’s a guy named John who’s been banished to an island called Patmos, and the Lord wants him to write one more message to the church at Ephesus: in Rev ch2 I wish we could look at this one last passage of Scripture like we’d never before seen or heard it. I say that because I think would be much more dramatic if we could come to this message with great curiosity and anticipation, anxious to find out what Jesus had to say about this church after all those years. Pretend so be anxious. We started with: 1. Acts 19 Paul goes to Ephesus 2-3 yrs preaches gospel 2. Acts 20 later met with elders to warn them about people and false teaching that could lead them away from Lord 3. Letter to Eph to further encourage them to stay faithful 4. Letter to Timothy who is in Ephesus; Paul wrote to address some important issues 5. Now we come to the Book of Revelation; it’s been 30 years or so since we last heard anything. I wonder what Jesus has to say to them? Revelation 2:1-7 V1 Jesus knows them V2a + v3 Doing all the right things V2b + v6 Teaching all the right things Recently finished class on Galatians Some were bringing false teaching about salvation into the church, causing many to be led astray Another false teaching common in those days was Docetism, teaching Jesus did not come/die in flesh Nicolaitans? Some suggested antinomianism, go out and sin all you want and grace will take care of it V4-5 Left your first love Several opinions, but I think it means they no longer had same love in what they were doing as once had Just going through the motions 1 Corinthians 13 Even if I could speak in some great angelic language… Even if I had supernatural knowledge and wisdom… Even if gave my body as a burnt offering to God… Jesus said, Remember, repent, and return Remember when first came to Jesus Repent and return; God takes this seriously He wants and deserves a genuine worship from a heart filled with love Deuteronomy 10:12 (in the midst of a section of Scripture emphasizing obedience to commands) “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Have you ever found yourself sitting in a worship service and your mind is really somewhere else? How do you think God feels when we’re just going through the motions? “Oh how I love Jesus” Amos 5:21-23 (there’s a passage shows us how God feels about pretence in worship) “I hate, I reject your festivals, nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; and I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs.” Have you ever scolded a child for saying or doing something wrong, and then you tell them, “You need to say you’re sorry”? Did you feel better when they said it? Are you giving your heart to God?