Many people in Ephesus faced a lot of criticism for things they did according to Revelation 2 4-5.
Many opinions have been expressed about how the people had lost the intimacy and excitement they had with Our Heavenly Father.
One of the first things Our Heavenly Father commanded from his people was to love him first. Do it with all your heart, soul, mind and stregnth. Also to love him by action and deeds.
The people of Ephesus are one of the groups of people that are looked at highly by the high priests and servants. But one time they would not pay much attention to what goes on and became unfaithful. If the Ephesus assembly which was the group that led the church, if they continued unfaithfulness they would be removed from their assignments.
Many Nicolatins would be unfaithful on thier assignments with Ephesus, but Appostle John always encouraged them to focus on his word in Revelations.
Many of the people of Balaam are concerned with two things, one, eating food that is a sacrafice to an idol. Next, being in immorality while worshiping different gods.
Two of the concerns that had to do with Gentiles came as a result from an incident with Balaam and Balak.
Many of the things that are encountered have to do with how the non jews lived thier lives with the Romans.
Most Jewish diets were very unique while they were living a Roman life.
The Holy Spirit says to many believers, if they hear something, they must listen and obey.
The Nicolatins view of all this would be, the people that are victorious always obey and listen.
Our Heavenly Father’s promise is that if the people do not eat food that sacrifices an idol they will be allowed to live and eat of the tree of knowledge.
The Ephesus assembly receives both
warning and praise, an encouragement
to persevere and obtain eternal life in
the Paradise of God.
Revelation 1:12-13 1:12 I turned round to see who was speaking to me, and when I turned I saw seven golden lamp-stands
1:13 and, in the middle of them, one like a Son of man, dressed in a long robe tied at the waist with a belt of gold.
Revelation 2:4-5 “But I do have [something] against you, that you have abandoned your first love! So remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the first deeds. Otherwise, I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place – if you do not repent.
Revelation 2:6 “But you do have this going for you: You hate what the Nicolaitans practice – practices I also hate.
Revelation 2:6:7 The one who has an ear had better hear
what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To the one
who conquers. I will permit
him to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise
of God.
Revelation 2:13-15 2:13 I know where you live, in the place where Satan is enthroned, and that you still hold firmly to my name, and did not disown your faith in me even when my faithful witness, Antipas, was killed among you, where Satan lives.
2:14 “Nevertheless, I have one or two charges against you: some of you are followers of Balaam, who taught Balak to set a trap for the Israelites so that they committed adultery by eating food that had been sacrificed to idols;
2:15 and among you too there are some also who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Deuteronomy: 11:1 You must love Yahweh your God and always keep his observances, his laws, his customs, his commandments.
Acts 15:28-29 For it seemed to the Holy Spirit
and to us to lay upon
you no further burden than these
essentials: to abstain from [meat]
sacrificed to idols, and from blood,
and from strangled [animals], and
from sexual immorality. In keeping
yourselves from these, you will do
well. Farewell.
1 Corinthians 8:1 and 8:13 8:1 Now about food which has been dedicated to false gods. We are well aware that all of us have knowledge; but while knowledge puffs up, love is what builds up. 8:13 That is why, if food can be the cause of a brother’s downfall, I will never eat meat any more, rather than cause my brother’s downfall.
Psalm 92:12,13-14 The just
shall flourish like a
palm and shall grow
like a cedar of
Lebanon; those
planted in the house of
the Lord, in the courts
of our God, shall
flourish!”
Closing Prayer; Lord Jesus, you are the One who holds us in your sovereign hands. You walk amongst your churches, whatever post-code we may have, whatever point in history we may inhabit (2:1). Church is not something we construct or make happen. We are your body, something you create, the fruit of your Word going forth in the power of your Spirit. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Salvation to become a child of Our Heavenly Father. Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and I know you will answer my prayers. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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