Sunday, August 4 I know your deeds.​—Rev. 3:1.

[Áine]

Sunday, August 4

I know your deeds.—Rev. 3:1.

 

Jesus’ message to those in the congregation in Ephesus indicated that they had shown endurance and that they had continued without letup to serve Jehovah in spite of various challenges. Even so, they had lost the love they had at first. They needed to rekindle that love—otherwise, their worship would not be acceptable. Likewise today, we need to do more than endure. We need to endure for the right reasons. Our God is interested in not only what we do but also why we do it. Our motives are important to him because he expects our worship to be based on our deep love and appreciation for him. (Prov. 16:2; Mark 12:29, 30) We must continue to remain awake and alert. The members of the congregation in Sardis had a different problem. Even though they had been spiritually active in the past, they were becoming lax in their service to God. Jesus told them to “wake up.” (Rev. 3:1-3) Of course, Jehovah will not forget our work.—Heb. 6:10. w22.05 3 ¶6-7

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 Ephesus: Endurance and Love

 

Endurance Amid Challenges:

The congregation in Ephesus was commended for its perseverance and diligence in service despite facing significant trials. This quality of endurance is crucial, as it demonstrates a steadfast commitment to God under adverse conditions. However, endurance alone is not enough.

 

Loss of Initial Love:

Jesus pinpointed a critical issue—they had lost the fervent love they once had. This initial love likely refers to the passionate, heartfelt devotion and enthusiasm they exhibited when they first embraced their faith. Over time, this love had diminished, and their service had become more of a routine than an expression of genuine devotion.

 

Rekindling Love:

Jesus urged them to rekindle this love, underscoring that authentic worship must originate from love for Jehovah. This aligns with the greatest commandments, as stated in Mark 12:29-30, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Our actions and service should be driven by this profound love and appreciation for God. Without this love, even the most diligent service can become hollow and unacceptable to Jehovah.

 

Application Today:

For contemporary Christians, this message serves as a reminder to continually evaluate our motives and ensure that our worship is not merely routine but a heartfelt expression of our love for God. It encourages us to reflect on our initial enthusiasm and find ways to renew that fervor and passion for serving Jehovah.

 

 Sardis: Spiritual Vigilance

 

Past Spiritual Activity:

The congregation in Sardis had a reputation for being spiritually active in the past. They had once been vibrant and zealous in their service. However, over time, they had become spiritually lethargic and complacent. Jesus’ message to them was a call to "wake up" and recognize their true spiritual state.

 

Wake-Up Call:

This wake-up call was an urgent plea for them to revive their spiritual zeal and become vigilant once more. It underscores the importance of continual self-examination and proactive efforts to maintain spiritual health. Spiritual complacency can lead to a gradual decline in faith and devotion, making it crucial to remain alert and active in our service to Jehovah.

 

Application Today:

For us today, the message to Sardis is a warning against becoming complacent in our faith. Even if we have been active and zealous in the past, we must guard against the tendency to slacken our efforts. Staying spiritually awake involves regular personal study, prayer, and participation in Christian activities, ensuring that our relationship with Jehovah remains strong and vibrant.

 

 Importance of Motives and Jehovah’s Recognition

 

Examining Motives:

Proverbs 16:2 teaches that Jehovah examines our motives, and it is important that our actions are driven by pure intentions. Our worship should be motivated by love for Jehovah and not by a desire for personal gain or recognition. This principle reinforces the need for self-examination to ensure that our service to God is sincere and motivated by genuine love.

 

Jehovah’s Recognition:

Hebrews 6:10 provides reassurance that Jehovah does not forget our work and the love we show for His name. This recognition from God is comforting and encourages us to continue our faithful service. Knowing that Jehovah values our efforts and sees our heart condition can motivate us to maintain our devotion and strive to please Him in all we do.

 

 Conclusion

 

The messages to the congregations in Ephesus and Sardis are profound reminders for us to maintain our love and zeal for Jehovah. We must ensure that our worship is motivated by deep love and appreciation for God, continuously renewing our dedication and avoiding spiritual complacency. By doing so, we can remain faithful and pleasing to Jehovah, assured that our sincere efforts are recognized and valued by Him.