Return to a love for Christ that permeates everything you do
AWAKE:
A Call To A Renewed Life
Revelation 2:1-4
Question
What hobbies or interests have you lost touch with over the years?
1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.
2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.”
Question
Revelation 2:5-7
What’s the difference between doing things for Jesus and spending time with Jesus?
5 “Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
How can we evaluate whether we’ve lost our first love for Christ?
Question
What does it look like for a Christ-follower to repent?
Revelation 2:5-7 Continued
How has your relationship with Jesus changed over time?
5 “Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
Question
What is the connection between listening to God and loving Him?
What is involved in listening to God?
FIRST THINGS FIRST:
What are some things you may be tempted to pursue more than a relationship with Christ?
__ Dating relationship
__ Completed degree or certification for a career
__ Financial stability
__ Recognition at work or landing the ideal job
__ Other ________________________
What does a life spent following Christ have to offer that these pursuits are unable to supply?
LIVE IT OUT
Remember. When did you last feel like you genuinely enjoyed being with Jesus? Does this experience seem far away from your present spiritual condition? Ask God for a renewed desire to seek Him on a daily basis.
Make a plan to visit a place or location where you’ve felt close to God. Whether it’s a mountaintop, chapel, lake, or retreat center, spend some time in prayer. Thank God for all He has taught you there.
Commit to meet with one or two other Christ-followers who also want to renew their love for Jesus. Gather regularly to pray and to dive into Scripture together. Keep one another accountable as you seek to prioritize your walk with Christ.