March 27: EMBRACE GOD’S PRECEPTS

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;”’” Revelation 2:1-2

The presence of a church in this bustling city of a quarter million people was a definite incongruity on that pagan landscape known for its magnificent temples for the worship of idols. In the first century, Ephesus was the fourth greatest city in the world, and the chief commercial trade city of the province, considered the “Gateway of Asia.” It was the center of “mother goddess” worship.

Already, the infant church was being encircled and infiltrated by those who say they are apostles [but were] not. This reality must have had a dampening effect on the true followers of Christ. These early guardians of the Gospel surely found it disquieting. Jesus knows and appreciates this church for its members who patiently continue their labors for the sake of the Gospel. He has reminded them—by the two opening forms of identification He provided—that He is for them and with them. The promise of the Holy Spirit was in effect. Also, at this point in history, there were people still alive who had personally seen, heard, and walked with Jesus. His thorough awareness of their situation (and ours!) is a tremendous personal comfort. Thus far in His letter to Ephesus, the words of Jesus are positive commendations.

The job of protecting the church from falsehood began ‘right out of the gate’. They tested certain individuals who claimed to be followers of Christ and found them to be liars. But how? Most certainly by the Word of God! The most damaging liars are those who are convinced of their own lies; they lie to themselves.

To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1

Whoever transgresses [steps outside Biblical precepts] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 7

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little. Isaiah 28:10

For further study: Psalm 111:7; 119:4, 27, 45, 63, 100; Matthew 28:20; John 7:17; Acts 17:11