Revelation 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
Jesus sends the message to the church of Ephesus and now to all the Church of today. He says, “I know thy works.” Understand that He knows even the motives of our hearts. He knows not only what we do but also why we do it. The question that needs to be asked is, what would be the report of the Lord to the Church today? I know that God places us in the body as it pleases Him, and by that, each local church expression is needed to fill the place they have. But still, the question remains: what are we doing? Do we understand that God knows what and why we do the things we do? Motive is a vital factor in our actions. Many people think that by serving, they are earning the favor of God. Nothing could be further from the truth. Martha was cumbered about with much serving while Mary sat at His feet to hear His word. Inventory needs to be taken by everyone as to why we do the things we do. A clean heart, in terms of motive, will bring about the righteous works that we have been ordained to do.
Jesus now outlines for them the things that He is commending them for. First, He points out their labor. The term Labor here means toil to the point of exhaustion. When is enough enough? I’ve heard people say before, “Well, God wouldn’t expect me to do this.” We must be very cautious of what we think God wouldn’t expect. To toil to the point of exhaustion is the meaning of labor. 1Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. We are encouraged to take the same character. Most people compartmentalize their relationship with the church to the rest of their world. We put everything ahead of the church. Everything else comes first, and then, if there is anything left in our store of energy, we give it to the church. Somehow, the spiritual dynamic has shifted in our day. God’s kingdom must come first. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. This change must occur in the last day church to be effective in the kingdom. We must begin to prioritize things that God wants first.
Jesus again commends this church for its patience. Patience here means endurance under trial. In the Sower and the Seed parable, some seeds fell on stony ground. But the sun-scorched this seed and withered away because it had no depth. Some seed fell among thorns and was choked out from bearing any fruit. Many profess to follow Jesus but are quickly gone because they cannot endure trial, persecution, or suffering. The wrong perspective concerning these things has corrupted the Church today. Many teach that if Jesus is your Lord, you will not have to endure any trials. The error of this teaching is seen in the life of Jesus Himself. He was God, yet He was rejected, betrayed, beaten, ridiculed, and crucified by the angry mob for our sins. 1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. Endurance under great conflict and trial will be needed to face these last days as a follower of Christ.
Next, a characterization is given concerning evil people on that day. The Lord commended Ephesus for being unable to bear the evil ones, who said they were apostles but liars. In Ephesus, they worshipped the goddess Diana—a city of great idolatry. The sexual practices around the worship of Diana were promiscuous and immoral. In today’s world, sexual practice of every kind is a part of what secular society is trying to make acceptable. Unfortunately, today’s Church is adopting the message of the secular society of acceptance without repentance. This is an attack from Satan that weakens the Church and leads to a depletion of spiritual energy.
The message of Christ to these churches describes the secular relationship and the doctrinal stand. Ephesus was commended for taking a stand against the wrong doctrine, as we can see by those who claim to be apostles and as we will see in verse 6 concerning the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes.
The profession of those who claimed to be apostles was tested by the church of Ephesus. The Church should also test our profession and callings. Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
What can we do to test the callings of those among us? Ultimately, we must bear witness, spirit to spirit. By engaging in a life filled with the Holy Spirit, we can tell if those around us are in the Spirit. The word of God is our standard, and the Holy Spirit is our leader in all truth, guiding us in our evaluation of those who minister to us.
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