REMEMBER YOUR FIRST LOVE

REMEMBER YOUR FIRST LOVE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Revelation 2:4-5

Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 2:2, Matthew 22:37-38, 1 John 4:19, Luke 10:27, 2 Corinthians 11:2

INTRODUCTION:
Love for God is the foundation of a true Christian life. When a believer first encounters Christ, there is passion, zeal, and excitement in their walk with Him. However, as time passes, many grow cold, distracted, and distant. The pressures of life, sin, and complacency can cause hearts to drift away from God.

In Revelation 2:4-5, Jesus rebukes the church of Ephesus, saying, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” This warning is still relevant today. A believer who loses their first love begins to serve God out of routine rather than relationship, gradually becoming spiritually dry.

God desires that we return to our first love—our deep devotion, passion, and commitment to Him. In this sermon, we will examine why believers lose their first love, the dangers of a cold heart, and how to rekindle our love for God.

1. SIGNS THAT YOU HAVE LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE

The loss of first love is often gradual, making it difficult to notice. However, there are clear signs that indicate a heart that has drifted from God.

a) Loss of Passion for God’s Presence (Psalm 42:1-2)
A believer who once loved spending time in prayer and worship now finds it burdensome.

b) Decreased Hunger for the Word (Job 23:12)
The excitement for studying the Bible is replaced with indifference.

c) Lack of Desire for Evangelism (Romans 1:16)
The zeal to share the gospel fades, and souls are no longer a priority.

d) Increased Tolerance for Sin (1 John 2:15-16)
What was once unacceptable becomes excusable, leading to spiritual compromise.

e) Biblical Example: Samson’s Spiritual Decline (Judges 16:20)
Samson lost his spiritual sensitivity and did not realise that God’s presence had left him.

2. THE DANGERS OF LOSING YOUR FIRST LOVE

A believer who abandons their first love is at risk of spiritual decline, separation from God, and loss of divine favour.

a) Spiritual Dryness and Weakness (Isaiah 40:31)
Without fresh love for God, a believer becomes weary and ineffective.

b) Vulnerability to the Enemy (1 Peter 5:8)
A heart far from God becomes an easy target for the devil’s attacks.

c) Lukewarmness Leads to Rejection (Revelation 3:16)
Jesus warned that He would spew out those who are neither hot nor cold.

d) Loss of Divine Fellowship (2 Corinthians 6:14)
A declining love for God weakens the intimacy between a believer and Christ.

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites’ Idolatry (Jeremiah 2:2-5)
They abandoned their first love for God and pursued idols, leading to their downfall.

3. WHY BELIEVERS LOSE THEIR FIRST LOVE

Several factors contribute to the decline of passion for God. Recognising these causes can help us guard our hearts.

a) Distractions of the World (Luke 8:14)
The cares of life, wealth, and entertainment take the place of God.

b) Sin and Compromise (Isaiah 59:2)
A sinful lifestyle separates a believer from God’s presence.

c) Spiritual Complacency (Amos 6:1)
Becoming too comfortable can lead to neglecting one’s spiritual life.

d) Overfamiliarity with God (Malachi 1:6-7)
Losing reverence for God leads to casual and lifeless worship.

e) Biblical Example: The Church of Ephesus (Revelation 2:4)
Though they were active in works, they had lost their deep love for Christ.

4. HOW TO RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE

God calls every believer to return to Him with sincerity and renewed passion.

a) Remember Where You Fell (Revelation 2:5)
Reflect on what changed and identify what led to the decline.

b) Repent and Turn Back to God (Acts 3:19)
Confess your shortcomings and renew your commitment to Him.

c) Reignite Your Prayer and Worship Life (Luke 18:1)
Cultivate a consistent life of prayer and intimate fellowship with God.

d) Hunger for God’s Word Again (Jeremiah 15:16)
Meditate on Scripture and let it refresh your soul.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:17-20)
He remembered where he fell, repented, and returned to his father.

5. THE REWARDS OF LOVING GOD WHOLEHEARTEDLY

When a believer restores their first love, they experience the fullness of God’s blessings and presence.

a) Revival and Refreshing (Psalm 85:6)
God restores joy and spiritual strength to those who seek Him.

b) Divine Protection and Guidance (Isaiah 41:10)
A heart close to God enjoys divine covering.

c) Supernatural Favour and Blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
Obedience and love for God attract divine rewards.

d) Unshakable Peace and Joy (John 15:10-11)
A life rooted in God’s love is filled with lasting peace.

e) Biblical Example: King David’s Restoration (Psalm 51:10-12)
After repenting, David experienced a renewed joy and closeness with God.

CONCLUSION:
Losing your first love for God is a serious spiritual condition that must not be ignored. If you find yourself distant from God, remember where you fell, repent, and return to doing the things that once kept your heart on fire for Him. True love for God is not just about emotions but about commitment, obedience, and deep relationship.

Now is the time to rekindle your love for Christ. Make a fresh commitment to seek Him, obey His voice, and prioritise Him above all else. As you do this, you will experience revival, joy, and a deeper walk with God.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Lord, restore my passion and love for You.

2.  Father, deliver me from every distraction pulling me away from You.

3.  Holy Spirit, ignite fresh fire in my heart for prayer and worship.

4.  Lord, give me a new hunger for Your Word and presence.

5.  Father, help me to remain steadfast in my love for You.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1.  You shall not lose your first love; the fire of God will burn in you continually!

2.  Every spiritual dryness in your life is over; revival is coming upon you!

3.  Your heart shall be filled with fresh passion for the things of God!

4.  No distraction shall take you away from God’s presence!

5.  You will walk in divine intimacy with God, and His favour shall rest upon you!