Today’s Bible Study, Authored by Arthur
Cincotti. 12/04/2022
Listen to our Bible
Study Discussion at: The Lampstand Podcast
Or watch the Video Zoom Session of our Study on YouTube:
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The Lampstand
“Remember therefore from
where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to
you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place unless you repent.” Rev. 2:3
Much is known about the
church in Ephesus from Scripture and tradition. Paul left Timothy in charge of
the church there following his release from his first Roman imprisonment. John
is also believed to have moved to Ephesus somewhere between 66 and 70 AD. There,
it is believed that John wrote his gospel. Acts 19 tells of some of the
dramatic events that occurred in Ephesus during Paul’s visit there, and Paul’s
letter to the church at Ephesus is replete with doctrine.
Why would Jesus, in
Revelation, make such a bold rebuke to the church in Ephesus?
The lampstand is described in
Ex. 25:31-40. It is make of pure gold, one piece, ornamented with almond
blossoms. Though the dimensions are not given, vrs. 39 says, “It shall be made
of a talent of pure gold, with all these utensils.” about 75 lbs. The almond
blossoms come out early in this region of the Middle East; around late January.
Arron’s rod was made of almond wood. When Arron’s rod budded, in Num. 17, it designating the
tribe of Levi as the priests and settled the complaints against Moses by the
children of Israel. The lampstand was placed in the south portion of the Holy
Place, opposite the table of showbread, and was the only source of light. There
was a wick, fueled by olive oil which had to be refilled daily by the priests.
In the parable of the ten
virgins, Mt. 25:1-13 we see the use of oil lamps and a reserve of oil. From
this we receive that oil is a type of
the Holy Spirit.
In Jn. 8:12, Jesus said, “I
am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but
have the light of life.”
But in Mat.5:14 Jesus said,
“You are the light of the world. A city that is sit on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it
gives light to all who are in the house.”
The transfer of authority to
preach the gospel to the church, by the power of the Holy Spirit is a timeless
injunction. Yet we see that this fuel, or source of power must be replenished.
Mt. 25:1-13
Since the Holy Spirit is a
person – the third Person or the Trinity – it would make sense to suggest that
we may nurture a relationship with the Holy Spirit. The manner in which we
nurture a relationship is to first listen, and then to agree, and then to obey.
The office of the Holy Spirit
is to “help” Jn.14:16; To teach, Jn. 14:26,
“He will convict the
world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment;” Jn. 16:8; and “He will guide
you into all truth” Jn. 16:13
The gifts of the Spirit are
expressed in I Cor. 12:1-11, and the fruit of the spirit is described in Gal.
5:22,23; the first fruit being “love”.
The church in Ephesus was
indicted, “you have left your first love.” Rev. 2:4
But they were a busy church!
It seems as though we can do,
without listening, agreeing, nurturing, or obeying. “The Feast of the Harvest,
the first fruits of your labors” Ex. 23:16 and vrs 19, “The first of the first
fruits” meant the best and the first of the products of Israel’s labors.
When a church loses it’s
lamp, it loses it’s influence. No longer the light of the world. How can Is.
9:2 be fulfilled?
“The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shinned.”
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Encouragement for the Path of Christian Discipleship
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