Have you ever heard of SMART goals?
Many workplaces use SMART goals to assist their employees in setting goals for the coming year and to assess the previous one.
Meeting these SMART goals often leads to a raise percentage following one’s annual review.
Here is what the acronym SMART stands for:
- S = Specific
- M = Measurable
- A = Attainable
- R = Realistic
- T= Timely
As you study today’s passage, keep these goals in mind.
Responding to Christ’s Review | Part One
A Study of Revelation 2:1-7 | The Passage
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. [i]
Summarize what Acts 19 reveals about the city of Ephesus.
Based on your summary above, why do you think the Ephesus church is included in the book of Revelation?
Review Revelation 1:20. Then, combined with what you’ve learned from Acts 19, why did Christ introduce himself to the church at Ephesus referencing the seven stars and golden lampstands?
2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.[ii]
Describe the strengths of the Ephesian church.
4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.[iii]
How might the strengths of the Ephesus church contribute to this weakness?
5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.[iv]
What must the church of Ephesus do to correct their weakness?
If they fail to correct their weakness, what do they risk?
6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. [v]
There is little known about the Nicolaitans. For theories on what these people were like, check out Theopedia.
Compare Revelation 2:14-15 with this verse. List the “works” that Christ hates.
Why did Christ add this bit of encouragement?
7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ [vi]
What is the church of Ephesus instructed to conquer?
Explain the value of the reward for being a conqueror in Christ’s name.
Responding to Christ’s Review | Part One
A Study of Revelation 2:1-7 | Application for Today
How is your faith practice like or dislike the Ephesus church?
What tips can you use in your own faith practice from Christ’s review of the Ephesus church?
Read Revelation 2:1-7 out loud so that you literally “hear” the words.
Why is hearing what the Spirit says stressed by Christ? (See Revelation 1:3)
Review the introduction discussion about SMART goals.
How was Christ specific in the goals he set for the Ephesus church?
In what way are the goals Christ set for the Ephesus church measurable?
Does Christ believe these goals are attainable? Do you? Why or why not?
What makes these goals realistic for the Ephesus church? For You?
Why were they timely then? Now?
How will you apply these SMART goals from Christ to the Ephesus church in your own life?
Responding to Christ’s Review | Part One
A Study of Revelation 2:1-7 | A Prayer Response
Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the instruction provided by the Spirit in your holy Word.
Open our ears to hear clearly the goals you have given us to complete while living here on earth.
Help us remain faithful in seeking sound teaching from your holy Word without losing the flame of our first love for You as we tend to the goals outlined within your holy Word.
Thank you for reminding us not only of the consequences when we disobey but also of your amazing grace in granting us the joy of eating from the tree of life in the paradise of God for our obedience to your teachings.
Help us be the conquerors for your glory and not our own.
We ask these things in the name of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [vii]
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Two will appear on September 13, 2026.
May you have a blessed Labor Day weekend in the meantime.
Warmly,
Barbara Lynn
[i] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 2:1.
[ii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 2:2–3.
[iii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 2:3–4.
[iv] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 2:5.
[v] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 2:6.
[vi] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 2:7.
[vii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Heb 12:1–2.