Jesus’ words to the church in Ephesus serve as both a warning and an invitation. A church can be faithful, persevering, and doctrinally sound yet still forsake its first love. In a world where the love of most is growing cold, we must intentionally guard our hearts and cultivate passion for Jesus.

This week, let’s reflect on how we can remember, repent, and return — fending off lukewarmness and keeping our love for Jesus burning.

Note: Treat the guide as a set of suggestions rather than a strict agenda. If  you feel led to spend more time in prayer, reflection, or in a meaningful moment of sharing, feel free to do so.

1. Warm-Up (10 min)

 Begin with an icebreaker:

What’s something you were really passionate about in the past but have since lost interest in? (A hobby, a favourite activity, a type of food, etc.)

What changed? Why do passions fade?

 Have you ever experienced a season where your passion for Jesus was strong, followed by a time when it faded? What happened?

2. Scripture Reading

Read Revelation 2:1-7 (The Letter to the Church in Ephesus).

• What stands out to you in this passage?

• How do you think the Ephesians felt hearing these words from Jesus?

3. Discussion Questions

(1) What were the early days of your faith like? How did you pursue God then compared to now?

(2) Why do we so easily forget our first love? What distractions, pressures, or habits have contributed to this?

(3) What does repentance truly look like? How is it different from just feeling guilty?

(4)Read Colossians 3:5. What are some things we need to “put to death” in order to keep our hearts burning for Jesus?

(5) What specific steps can you take this week to return to first love?

4. Application: Establishing a Rhythm for Renewal

As a group, discuss how to build daily rhythms that sustain a burning love for Jesus.

Encourage each member to commit to this three-step practice:

(1) Remember (Morning Reflection):

• What has God done for me?

• Where have I seen His faithfulness?

• How has He loved me?

(2) Repent (Midday Reset):

• Is there anything pulling me away from God today?

• Have I allowed distractions, pride, or sin to creep in?

• What do I need to surrender?

(3) Return (Evening Prayer & Worship):

• Did I pursue God with passion today?

• Did I engage with Scripture with expectation?

• Did I live out love for Jesus and others?

5. Closing Prayer (10 min)

• Pray as a group, asking God to rekindle first love in each person’s heart.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where lukewarmness has crept in.

• Commit as a group to fending off lukewarmness together.