Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.
Ephesians 4:14 NLT
When we are mature in the Lord, we will no longer think and act like babes in Christ.
Immature believers can be easily swayed by every new teaching that circulates and be deceived by false teachers. We don’t want that. What should we do?
We can grow up and become mature. What does being mature in the Lord look like in action?
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Ephesians 4:15-16 NLT
As we grow up into Christ, we become more and more like Him. Everyone is functioning in their area of gifting and the whole body of Christ is healthy, growing and full of love.
Think of it as one big grapevine and we’re each just one branch bearing spiritual fruit in every season of life.
Our roots are planted in the love of God, that is our nourishment. As that life giving love flows through us, it produces the words and actions that build up and strengthen everyone around us. It might sound sappy, but we’re filled with grace, love and truth and we can’t help but share it with you.
How is this even possible?
However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.
Ephesians 4:7 NLT
Christ gave each one of us a special grace in serving others to build up the Body of Christ in love.
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
Ephesians 4:11 NLT
If each one of us is a gift from God to the Church, what is our responsibility to the body of believers?
Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:12 NLT
Everyone of us has the same responsibility: to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
Ministry is building others up in love and truth. Our calling is to equip people to do that. The best way to teach is by example. Model what being mature in the Lord is and teach others to do the same.
This sounds an awful lot like making disciples, doesn’t it? We’re all called to the same thing. We call this the priesthood of all believers.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 ESV
As we each do our own special work, as the Holy Spirit leads, we help others grow mature in the Lord.
In my experience, nothing is more motivating and helpful to my own spiritual growth than being of service and helping others grow.
What’s the fruit of our faithful service to one another? Spiritual maturity.
This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
Ephesians 4:13 NLT
When we’re all mature in the Lord, we won’t be deceived by false teachings. Instead, using discernment, we will build each other up in love, correcting any errors with grace and truth.
Father in Heaven, thank You for growing us up in Christ. Thank You for opening our eyes to the Truth and filling our hearts with Your Love. May we throw off every burden and every sin that weighs us down. May we all grow mature in the Lord, ministering to one another in the power, and under the guidance, of the Holy Spirit. May Jesus get His full reward, a people perfected in You. Thank You, Jesus, for all You’ve done, all You’re doing and all that You’re going to do in us, through us and among us. Fill us with Your power, Your love and Your Spirit, in Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21 NLT
Recommended reading: Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 2.
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