Grown-up Christians - Examining Ephesians – September 17 Readings: Ephesians 4:14-16

Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 

Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 4:14-16

14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. 16 From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah 45-46, 2 Corinthians 1:1–11, Psalm 106:28–34, Proverbs 23:6–8

 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Grown-up Christians

As Paul discussed a worthy walk, as he talked about unity and diverse ministries in the church, he made it clear why all this was so important. In Ephesians 4:14-16, Paul says that his desire is for Christians to be mature and full-grown, not childish. His teaching here mimics what he said in 1 Corinthians 3, when he admonished the Corinthians church to grow up and not to be babies in the faith. Their childishness was seen in their divisiveness (I am of Paul and I am of Apollos) and Paul wanted them to leave behind the milk and go on to the solid food. 

Childish Christians are blown around by every wind of doctrine, not grounded in the faith. This passage must be combined with 1 Corinthians 3, which tells us that petty sectarianism, following a man and his doctrines instead of God's word, is evidence of immaturity and must be left behind. Still, it is the teaching and preaching of God's word that helps us grow in the faith and become mature, avoiding the wiles of the enemy, who uses human beings to speak with "cleverness in the techniques of deceit." Children are gullible and easily deceived while the mature understand truth and are able to process information. God's word enables us to filter this world's lies. 

Children have unbridled tongues, saying what they think and feel. They tend not to guard their tongues or filter their words. Childish Christians say whatever they think or feel, without guarding their words. So much conflict in the church, in families, and in relationships is caused by the tongue. Paul here gives an amazing five-word formula, "Speak the truth in love." Our words are to be governed by two competing values. We must always speak the truth but we must do so in love. Love speaks not to "get it off my chest" but for the good of the person who is listening. The mature Christian doesn't vent but speaks God's truth in a loving way. James said such speech is the sign of a mature believer. 

When we are properly built up, every part does its part and the body works together properly. The Body of Christ is meant to work, not just to play. Children play, and that's okay. They should have chores and gradually learn that life is not just a party, but children grow up and play, and play, and play. Grown-ups have to work. We have jobs and bills and responsibilities. Mature Christians recognize that while there is joy in Christ, we are saved to serve the kingdom of heaven. We are saved to serve God and to serve others in the kingdom. 

Maturity is an evidence of maturity, of healthy Christianity. What is sad is how often the things Paul defines as immaturity are seen by Christians as evidence of their maturity. Some see their divisive doctrinal beliefs as evidence os spiritual superiority. Paul calls it immature. Others think their unbridled tongues which "speak the truth" or their truthless love are grown-up when they are not. The Spirit of God is working to unite us as One Body in Christ. 

Father, help me to be mature in Christ. Help our church to be mature. 

Think and Pray:

Do you value unity in the same way Christ does? 

Do you allow petty doctrinal differences to divide you from other believers? 

Do you speak the truth in love?