In the previous passage we saw positions and gifts that were to be used in order to bring the church to maturity. In this passage we see a definition of maturity. What makes one mature? How can we know if we are mature believers? V. 13 is what is to happen due to the use of the gifts of apostles, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and then in v. 14 we see the results of the fulfilling of verse 13.
We are no longer to be children. In what ways are children considered immature compared to an adult? Then we see “tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine.” Explain this phrase in your own words. What are some examples of the teachings that would cause someone to be defined as tossed here and there? Notice the last two phrases “by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming.” What I find interesting and comforting is that if we are seeking the Lord through His Word we will not be led astray. We are led astray by the trickery of men. By deceitful scheming. The Lord will not lead us astray, but he will guide us to truth and maturity.
What is maturity? How would you define Christian maturity? Notice in verse 15 that it says speaking the truth in love. Jesus said I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. He also said that people will know that you are my children by that you love one another. Christ demonstrated a clear stance on truth and proclamation of truth. What we believe is important and crucial to the Christian life. There are those who will tell you that Jesus is your big brother. No He is God and our Savior. There are those who will tell you that all will one day be saved. Well, no only those who profess Christ as Lord and believe he has been raised from the dead. Others will still tell you that there is no need for evangelism because God will save those who he has predetermined to be saved. Well, no, Jesus told us to go and make disciples of all nations. But who Christ is is central. He is the head. He holds us together. We are told in verse 15 to speak the truth in love. How cold is the truth without love? How weak is the truth with too much love? We are to possess both. We speak the truth but in loving and encouraging manner. We speak the truth in hopes that they will come along with us. Truth becomes hard if it is not softened by love; Love becomes soft if it is not strengthened by truth.
Verse 16 continues the thought of verse 15 which is that Christ is the head. Some people will say the pastor is the head of the church. Which the pastor ought to be the leader of the church but only under the headship of Christ. But the pastor under Christ is like the members of the church in that we are all to use our gifts in order for the strengthening and building up of the church. In verse 16 when it says “being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies.” What do you think that means?
As we close some questions to ponder and consider:
Verse 16 says, “according to the proper working of each individual part.” Are you in the proper working of your individual part?
Verse 16 says, “causes the growth of the body for building up of itself in love.” Are you properly working so that the body may be built up?
Verse 16 ends with, “in love.” Are you seeking the spiritual growth of the church first? “In Love,” is very much a part of the spiritual aspect of our nature. Are you seeking to serve in love to your Lord first and then to others?
The more we share Paul's perspective, the deeper will be our discontent with the ecclesiastical status quo. Some of us are too conservative, too complacent, too ready to acquiesce in the present situation and to resist change. Others are too radical , wanting to dispense with the institution altogether. Instead we need to grasp more clearly the kind of new society God wants his church to be.
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