Growing Up In Christ Jesus

Ephesians 4:11-16

We continue our series on Knowing Christ Part II. Let’s do a recap as to how we got to verse 11. We begin chapter 4 with “knowing how to live up to our calling and making sure that it connects with the Gospel and not about a ministry. I’m not saying that ministry is not important, but, the ministry is the means, but it cannot compromise or replace the message. Then last week, we spoke about checking our attitudes that can be toxic to unity and keeping the spirit of the bond of peace. To do we are going to have to grow Up. Maturity must be a driving force.

Have you heard the words ‘Don’t be a baby.’ The words were meant to hurt, and they did. But they had the desired effect. The schoolboy had been whimpering about somebody being mean to him. He was hoping that the teacher would come to his rescue. But he suddenly realized how silly he was looking – and how much sillier he would look if the teacher did intervene and protect him. There’s no point in behaving like a baby if you aren’t one. But think how cruel it would be if a real baby, only a few months old, were to be told, ‘Don’t be a baby.’ Always supposing the child could understand, there would be a real injustice in the command. A baby can’t help being a baby. It takes time to grow up. That’s what Paul wants these young Christians to do. He wants to be able to tell them not to be babies – and for that, they will have to grow up. Some aspects of Christian maturity do take time, but there are many ways in which, once someone has come to believe in Jesus as the risen Lord and discovered his presence and power in their life, maturity can follow swiftly. Here Paul shows how it happens, what God has given to the church to make it happen, and why it matters. Let’s start with the last of these. Why It Matters 14 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.

Without maturity, Christians are very, very vulnerable to all kinds of trickery that may well take them a long way from where they ought to be. In verse 14 Paul brings together three ideas: babies, a boat being tossed about on a stormy sea, and cunning tricksters gambling with loaded dice. It’s a bit hard to picture them all together, but we can see what he’s driving at – and if we know today’s world we’ll see that new Christians are every bit as vulnerable now as they were then. If not our pews would be full.

The world is full of people who are out to make money out of you, to catch you while you’re emotionally fragile or excitable, or perhaps to recruit you for their particular brand of teaching. Paul’s world was full of such people, just as ours is, and we should be as anxious as he was that we ourselves, and any younger Christians in our pastoral care, should grow up at least to the point where they can recognize such trickery for what it is, and resist it. Otherwise, the best picture to describe the church will be a small boat on the open sea, rudderless and helpless against wind and waves. This is what we will be without the word of Truth. So let's go inside and see What God gave to make this happen.

Point 1: Embracing Our Gifts

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:11 - “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers.”

God has uniquely equipped each one of us with gifts that contribute to the strength of the church. No gift is more valuable than another; each plays a vital role in fulfilling God’s mission.

Supporting Scripture:

• Romans 12:6-8 - “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve…”

In Romans, Paul reminds us that our gifts are designed to complement one another. Each gift has a unique purpose in God’s plan, and as we recognize and use our gifts, we contribute to the greater work of the church. Not that we are in competition but remember if we apply our calling and then know our mission to keep the unity in the spirit through the bond of peace this is what God gave us to ensure that we do what he needs us to do. We have been gifted in ways that makes us necessary to others.

(Helen Bennett crying at a high school graduation) teaching a 3rd grader who graduates the 12th grade.

Point 2: Building Unity in Faith and Knowledge

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:13 - “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

Without unity, we risk division and stagnation; but with unity, we grow stronger and more resilient. The object is stated here in verse 13. using words like “reach”, “Mature” and “Fullness” are words of completion. it means We must grow up.

This means “Immaturity is not a permanent way of Life”

We must become mature, as human beings and as Christians (one of the popular lies the tricksters put about is that these two are incompatible). Jesus the Messiah has shown what genuine humanity looks like. With that standard in mind, we are not to rest until we’ve attained it.

Supporting Scripture:

• Philippians 2:2 - “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

Paul’s letter to the Philippians emphasizes the importance of a united heart and mind in Christ. Unity is not uniformity; it’s about having a shared commitment to the same purpose and to one another in love.

Unity in faith and knowledge of Christ forms the foundation of a strong church.

Point 3: Growing in Spiritual Maturity

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:15 - “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

Spiritual maturity is a continual journey. By growing in truth and love, we become more like Christ and are able to withstand the storms of life.

In verse 15 he points to one of the results: that we will learn to speak the truth, not just about anything and everything (though that is important, too), but about matters of Christian teaching and doctrine. Faced with clever but off-beam teaching, young Christians must learn how to state the truth without lapsing into rudeness or sneering. The truth of the God of love can’t be commended by loveless speech.t What are your conversations about?

Supporting Scripture:

• Hebrews 5:14 - “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

In Hebrews, we’re reminded that spiritual maturity requires discernment. It takes consistent dedication to grow beyond the basics of faith, reaching a deeper understanding and steadfastness.

We have to get past the basics and move towards maturity

Conclusion

In Ephesians 4:11-16, we see that God’s desire is for us to grow together. When we embrace our gifts, pursue unity, and strive for maturity, we become a strong, Christ-centered church that reflects God’s love and grace. Let us encourage each other to use our gifts, build unity, and grow together as we walk in the fullness of Christ.