Growing Together: From Infancy to Maturity in Christ

Bible Passage: Ephesians 4:14–16

Summary: In Ephesians 4:14-16, Paul emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity and unity among believers, contrasting the immaturity of being tossed about by every wind of doctrine with the growth into Christ as the head of the body, the church.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to evaluate their spiritual growth and fosters a sense of responsibility in helping one another grow in faith. It emphasizes the need for sound doctrine and the community's role in achieving unity, making it relevant for those struggling with doubt or confusion in their faith journey.

1. Peril of Prolonged Immaturity

Ephesians 4:14 NLT

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.

Last week we talked about the leadership gifts; apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. These are given to the church so we can mature in our walk with Jesus. The maturity protects us from lies that sound like truth. Maturity is only found in unity. And unity is only found in community.

There is also safety in community. That is why I am a big believer in the church and in covering. False teaching tickles our ears

2 Timothy 4:3–4 NLT

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Timothy was the pastor in Ephesus, so it’s not a stretch to believe that these Scriptures are connected.

When you are a child, you do what feels good. If you like the taste of something, you eat it. You don’t worry about what’s in it or the calories. As you grow, you learn that certain things hurt your stomach, so you begin avoiding those things. As an adult, you have to be more careful about what and how much you eat. Why? You understand a longer perspective.

Maturity is understanding that, just because something feels good, doesn’t mean that it is good for you. The same applies to the spirit. Just because something seems right doesn’t make it true. And just because something hurts, that doesn’t make it wrong.

A good question to regularly ask yourself is: “Am I growing in my faith, or am I easily shaken by every new teaching or trend?”

2. Prioritize Truth with Love

Ephesians 4:15 NLT

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.

Speaking the truth in love is easier said than done. Some will say, “The most loving thing to do is be brutally honest.” Others will say, “If you can’t speak the truth in love, then don’t speak.”

Both of these are extremes. You can speak the truth without being harsh or cruel, but you must always speak the truth.

Truth must be spoken with love, not judgment.

Love must be grounded in truth, not compromise.

Our goal is not knowledge or being right. Our goal is transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us. As we continue to align with Jesus, our words and actions look more like Him and less like us.

A good questions to ask yourself: “Am I balancing truth and love in my interactions with others?”

3. Participate in Unified Growth

Ephesians 4:16 NLT

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.

Again, the body cannot function properly without all the parts working together. Growth can only happen if every part is working together towards a common purpose.

We all have gifts, talents, and abilities that are needed in the body of Christ, the church. Maybe is serving, teaching, encouraging. It can be a number of different things, In the end, we will only mature by working together.

Everyone has a role, something to contribute. Sometimes it takes trial and error to figure out what that is. When every part, every person, is working together in unity that is when the church will grow in love.

A good question to ask yourself:” Am I actively using my gifts to build up the church?”

Big Idea: Believers are called to grow together in faith and truth, reflecting Christ's maturity and promoting unity within the body of Christ.

As believers, we must grow. Anything that is healthy grows. We must constantly evaluate ourselves to make sure that we are not only maturing, but helping others mature as well. If the only time you open your Bible, pray, or think about Jesus is on Sundays, you are missing out on the fullness of life Jesus promised. You cannot do that alone. It’s impossible to grow without help.

Imagine a child left on it’s own to figure out life. No one to feed her, change her diaper, or help her get dressed. Would that child last? Would they mature? No. That child needs outside help to grow.

We need each other.