Growing Up Together: Maturing in Christ

Historical Context:

Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome around A.D. 60-62. At the time, the church in Ephesus was surrounded by pagan practices, idol worship, and cultural division between Jews and Gentiles. Paul was urging the church to live differently — to be united in Christ despite their differences. His message of unity and maturity came at a time when division was everywhere — politically, religiously, and socially. Yet Paul believed the church could be the model of what true growth and unity look like through Christ.

Have you ever tried to build something from IKEA without the instructions? You’ve got all the pieces, but nothing makes sense. You try forcing some parts together, skip others, and end up with something that wobbles — and a leftover screw. That’s kind of what spiritual life looks like when we try to grow on our own without God's design or the people He’s put around us.

God doesn’t want us to grow in isolation — He wants us to grow together. In Ephesians 4, Paul shows us what it looks like to mature in Christ, not alone, but as a team.

Spiritual maturity isn’t something we do alone — God designed us to grow together into the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:1–16 ESV

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

1. Maturity Starts With Unity

Ephesians 4:1–6 ESV

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:1–6 ESV

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (v.3)

Paul is calling believers to live in a way that reflects their calling — not just as individuals, but as part of something bigger: the body of Christ.

He mentions humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love — things that don’t come naturally, especially when people are different from us.

In a world where division is normal, Paul calls the church to unity that’s rooted in one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God.

Student Angle:

Think about school, sports, or social media — it’s so easy to fall into gossip, drama, or canceling people.

Real maturity means being a peacemaker, a bridge-builder, and someone who fights for unity even when it’s uncomfortable.

It’s easier to split into cliques than to stick together.

Maturity means choosing to fight for unity even when it’s hard.

Application:

Where have I allowed division, jealousy, or pride to grow?

How can I bring peace into my relationships this week?

Where are you causing division instead of unity?

How can you be someone who brings people together this week?

2. Maturity Grows Through Using Our Gifts

Ephesians 4:7–12 ESV

7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” (v.7)

Paul makes it clear that every believer has been given a gift — not just pastors, not just adults.

Jesus gave leaders like apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers — not to do all the work, but to equip you to build up the church.

This means the church is healthiest and most mature when everyone is contributing with their gift.

Student Angle

You may feel like you’re too young to do something meaningful — but God has already equipped you with something powerful.

Whether it’s encouraging others, leading prayer, serving behind the scenes, or sharing your faith — you have a role.

You don’t have to wait until you’re older to make an impact.

God has already gifted you to help others grow.

Application:

What’s a gift or strength God has given you?

How can you use that this week to help someone else grow?

“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” (v.7)

God gives every believer a spiritual gift — not to keep, but to use.

Leaders help equip the church to build each other up.

The church isn’t a place to spectate — it’s a place to participate.

3. Maturity Looks Like Christ

Ephesians 4:14–15 ESV

14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

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.” (v.15)

Paul gives a picture of what a mature church looks like — a group of people who speak truth with love, grow strong in faith, and stay connected to Christ.

Instead of being tossed around by trends or lies, mature believers are grounded and focused on becoming like Jesus.

Growth isn’t about gaining more followers or knowledge — it’s about becoming more like Him in our actions, attitudes, and love.

Ephesians 4:13–16 ESV

13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

“...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.” (v.15)

Maturity is when we look like Jesus — in what we say, how we love, how we live.

It’s not about being perfect — but about becoming more like Jesus every day.

Student Angle:

It’s easy to fake spiritual maturity — post a verse, wear a Christian shirt — but maturity is how you treat people, how you handle conflict, and whether your life reflects Jesus even when nobody's watching.

Application:

Is there an area in your life that doesn’t reflect Christ’s love?

What’s one step you can take this week to become more like Jesus in that area?

Closing Challenge:

Reflection:

Where am I still acting like a spiritual kid?

What’s one area I can grow in this week?

Next Steps:

Commit to unity — no more drama.

Use your gift — step up.

Pursue Christlikeness — let Jesus shape your life.

Response Moment:

Invite students to come forward or pray silently:

For courage to grow.

To ask God to reveal their spiritual gift.

To commit to becoming more like Jesus.