Eph 4:11-16. Dan Kroon. "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ." (1Co 12:12). Paul’s illustration of the church as the body of Christ is both famous and fitting. Not just because of the unity and diversity we considered last week, but also because the church, like a body, grows to maturity. This is the rich element Paul adds to the picture in Ephesians 4: how we go from infancy to adulthood to Christlikeness through teaching, truth, humility, love and service. This maturity is part of the common good. It’s why we have spiritual gifts. It’s why we have leaders and teachers. It’s why we’re called to love each other. It’s God’s definite plan and calling for us.
