(#890, Imperial, 1960)
Read Ephesians 4:7-16.
Our theme is taken from such words and phrases as these...
w v12:
perfecting the saints.
w v12:
edifying (building up) of the body.
w v13:
perfect man.
w v14:
no more children.
w v15:
grow up unto Him.
w v16:
increase of the body.
Spiritual maturity and growth has always been a problem in
the church. Paul had it in Corinth (1 Cor. 3). They were babes in Christ, full of envy,
strife and division. Paul had it in mind
when he said "forgetting those things that are behind..." (Phil.
3:13-14).
ƒ The
need for maturity and growth stated, vs. 14-15.
Immaturity is detrimental to the unity of the body. Maturity involves doctrinal stability (v14)
whereby we are no longer children. In
this passage childhood represents
immaturity. The child is bound to the
elements of the world (Gal. 4:1-3). The child thinks and understand in a
particular way that must be outgrown (1 Cor. 13:11). Spiritual children are unskillful in the Word
(Heb. 5:13). Individuals must grow to
spiritual adulthood for the whole church to grow (v16).
ƒ The
measure of spiritual maturity and growth, v13.
The measure is "the stature of the fullness of
Christ." God's ultimate purpose is conformity to His Son (Rom. 8:29). Christian growth is the process of being
renewed in the image of Christ (Col. 3:10) and to this we labor (Phil.
3:12-14).
ƒ The
method or means of maturity and growth.
w Gifts
are given to the Church by Christ (v7,11).
In Christ there is a fulness answering to all our individual needs.
1. Apostles and prophets are foundational
gifts (Eph. 2:20).
2. Evangelists, pastors and teachers are
ongoing gifts.
w We
are joined with Christ (vs. 15-16). Our
growth is related to Christ as the Head
and proceeds from His supply.
w Love
("oil for the joints" according to Spurgeon) enables the growth to
take place in the context of the body of believers.
I press on that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus
has also laid hold of me. (Phil. 3:12)
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