Ephesians-Spiritual Maturity

[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. Ephesians 4:1–16(ESV)

 

 

A strange thing is happening to me; my babies are growing up and leaving home.  My oldest is going to college this fall and the countdown is on.  In about a month we have the seminal moment of leaving him in a college dorm with his clothes, shower caddy, and Twin XL sheets and driving away.  My youngest is only one grade behind him and will be a high school senior and I’ll be facing the untethering once again.  

 

They are maturing in ways I wasn’t expecting and challenging me to let go.  When they eat, when they sleep, who their friends are, how they dress, the things they like to do for fun are all changing.  They have opinions about social issues and are figuring out deep beliefs about the world that is challenging them to depart from a biblical world view.  They are tired and always hungry.  Growing up is exhausting work for them but it is the natural progression they make to embrace their personhood.  The reward is independence and new experiences.  

 

Today’s passage is about what it means to mature in Christ.  How does God call us to grow and change in Ephesians? We demonstrate Christian maturity by demonstrating unity, serving the body, and desiring to grow. 

 

v. 1-6 One in Christ

Remember Paul is writing from prison and as a pastor is urging the believers in the region of Ephesus to watch their walk, a word describing communion with God as we live out our faith daily.  For the first half of the letter, he has been sharing the doctrinal aspects of our salvation and now switches his focus the application of what it means to live in light of this salvation.  

 

An essential aspect of Christian maturity is unity.  He reminds us how to live in peace with one another.  Are you humble, gentle, patient, and eager to maintain and foster those Christian relationships in your local body.  In a magnanimous list, He reminds the reader of all they have in common with each other: one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, God and Father.  No matter what demographics attempt to divide us, we show the world the authentic love of the Father by how we unite despite those obstacles. We are connected to the source of every good thing we experience in fellowship.  Seeking unity within the body of Christ is a way to move toward spiritual maturity. 

 

v. 7-12 The Grace of Ministry

To help us retain our unity, God gives grace.  God's grace is expressed as a unique way He has given each believer to help the body of Christ, extra help on the path toward maturity.  He gives us a purpose, a way to serve,  a role and function in the family of believers that's part of our spiritual DNA.  It’s easier to mature when you have a duty to perform and others depend on you.  

 

In verse 11 Paul lists some roles he has assigned within the body.  This list is not comprehensive; you can find more spiritual gifts in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12.  You’ll notice the gifts in Ephesians are for building up the body.  These different roles articulate the gospel, drawing us back to what we all have in common-need for a Savior.  To help us mature, Christ calls people who love Him to minister and help us grow.  

 

v. 13- 16 Fullness of in Christ 

The by product of unity, as supported by those who build us up, equip us to mature.  We are no longer children, who are distracted and deceived if we are pursing unity of faith, knowing more about Jesus, to mature into His fullness.  This requires an intake of truth received by our Christian family that is motivated by love. We have to have courage to accept being made Christlike in every area: our sexuality, identity, finances, relationships, work-life, etc.  Christ is the head of the body, the ultimate leader who guides those who strengthen us.  If we pursue the list in these verses of things that characterize mature Christians, the body will be healthy and function the right way. Maturity is wholistic; everyone comes to Christ immature but is instructed to consistently pursue growth. 

 

If all this feels overwhelming, remember that the Father has made a plan for your maturity, Christ has enabled you to achieve it, and the Holy Spirit will guide you to it.  Growing more like Christ is a natural outcome the more you connect to others in the faith, serve them, and authentically desire to be like Christ.  

 

Reflect: 

·      When you have a disagreement with a believer, do you focus on what you have in common or what divides you? 

·      If you identify with one of the gifts listed are you currently building up the body?  If you find yourself in a different role, how can you support those who are leading and strengthening you? 

·      Speaking honestly to another person helps the maturation process.  Have you been fully honest with those who need loving feedback? Is your motivation their maturity or your superiority?