1. GROWING UP INTO CHRIST Truth, Judgment and Eternity Ephesians 4:11-16

2. Introduction Last time we discussed the 5 offices of the Church as explained by the Apostle Paul. We also understood from Scripture that these offices were instituted in the Church for the equipping of the Saints, so that they would reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of God. Now we will look further at what we should expect to take place in the Body of Christ if these offices truly function in the Church.

3. Overview of Chapter 4:14-16 Growing Up into Christ vv 14-16 – V14 We will mature in Christ – v15 Growing up into Christ – V16 The Church built up in love

4. Amplified Version of Ephesians 4:14-16 “So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead. Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.”

5. We will mature in Christ Ephesians 4:14 “So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead.” (AMP) If we have true teachers and pastors in the Church who hold firmly to the doctrines as presented in the Bible, and who don’t twist Scripture to suit their own ideas, doctrines, ambitions or fears, then the Church will become mature and not fall prey to deception.

6. Itching Ear Preachers Paul when speaking to Timothy wrote: 2Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (NIV) I believe that we are living in that time which Paul prophesied about 2000 years ago. As Paul said to the Ephesians, that they are “unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead.” These ministers don’t preach on sin or repentance, they teach that holiness is recommended by not imperative, and they don’t mention hell except as a joke.

7. Lovingly Express the Truth Ephesians 4:15 “Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly].” (AMP) Most translations just say “speaking the truth in love” or its equivalent, the Amplified however gets more out of the Greek: We should “Lovingly express truth in all things.” So it’s saying that in any and every situation to be loving and truthful. 1) speaking truly 2) dealing truly 3) living truly – 1) our words – 2) our relationships and our business dealings – 3) our lifestyle

8. Grow Up Into Him Ephesians 4:15b “Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” (AMP) We should be enfolded in the Love of Christ, that means we should be surrounded and enveloped, like a king with His army around him. We are to grow up in “all things into Him”, that means that in every area of our Christian life we are to grow up into the likeness and image of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This in no way advocates that we become Christ.

9. Joined by Joints and Ligaments Ephesians 4:16 “For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied,” (AMP) The Church (and all its parts) is described as a Body of Believers who are knit together by Joints and Ligaments. I believe that we can understand from this that these joints and ligaments which join us together are supplied by Jesus Christ Himself through His intercession which He continually offers to God on our behalf, and the Holy Spirit who He sent to counsel us into all truth.

10. When the Body Works Properly Ephesians 4:16 “For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.” (AMP) The Lord has supplied each part of the body of Christ with the power of the Holy Spirit and Jesus has adapted the Holy Spirit in such a way as to fulfill the need of that believer. When the Church is fully functioning in that power, then the Church will grow to full maturity, and this will be the result of our sincere love for one another.

11. Conclusion John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” This is a serious issue for the Church of Jesus Christ, we are not just encouraged to love one another so that the Church functions properly, but Jesus actually commands us to love one another. This then means we will be judged by both God and men according to how we obeyed this command. I believe this is an issue for repentance in the Church.