Exalting Jesus in Ephesians by Tony Merida & David Platt & Daniel L. Akin

Author:Tony Merida & David Platt & Daniel L. Akin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Religion/Biblical Commentary/New Testament
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
Published: 2014-09-01T16:21:36+00:00

Children must be taught as they grow up. I would not say to my youngest daughter, “Hey Victoria, drive your brothers and sisters to corporate worship!” She is only nine years old! She has to be taught. And so do believers. We enter the Christian life as babies, but we are to grow through the Word and become disciple-making teachers (1 Pet 2:1-3; Heb 5:11-14).

Maturity Involves Truth Joined with Love (4:15-16)

God means for Christians to present the truth to others, and it should always be presented in love. We must hold the truth high (1 Tim 3:15). And Christians must remember the centrality of love (1 Cor 13). The wording in Greek in verse 15 is “truthing in love” (Stott, Ephesians, 172). Of course, “truthing” is not a word in English, but the idea is clear. Maturity involves a truth-telling, truth-maintaining, truth-doing love.

I pray that folks would say this about my church: “They teach the Bible faithfully.” I hope they also say, “They love each other like family and their neighbors as themselves.” If people do not agree with our doctrine, I pray they will see that we love them. Are you known for truth and love personally, and is your church known for truth and love corporately?

Maturity Involves Contribution (4:16)

Paul returns to the body metaphor, where every member is a “limb” in Christ’s body. Because you are a body part, you are important! We need one another. Every member is to contribute, using what he or she has.

Our ultimate need is Christ. We grow up into Him (v. 15). We are dependent on Christ, who is the head and source of the church. But we are also members of the body, and we are dependent on one another. “[E]ach part . . . working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (4:16 ESV). As we grow into Christ and as we use our gifts in love, the body becomes healthy. What an unspeakable privilege it is to be united to Christ and to one another!

It is wise and good to be health conscious—taking care of our physical bodies. But let us be more concerned about the health of the body of Christ. May our local church bodies be marked by spiritual unity, spiritual diversity, and an ever-increasing maturity. Paul’s teaching serves as a “spiritual checkup” in these vital areas. Let us make the necessary changes with the Spirit’s help.

Reflect and Discuss

Why is unity important in a local church? Describe a typical church that models unity and one that demonstrates division.

What do all believers share in common? What should all believers pursue?

How can you grow in Christlike character?

How are believers different? Is this good or bad?

Explain the relationship between the ascension of Jesus and the distribution of gifts to the church.

Explain the relationship between leaders in a local church and members of a local church.

What responsibilities do you have as a member of a local church?

Which of the marks of spiritual maturity (vv.

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