GROW UP INTO HIM

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Ephesians

Read Ephesians 4

      "...Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching... Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."    Ephesians 4:14-15 NIV

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     In this passage, Paul is reminding the Ephesian Christians of the primary purpose of the local church. Each member of the body of Christ has been given spiritual gifts or talents to be used for a specific reason – the edifying and building up of believers.

     This was and is an ongoing process where we grow in our faith "and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (4:13b) and it is not something we do by ourselves, but in fellowship with other believers. Each person has something unique to contribute "to the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament," (which) "grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (4:1)

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     Lord, I pray that you will show each one of us what part we are to play in your plan for our church. Help me to use the talents you have given me for the purpose of building up other believers in their faith. I pray also for the unity of our local church so that we can work together to send forth the gospel and disciple new believers onto maturity.

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     "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV