Lorenzo Palon

"14As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love." - Ephesians 4:14-16 (NASB)

As believers strive towards the fullness of spiritual maturity, Paul says we should not remain as ‘babes in Christ’¹. Although we never reach full spiritual maturity in this life, that doesn’t mean we can’t make progress after meeting Christ². When we become followers of Christ, we are encouraged to develop and not remain immature in our thinking (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:20). Paul says the key is to persevere to grow in our faith and in our understanding of Christ, moving beyond childlike immaturity and becoming strong in our beliefs. He warns against being easily influenced and swayed by different teachings, using powerful imagery to illustrate the danger of being unstable and lacking strong principles (cf. Jas 1:6; 3:4; Rom 16:17-18). Many early believers got saved but remained immature in their faith. They lacked the necessary submission and dedication to be servant ministers. Paul emphasizes that believers must undergo a radical change – dying to self and being alive in God. This transformation is outlined in various parts of the Bible such as Romans 6:1-14, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Galatians 2:20, and 1 John 3:16. It’s not just about going to heaven after death, but about becoming more like Christ in maturity and serving others in this life (cf. Eph. 4:15; Rom. 8:28-30; Gal. 4:19).

Paul warns that staying immature like children can make them vulnerable to being tricked by false teachers (cf. 2 Cor 4:2; 11:13). Paul describes these false teachers as individuals who lead believers astray with willful deception and manipulative practices. These teachers are likened to the craftiness associated with Greek philosophers and Jewish legalists, and possibly even to different branches of Gnostic thought¹. The writer warns that behind these false teachers lies the influence of fallen angelic entities (cf. Eph. 6:10-12; 1 Cor. 10:20; Daniel 10), highlighting the spiritual warfare that believers are engaged in.

Paul’s advice to “speak the truth in love” in verse 15 is really important for Christians. It emphasizes being honest and kind, which are core Christian values that help build trust in relationships. It also highlights the importance of sharing truth with love, showing genuine care for others without being harsh. The imperative to “grow up in all aspects into Him” urges believers to develop spiritually and follow the example of Christ. It emphasizes the utmost importance of Christ above all else (cf. Col 1:18). It underscores the significance of all members in the community of believers adhering to this structure. Failure to do so would disrupt the smooth functioning of the church and deviate from its ideal form. The focus on exalting Christ² and diminishing other priorities aligns with the concept presented in John 3:30. Individual progress should be confined to one’s designated role, contributing to the elevation of Christ as the head of the church. The pursuit of unity is the goal, as outlined in Ephesians 4:2-3. This stands in stark contrast to the discord and competition propagated by the deceitful instructors.

In verse 16, Paul employs the imagery of the human body to illustrate the concept of unity amidst diversity, emphasizing the importance of love in preserving this unity. Disunity is portrayed as creating an opening for the influence of Satan, his angels, and false teachers (cf. 1 Cor 12 and Col 2:8). He reinforces the idea that spiritual growth is essential for believers to avoid deception and division, and to actively pursue Christlikeness and ministerial service in a world characterized by spiritual warfare.

In conclusion, the passage serves as a powerful exhortation for believers to prioritize spiritual maturity and unity, emphasizing the ongoing spiritual battle that necessitates a firm foundation in the truth and a commitment to living and teaching that truth in love.

1. https://www.facebook.com/lorenzo.palon/posts/pfbid02VrtMqw41eBsm3PHFpbHMHaaL4umiKTTvzBPiAFvoZi2cUkJmKUJ21hPFpZPxZDs5l ↩︎
2. as we strive towards the fullness of spiritual maturity, we should not remain as children. There is an intermediate phase between childhood and adulthood. Those who are “children” are those who have not yet taken a step in the path of the Lord, who are hesitant, undecided, and wavering. On the other hand, those who are grounded in the teachings of Christ, though not yet perfect, demonstrate wisdom and strength in making firm and appropriate choices. The life of believers, characterized by continual aspiration and advancement towards the ultimate goal, resembles youth. We are never fully mature in this life, but this should not be construed to mean that there is no progress beyond childhood. – Calvin ↩︎
3. https://www.facebook.com/lorenzo.palon/posts/pfbid0hxEYFTDjDq7gNUKfqhWCKPks3ENiK8xSidzkT7uDLkStt1eCDL7ypdq7frdkpWuQl ↩︎
4. The exaltation of Christ prompts us to acknowledge the extraordinary blessings it brings us. His unequivocal affirmation as our Savior and Deliverer fills us with profound gratitude and hope. With this exaltation, comes the assurance that He not only lives, but also has the power to protect us and His kingdom, bringing us immeasurable comfort and security. We eagerly anticipate joining Him in His kingdom, where “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9) ↩︎