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Undying Love (Ephesians)

One of the constant themes throughout the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is that of love. This is entirely appropriate because love is the overriding theme of the entire Bible, especially the New Testament. The entire Bible, including Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is inspired by God. As the Apostle John reminds us, “…God is love…” (1 John 4:16) Since God is love, we would expect love to suffuse His Book.

It is God’s love which made it possible for sinners to be saved. In chapter 2, verses 4 and 5 Paul writes, “But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),” The greatest expression of God’s love is Jesus Christ. It was only through His sacrifice that sin could be atoned for. In chapter 2, verse 13 Paul writes, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ.”

God’s love for us, expressed through Christ, is so great that it is unfathomable even though it may be experienced. Paul writes in chapter 3, verses 17 through 19, “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

But those who experience the love of God and of Christ also have an obligation. The recipients of love must also love. In chapter 5, verses 1 and 2 Paul writes, “Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.” In this passage the followers of Christ are called upon to show the highest form of love possible, the sacrifice of self for the good of someone else. Since they are to imitate God, how could they not emulate the kind of love that He bestows?

Where should this love manifest itself? One place is certainly the home. As Paul writes in chapter 5, verse 25, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly [that is, the Church], and gave himself up for it;” If husbands would actually do this, there would be far fewer domestic problems.

But the love which the followers of Christ are to display is not limited to the home. It is to be extended to all of God’s people. Paul writes in chapter 4, verse 2, “with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love;” In other words, the love which each follower of Christ should have is to extend to the whole church. Paul continues in verses 15 and 16, “but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ; from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.”

After exhorting the followers of Christ, throughout this letter, to love, Paul closes with a subtle warning. Chapter 6, verse 24 reads, “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen.” This raises an important question. Is it possible for love to die? This verse would seem to indicate that it is possible. In fact, Jesus, when speaking of future events made this prophecy, “Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved.” (Matthew 24:12-13) So, yes, it is possible for love to die.

Perhaps one of the most important lessons which can be learned from the church in Ephesus is the necessity to develop and maintain a Christlike love. We have already seen Paul’s exhortations to love. The question may be asked, did the people to whom Paul was writing ever have it? As we saw in a previous program, chapter 1, verse 15 indicates that the Ephesian Christians were once known for their love for God’s people. The exhortations in this letter are really an encouragement to the people to grow in the love they already had.

But though the Ephesian church was known for its love, it also had a problem. In a meeting with the elders of this church, Paul issued the following warning: “For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore watch…” (Acts 20:29-31)

Sadly, Paul’s warning proved correct. False teachers did arise in Ephesus. Paul sent Timothy there to correct the problem. He gave Timothy these instructions: “As I urged you when I was going into Macedonia, stay at Ephesus that you might command certain men not to teach a different doctrine, neither to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than God’s stewardship, which is in faith— but the goal of this command is love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith;” (1 Timothy 1:3-5)

It is essential to understand that though Timothy was to put a stop to false teaching, the goal was love. Scripture says that the church is “…the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15) Therefore, it is absolutely essential that falsehood be rooted out of the church. But it must never be forgotten that the goal of truth is to lead us into having a Christlike love.

To what extent did the church in Ephesus succeed in achieving this goal? Towards the end of the apostolic age, Christ spoke from heaven to several of the churches through the Apostle John. Part of the divine message to the church at Ephesus was this: “I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can’t tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false. You have perseverance and have endured for my name’s sake, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lampstand out of its place, unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:2-5)

The church in Ephesus was able to restore sound doctrine, but lost it’s love in the process. Today Ephesus is in ruins and there is no church there. This leaves us with some important questions. Is my faith based on truth? In my zeal for truth, have I lost my love? Am I growing in Christlike love? Let us all learn from what happened to the church at Ephesus.

Pray In The Spirit, Tychicus, Final Blessing (Ephesians 6:18-24)

As human beings we have a bias towards action. When confronted by a problem we like to feel that we can actually do something to solve it. But the followers of Christ sometimes forget that the battle in which they are engaged is spiritual, not physical. In his inspired letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds them that victory is achieved, not through their own power, but by God’s. After telling them to be strong in the Lord’s power, to put on the full armor of God and to stand firm, he instructs them to pray. In chapter 6, verses 18 through 20 he writes, “with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

In chapter 2, verse 18 Paul had reminded the people to whom he is writing that they have access to God through the Spirit. Now he instructs them to use that access to bring their prayers and requests to God. One may ask why it is necessary to pray in the Spirit. Doesn’t Scripture say that we are to pray in the name of Jesus (John 14:13-14, 15:16, 16:23-24) and that He is our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5)? This is very true, but Scripture also affirms that, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) There is another reason, however, why we must pray in the Spirit. Often we do not know how to pray in accordance with God’s will or for what we should pray. Romans 8, verses 26 through 27 says, “…we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered. He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.” While Jesus acts as our mediator, the Spirit is our intercessor or translator who presents to God on our behalf even those things which we cannot articulate.

In some religions there are set times every day to pray certain formal prayers. But the standard in Christianity is much higher than that. Paul writes that the followers of Christ should pray “on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (NIV) Another Scripture says, “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) God wants His people to be in constant communication with Him.

To pray ‘in the Spirit’ means to pray under influence or guidance of God’s Holy Spirit. There are some who think that means going into some sort of trance or state of ecstasy. Paul corrects this notion when he instructs Christ’s followers to also be watchful or alert. In chapter 5, verse 18 he had instructed them to “be filled with the Spirit.” But being filled with the Spirit does not decrease our awareness of what is happening around us. On the contrary it makes us more aware. This is why we can keep on praying for “all the saints.” (verse18) Through the working of the Spirit we can perceive and understand their needs and concerns in a better way.

After giving general instructions about prayer, Paul then asks for prayer on his own behalf. Keep in mind that Paul is writing from prison. He is in chains. In these circumstances most people would ask for prayer for their release. But Paul does not do so. Instead, he asks that people pray that he would have the right words to say while spreading the gospel and that he would be given the courage to do so. We can learn several important lessons from this. 1) If we are living in accordance with God’s will, God’s will can be accomplished through us regardless of our external circumstances. God has a purpose for our being in a situation, even if that situation is jail. Are we willing to let God use us regardless of our circumstances? 2) The followers of Christ are representatives of Christ no matter where they are. Paul specifically calls himself an ambassador even though he is in chains. Do people see Jesus in us even in difficult circumstances? Do we faithfully proclaim His message in all situations? 3) Paul was not concerned about himself. On the contrary, he was concerned that others have the opportunity to hear the gospel. On which do we place the most importance?

In verses 21 and 22 Paul writes, “But that you also may know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.”

Tychicus is mentioned several times in Scripture. Though we do not know his home town, he was from the Roman province of Asia which was located in what is now the South-Western portion of Turkey. This is the same region in which Ephesus was located. He accompanied Paul on at least part of his third missionary tour and probably was with him when he delivered an offering for the poor to the church in Jerusalem. Paul used this man as a messenger. In addition to this letter, he also delivered the letter to the Colossians and probably accompanied Onesimus in delivering the letter to Philemon. Paul may also have sent him on a mission to Crete.

In addition to delivering this letter, Paul’s purpose in sending Tychicus was so that he could verbally reassure the people about his own situation. The followers of Christ in the province of Asia no doubt knew of Paul’s imprisonment and would have been concerned about him. Tychicus was to allay those concerns and encourage the church. Paul describes Tychicus as a “beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord.” Can the same be said about us? If we were given a task on behalf of the church would we faithfully carry it out? Would we be an encouragement to those to whom we were sent?

In the greeting to this letter, Paul asked that God grant grace and peace to Christ’s followers. He ends the letter with the same blessing, but adds love and faith to it. In verses 23 and 24 he writes, “Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen.”

At the beginning of this letter Paul called the followers of Christ ‘saints.’ Here he calls them ‘brothers.’ It should not be thought, however, that Paul is excluding women from his blessing. In Scripture the term ‘brothers’ includes all those who follow Christ regardless of gender. Paul uses the term ‘brother’ to emphasize what he had already said in chapter 2, that the followers of Christ are members of God’s household. The term also indicates the unity which there should be in the church.

Put On The Full Armor Of God (Ephesians 6:10-17)

After writing about the salvation that Christ has given to His followers, their glorious inheritance, the purpose of the church and giving instructions about how to live, the Apostle Paul concludes his inspired letter to the Ephesians with an analogy to warfare. In chapter 6, verses 10 through 12 he writes, “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

The follower of Christ must not rely on his own power but rather that of the Lord, for the forces which are arrayed against him are far beyond his strength or ability. If it were a physical battle then, perhaps, one might be able to rely on his own strength. But this battle is not physical. It is spiritual. Many have made the mistake of thinking that they must resort to violence or even war in order to defend Christianity. But the fight is not against people. It is against spiritual forces. A spiritual battle cannot be fought by physical means.

Paul will go on to say what he means by putting on the “armor of God.” But the point or purpose of putting it on is so the follower of Christ can ‘stand’ against the devil’s schemes. This does not mean that the followers of Christ are responsible for winning the war. The victory has already been won by Christ. As Scripture says, “…having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it [that is, the cross].” (Colossians 2:15) But though the war has already been won, the battle continues for the soul of each individual person. It is for this reason that the follower of Christ must take his stand.

“Our wrestling [NIV, “struggle”] is not against flesh and blood.” (verse 12) It is a shameful fact of history that people calling themselves Christians have sometimes waged wars in the name of Christ. But no matter what anyone may say, such wars and conflicts have nothing to do with Christ. The true adversary is the devil and the schemes which he implements through the rulers, authorities and powers of this world. It is not the rulers and authorities themselves which are the enemy. The true battle is against the “spiritual forces of wickedness” and the battlefield is in the “heavenly places.” Paul writes in another place, “For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

In verses 13 through 17 Paul describes what the armor of God is, “Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”

In describing the armor of God, Paul borrows imagery from the writings of the prophet Isaiah, chapters 11, 49, 52 and 59. It is important to note that each one of these portions of Scripture is a prophecy of the coming of Christ. Isaiah points out that sin has caused separation between God and mankind. Because man is incapable of saving himself and there was no one to intercede on his behalf, God Himself would send a Savior.

By applying the same imagery to the follower of Christ as Isaiah used in prophesying the coming of Christ, Paul points to a very important truth. Just as God brought salvation through Christ, Christ uses His followers to take that message of salvation to others. In chapters 4 and 5 Paul had already emphasized the necessity for Christ’s followers to be like Christ. Since Christ brought salvation can those of us who claim to follow Him do any less than to proclaim that salvation to those who do not yet know of it?

Many people are very zealous for their religion and are eager to come to its defense. The followers of Christ truly are in a holy war. But it is a different kind of battle than the world usually thinks of. Five of the items Paul mentions are defensive in nature. They are the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, footwear of readiness which comes from the gospel of peace, shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. This gives us a very important criterion by which to judge whether our defense of our religion is truly of God or not. Is our defense based on truth? Can our righteous way of life deflect accusation? Are we eager to spread the gospel of peace? Do we overcome attacks against us through faith? Are we secure in the knowledge of our salvation? If we can answer these questions positively, then we know that our defense is a godly one. On the other hand, if in the defense of our religion we lie and deceive, if we use the struggle as a justification for committing sin, if we stir up strife and conflict, if we try to strike down opposition by threats instead of faith, if we think that destroying those whom we regard as enemies will earn us salvation then, though we may think we are defending our religion, in reality we are in opposition to God. Even though we may wear the name of Christ, our defense has nothing to do with Him.

The only offensive weapon Paul mentions is the “sword of the Spirit.” He then defines it as the “word of God.” Usually, when we think of God’s word we have the Bible in mind. But Paul is not referring to written words enclosed by the covers of a book. The word he uses refers to a spoken proclamation or declaration. What Paul is saying is that each follower of Christ has the responsibility of not merely reading the Bible, but actively proclaiming its message to others. We must always remember, however, that the battle will not be won through our eloquence but, as Paul wrote at the beginning of this passage, through God’s might. It is not us, but the Word which will prevail. As Scripture says, “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Children and Parents, Slaves and Masters (Ephesians 6:1-9)

There are some who try to keep their religion separate from their everyday lives. They are quite willing to acknowledge God in their place of worship but wish to leave Him there. In contrast, no true follower of Christ will live like this. His relationship with Christ affects not only his worship but every aspect of his life. Christ is Lord of all or He is Lord of nothing. If we truly believe in Christ it will change not only our worship but also our business dealings and our family life.

After discussing the relationship between wives and husbands the Apostle Paul turns to children and parents. In chapter 6, verses 1 through 4 of his inspired letter to the Ephesians he writes, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.” You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

In this passage Paul presupposes that both the children and the parents to whom he is writing are followers of Christ. In the society in which these people lived it was assumed that children would be totally obedient to their parents. By law, in both Jewish and non-Jewish households, the penalties for disobedience or disrespect could be severe – up to and including death. But Paul raises the standard of Christian behavior above and beyond the dictates of law or of the expectations of society. He writes that children are to obey “in the Lord.” In other words, children are to regard obedience to their parents as service to Christ. There is an important principle here. We should not behave in a certain way merely because that is what other people expect but because we have chosen to do what is right in the eyes of Christ.

It is also important to note that Paul is writing to children who are old enough to choose to obey for the sake of Christ. In most societies children are considered to be of the same religion as their parents. But this is not true for the followers of Christ. No one is ever born a Christian. Even if a person’s parents were Christians for a hundred generations in the past it would not make him or her a Christian. One becomes a follower of Christ only by a personal and deliberate choice. Have you made that choice, or are you merely wearing the name because your parents were called Christians?

Christian children should not only obey their parents, but honor them. In support of this Paul quotes from Deuteronomy chapter 5, verse 16. This is the fifth of what are known as the ‘Ten Commandments.’ It is interesting that of the ten commandments this is the only one which carries a promise with it. The promise is two-fold: That it may go well with you, and that you may enjoy long life. On the surface it may not seem that this promise is fulfilled. The followers of Christ are often persecuted and even killed for their faith. But the followers of Christ know differently. As Paul writes in another place, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?… No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35, 37)

At the time in which Paul wrote, fathers had unlimited authority over their children. They could appropriate their children’s property or income. They could sell them as slaves or into prostitution. They could could even kill them with the full sanction of the law. In non-Jewish households it was common for unwanted children to be killed at birth or left on the roadside to die. In Roman society children had fewer rights than slaves (See Andrew T. Lincoln, Word Biblical Commentary, Vol. 42, p. 399 ff.). But things are vastly different in Christ. Though a father may have unlimited power, that power is restrained and curbed by Christian principles. Paul gives two general guidelines. The first is a prohibition. A Christian father is not to exasperate or anger his children. What this means is that he is not to act unjustly or arbitrarily. In Colossians 3:21 this is expanded to include anything which would embitter or discourage the children. Secondly, a Christian father is to nurture his children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Not only will he teach his children about Christ, but he is to model Christ-likeness to them. A Christlike father will always act in his children’s best interests.

Slavery was a fact of life at the time when this letter was written. As the gospel message spread through the Roman Empire many slaves and slave holders became followers of Christ. As may be expected, the principles of Christianity affected their relationship as well. In verses 5 through 9 Paul writes, “Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free. You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.”

Though slavery is not expressly forbidden anywhere in the New Testament, it is worth noting that slavery, and slave trading in particular, is contrary to the spirit of Christianity (See 1 Timothy 1:8-11). Throughout history Christians have been in the forefront of the movement to abolish slavery.

But even where slavery is not abolished outright, Christianity both elevates the slave and places important restraints on the master. In this passage Paul instructs slaves to consider the work they do as service to Christ. It may be very difficult to maintain a good attitude when we are being coerced. But when we choose to do it for the Lord, our service becomes a holy thing which we can sincerely perform from the heart. Our attitude towards masters will also change when we realize that we are actually serving Christ and it is He who will give us our reward.

Slave owners are urged to remember that they too have a Master in heaven. He is the same as the slave’s true Master. When a slave owner realizes that he must answer to the same Master as his slave, he will treat his slave justly and will look out for his welfare.

Not many of us today experience actual slavery. But shouldn’t we apply the same principles to our employment? If we are employed shouldn’t we regard our labor as service to Christ? If we are an employer shouldn’t we remember that we also have One who has authority over us?

Wives and Husbands (Ephesians 5:21-33)

While instructing the followers of Christ how to live, the Apostle Paul writes in his inspired letter to the Ephesians that they should be filled with God’s Holy Spirit. Among the characteristics of a Spirit-filled life are speaking to one another in song, singing to God from the heart and being thankful for everything. He gives a fourth characteristic when he writes in chapter 5, verse 21, “subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.”

Before considering some specific examples of how to apply this command, it is necessary to first clear up a misunderstanding. This translation uses the words “the fear of Christ.” This is, indeed, the literal meaning of what Paul wrote. But this raises a problem. Throughout this letter Paul has emphasized God and Christ’s love and the love which Christ’s followers ought to have for God and one another. For example, in verses 1 and 2 of this same chapter he wrote, “Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you…” In light of this, how can Paul now say that we should fear Christ? As the Apostle John tells us, “…He who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18) The solution to this difficulty comes when we realize that the word which Paul uses has more than one meaning. In addition to fear it also carries the connotation of reverence and respect. This is the sense in which Paul uses it in this passage.

With that in mind, let’s consider the first practical example Paul gives when he instructs the followers of Christ to submit to one another. In verses 22 through 24 he writes, “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly [that is, the Church], being himself the savior of the body. But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.”

It is unfortunate that some have used these verses as a club in order to compel obedience from their wives. To do so, however, is a total mis-use of Scripture and is against the spirit of Christianity. Notice that these verses are written to wives, not to husbands. Wives are to submit voluntarily. Nowhere does Scripture permit or sanction coercion on the part of a husband.

The reason wives should submit or yield to their husbands is that the husband is the head of the wife. As an analogy of this relationship Paul mentions the authority of Christ over the church. Just as the church should always be in submission to Christ, so too, wives should always defer to their husbands ‘in everything.’ Does this mean that a wife should submit even when her husband wants her to do something which is against God’s will? It is important to remember that Paul is writing to believers. The assumption in this passage is that both husband and wife are followers of Christ. One who is submitted to Christ will never desire another to do anything which is contrary to God’s will. As we shall see, Paul also writes that husbands should love their wives in the same way that Christ loves the church. Where there is perfect submission to perfect love nothing will ever violate God’s will.

In verses 25 through 33 Paul writes, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly [that is, the Church], and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly; because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones. “For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh.” This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly. Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

Much could be said about this passage but we will only take time to mention a few of the highlights. The first thing to notice is that husbands are instructed to love their wives in the same way as Christ loves the church. This love gives of itself. There is no selfishness in it. People often claim to have love yet, instead of giving of themselves, demand that their own desires be met. Love, if it involves the gratification of self, is not the kind of love a husband is to have for his wife. Instead, a husband must be willing to give himself up for his wife just as Christ died on behalf of the church. Can we honestly say that we love our wives like that?

What is the goal of love? Christ died in order to make the church glorious, holy, and without blemish. Christ-like love always looks out for the welfare of its object. A husband should always have in mind what is best for his wife. In this way he honors and elevates her.

Why should a husband love his wife in this way? If for no other reason, Paul has emphasized the need for all followers of Christ to become like their Lord. If we are to become like Christ, then we must also love as He did. But there is another reason as well. Paul quotes Genesis chapter 2, verse 24 to establish the fact that husband and wife are, in reality, one. They are not adversaries, but one organism. Jesus said, “…A house divided against itself falls.” (Luke 11:17) When a husband loves his wife as he should, the marriage as a whole benefits.

In this passage Paul has used marriage as a metaphor for Christ and the church. It is worth noting that Christ has cleansed the church, that is His followers, and made them holy “by the washing of water with the word.” (verse 26) There can be no question that this refers to baptism. There are many who contradict Paul’s inspired words and say that baptism is not necessary in order to be made holy. But in another place Scripture says, “Or don’t you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4) There are many who profess to be followers of Christ yet still are burdened and oppressed by sin. Is it possible that they have never died with Christ in baptism so that they may rise from that watery grave into a new life?

Living Wisely (Ephesians 5:15-21)

The thing which makes the followers of Christ unique from all other people is that God has re-created them in His own image. It follows, then, that they should possess a God-like character. This has practical consequences for one’s day-to-day lifestyle. The Apostle Paul writes in chapter 5 of his inspired letter to the Ephesians, that Christ’s followers should live lives of love and live as children of light. The term ‘children of light’ expresses the idea that the light of Christ should be visible in, and be reflected by, the lives of His followers. In view of this Paul writes in verses 15 through 21: “Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father; subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.”

This translation says, “watch carefully how you walk .” But what Paul is really writing about is how we are to live our lives. He mentions three things which should characterize the life of someone who is trying to be God-like. The words “watch carefully” indicate one of these characteristics. In other words, a follower of Christ should think deeply about his life and act out of conviction rather than being rash, impulsive or imprudent.

A follower of Christ should also live as the ‘wise.’ The word Paul uses implies those who have expertise or skill. When we think of someone who is an expert or has skill in a particular craft or occupation, we know that their proficiency was developed through long hours of practice, from willingness to listen to others and humbly learning from their own mistakes. In the same way, we cannot expect success in living a godly life to come by itself. It requires practice, discipline and a continual desire for improvement.

A third characteristic in the life of someone who follows Christ should be “redeeming the time” (NIV, “making the most of every opportunity”). The word Paul uses here means to ‘buy back.’ In other words, we need to treat time as something which is precious. The reason Paul gives is that the “days are evil.” All we have to do is look around us to know that this is true. The days in which we live are not only evil in a moral sense, but are short as well. We have only a little time to accomplish the task that God has given us. In chapter 4 Paul stressed the need to “put on the new man.” (4:24) Does our use of time help us toward that goal, or draw us toward evil? Paul is not saying that a follower of Christ should never relax or enjoy himself. But he is saying that we should use our time wisely and productively.

If we are to live wisely, then it follows that we should not be foolish. The word which Paul uses means ‘without reason.’ In other words our choices and decisions should not be based on whim or emotion. In contrast to this Paul urges Christ’s followers to “understand what the will of the Lord is.” This is a restatement of what he had already said in verse 10, “proving what is well pleasing to the Lord.” When we make decisions do we make them according to what would please us, or what will please Christ?

We can judge whether something is good or not by the results. As another example of the difference between foolish and wise living Paul contrasts getting drunk and being filled with God’s Holy Spirit. He points out that drinking leads to debauchery or dissipation. In contrast to this, we learn from Galatians 5, verses 22 and 23 that, “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control…” What fruit is evident in our lives?

Paul writes that being filled with the Spirit finds expression in music. He mentions psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Many attempts have been made to link these terms to certain types or styles of music but the truth is that no one can say with certainty what forms or styles of music are referred to here. There can be no doubt that the Old Testament Psalms are included, but it is also evident that appropriate music is not limited to the Psalms. Apparently a variety of musical styles are acceptable to God. How, then, should the followers of Christ evaluate the music which they hear or which is sung in their assemblies? In the term ‘spiritual songs’ Paul gives us an important criterion by which to judge. A spiritual song is, literally, one which has been prompted or inspired by the Holy Spirit. How can we know if a song is of the Spirit? We have already mentioned the fruit of the Spirit. Does a song prompt us to grow in love, joy, peace, patience and the other fruit of the Spirit? If, so then that song is of the Spirit.

What does it mean to ‘speak to one another’ in Psalms, hymns and songs? Another Scripture says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs…” (Colossians 3:16) Do our songs convey Christ’s word? Do they teach and admonish? Do they reflect wisdom or foolishness?

In addition to being a channel of mutual spiritual growth, our spirits can commune with God’s Spirit through music. In order for this to be true though, our songs, whether they are intended to edify, whether they are songs of worship and praise, or whether they are songs of contrition, must be offered to God from the heart. Do we sing from the heart, or are we merely mouthing words?

A Spirit-filled life is also thankful. Thankfulness is not conditional upon circumstances. Paul writes that we should not merely be thankful in all circumstances (as he says in the first letter to the Thessalonians, chapter 5, verse 18) but for everything. At first this may seem impossible. Indeed, it is impossible for those who do not follow Christ, because our thanks is to be given to God through Jesus Christ. The reason Christ’s followers can be thankful for whatever happens is that they have God’s promise in Romans chapter 8, verse 28, “…that all things work together for good for those who love God…” Do we really believe that?

Be Imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1-14)

All those who choose to follow Christ are changed. As the Apostle Paul writes in chapter 4, verse 24 of his inspired letter to the Ephesians, they are created anew to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This is why Paul goes on to say in chapter 5, “Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.” (5:1)

But what does it mean to be like God? How does one imitate God? In the next several verses Paul tells us in what ways we should be like God. In verse 2 he writes, “Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.”

If we want to know what God is like, all we have to do is look at Jesus. Scripture says He, “…is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance…” (Hebrews 1:3) So, if we are going to be like God and imitate His love, we will act like Jesus. Paul reminds us that the essence of love is to give. Therefore, in order to live a life of love, we will give of ourselves on behalf of others just as Jesus did.

Paul then lists several things which are opposed or contrary to a life of love. “But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints; nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks.” (5:3-4)

The reason that sexual immorality, impurity and greed must be avoided by the follower of Christ is that they are not becoming (improper). Obscenity, foolish talk and coarse joking must likewise be avoided because they are not appropriate. It should be noted that Paul is not forbidding witty conversation or humor. The kind of speech to which he is referring is the dirty joke or the double-entendre which would draw one’s thoughts towards, or entice one to entertain, immoral desires or behavior. In contrast to these evils the lives of the followers of Christ should be characterized by thanksgiving. This is a good test which we can apply to ourselves in order to gauge to what extent we are living a life of love. Are we thankful? Or, are our minds filled with sexual innuendo?

There are eternal consequences to the choices we make. In verses 5 through 7 Paul writes, “Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. Therefore don’t be partakers with them.”

As already mentioned, the essence of love is to give. Love has the benefit, or good, of the other person in view. In contrast, the focus of those who are immoral, impure and greedy is self-gratification. This is why Paul calls them idolaters. Though they may not outwardly bow down before graven images they have placed their own desires above God. In addition to being idolaters they are disobedient. Idolatry and disobedience are totally incompatible with following Christ. The result is to experience God’s wrath.

In verses 8 through 14 Paul gives another way in which the followers of Christ should be like God: “For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, proving what is well pleasing to the Lord. Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them. For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of. But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light. Therefore he says, “Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you”

Scripture says that, “…God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) It follows, then, that if we are to be like God we, too, must show forth God’s light. Jesus told His disciples, “You are the light of the world… Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) But what does it mean to ‘walk as children of light’ or to ‘let our light shine’? Paul reminds us that the fruit, or influence, of light is goodness, righteousness and truth. All three of these virtues flow from the attributes of God. Scripture tells us that God is good (Psalm 25:8, Nahum 1:7), that He is righteous (Romans 3:26) and that He is true (Numbers 23:19, Psalm 31:5, Hebrews 6:18). Paul writes that we are to find out ‘what is well pleasing to the Lord.’ (verse 10) This is how we can know what pleases Him. Anything whose outcome or fruit is goodness, righteousness and truth is pleasing to Him. Conversely, anything which does not lead to these virtues is not from the light, but is one of the ‘unfruitful deeds of darkness.’ (verse 11) The ‘deeds of darkness’ result in shame, to the point that it is shameful to even mention them. If it is shameful to mention them, how much more so to participate in them!

Paul writes that the followers of Christ are to expose or rebuke the deeds of darkness. But this leaves us with a dilemma. How can we rebuke the deeds of darkness when it is shameful to even mention them? The answer comes from understanding the nature of light. The nature of light is such that darkness cannot exist in the same place with it. When we want to see what is in a room we do not try to shoo the darkness away. Instead, we turn on a light! Paul reminds us that it is light which makes things visible. In the same way, the deeds of darkness are exposed and revealed for what they are when the followers of Christ live as ‘children of light.’ Their thoughts, attitudes, motives and actions, in fact their very lives, are a rebuke to those who are disobedient.

What is the purpose of exposing or rebuking deeds of darkness? It is so people will see the light and be rescued from spiritual death. “Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead…” (verse 14) Paul reminds his readers that they, too, had once been darkness in need of the light.

We must also remember what the source of light is. It is not something which is self-generated. Christ’s followers are not the origin, but the bearers of light. Paul makes it clear that it is the light of Christ which shines in and through them. “…Christ will shine on you.” (verse 14) Jesus himself said, “…I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Are we truly following Christ? Or, are we still in the darkness?

Put Off and Put On (Ephesians 4:25-32)

In his inspired letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells the followers of Christ that they have been created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (4:24) In view of this he instructs them to put away or put off their ‘old man’ and to put on the ‘new man.’ But how does one do this? Paul tells us how in chapter 4, verses 25 through 32, “Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members of one another. “Be angry, and don’t sin.” Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, neither give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need. Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.”

In this passage Paul gives practical instructions in six areas of our lives. He tells us what to ‘put off’ or ‘get rid’ of, what behavior should take its place and the reason for doing so.

Area one: Ethics. Paul writes that Christ’s followers must put away falsehood. He had already said in verse 21 that truth is in Jesus. It follows then, that those who claim Christ as their Lord should turn away from what is not true. Though the primary application is to speech, it is obvious that the principle of putting off falsehood involves much more than just what we say. For example, Jesus pointed out that “…For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) If we are to turn away from lying, we must remove falsehood from our hearts. Lying takes many forms. Not only do we say or write what is not true, but we also can deliberately give a false impression or mislead others by how we act. All forms of falsehood are to be rejected. In the place of falsehood, the follower of Christ is to speak truthfully. We are to be totally genuine. It is worth noting that speaking truthfully involves speaking! We should not remain silent if our silence causes someone else to believe something which is not true. But, though we must speak the truth, as Paul already instructed in verse 15, it must be done in love so that we will grow in our relationship to Christ. The reason Paul gives for putting off falsehood and speaking the truth is that all the followers of Christ are members of one body. When we lie to a fellow believer, we are lying to the body of which we are a part. When we speak the truth in love, we build up the body.

Area two: Emotions. We may not always be able to control how we feel. But we certainly can control how we act as a result of our feelings. In view of this, Paul quotes Psalm 4:4 when he writes, “Be angry, and don’t sin…” (4:26) To become angry is not, in itself sin, for even God expresses anger, but it can easily lead us into sin. In verse 31 Paul instructs the followers of Christ to get rid of anger altogether. We must not nurture it. On the contrary, we are to not “let the sun go down on your wrath.” What this means is that we are to settle problems daily. The reason Paul gives is so that the devil will not gain any opportunity. If we settle problems daily while they are still small, they won’t have the chance to grow large.

Area three: Employment. Many people have the idea that the world owes them a living. They justify stealing because they feel they deserve the things they take. But the follower of Christ may not steal. Paul writes that those who have been doing so are to stop. Instead, they are to work, doing something useful with their hands. There are some who feel that manual labor is beneath them. But any labor dedicated to the Lord, is holy. To the Colossians Paul wrote, “And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24) Christ Jesus Himself worked as a carpenter. Should those who follow Him be too proud to work with their hands? The reason Paul gives for finding honest employment is so we will have something to share with those in need. In another place Paul writes, “For this is not that others may be eased and you distressed, but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack; that there may be equality…” (2 Corinthians 8:13-14)

Area four: Speech. The follower of Christ is to not let any “corrupt speech” (NIV, “unwholesome talk”) come out of his mouth. The literal meaning of the word Paul uses is something which is rotten or spoiled. In the context it is any speech which would corrupt, harm, destroy or tear down another person or a relationship. It would include such things as slander or gossip. In contrast to this we are to say only what will help build others up. It is worth noting that what we say is to be according to need. All too often we say far more than is needed. The reason for this instruction is so that those who listen may benefit. If we are honest with ourselves, we will have to admit that much of what we say is either beside the point or is of no benefit to anyone.

Area five: Spirituality. The next instruction to Christ’s followers is to not grieve God’s Holy Spirit. In chapter 2, verse 22 of this letter Paul had already written, “in whom [that is, Christ] you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.” Since God lives in us by His Spirit, it is obvious that if we desire to have God in our lives, we should do nothing which would drive His Spirit away. In other words, we need to make our lives a place where God would want to live! The reason Paul gives is that it is through God’s Spirit that we are “sealed for the day of redemption.” Paul had already explained this in chapter 1, verses 13 and 14. The Spirit is the mark of God’s ownership on the follower of Christ.

Area six: Interpersonal relationships. Not only is a follower of Christ to make his life a place where God would want to live, but he must also root out anything which would destroy his relationship with fellow believers. Bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander and malice have no place in the life of one who has given himself to Christ. These negative and destructive traits are to be replaced by kindness, compassion and forgiveness. The reason Paul gives for forgiving one another is that God forgave us. Shouldn’t we show the same mercy to others as God has shown to us?

Taught In Him (Ephesians 4:17-24)

In chapter 4, verses 11 through 16 of his inspired letter to the followers of Christ in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul writes that the spiritual maturity and growth of Christ’s body, that is the church, is not merely the responsibility of the leaders with which Christ has gifted it. No, the church is built up by the individuals who are a part of the body. But the question is, how can a follower of Christ grow?

In chapter 4, verses 17 through 21 Paul writes, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts; who having become callous gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you did not learn Christ that way; if indeed you heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus:”

If one were to summarize what Paul is saying in this passage, it is that a follower of Christ must leave his past life behind and truly become a new person in Christ. Paul is writing this inspired letter to Gentile people. Yet, in verse 17 he says that they must “no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk .” This is not merely a suggestion. Paul gives it as a command “in the Lord.” But why must we renounce our heritage when we come to Christ? It is because in chapter 2, verse 19 Paul had already pointed out that those who follow Christ are “no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” When one becomes a citizen of another country he must renounce allegiance to the country from which he came. When we decide to follow Christ we must turn away from our old allegiance. In a spiritual sense, we are no longer Gentiles, but citizens of a new country. Each of us must decide whether we are going to belong to Christ, or remain in our old way of life.

Paul points out that the thinking of the Gentiles is futile. He explains why in verse 18. It says, “being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts;”

The thinking of the Gentiles is futile because they are darkened in their understanding. Their understanding is darkened because of ignorance. But their ignorance is not innocent. The ignorance of the Gentiles is not due to a lack of information but because of hardness of heart. They do not know God’s will because they have chosen not to know it. When one hardens his heart and, by refusing to hear God’s voice, is separated from the life that God gives, then the alternative is to descend into sensuality and impurity.

In the Greek language in which Paul wrote this letter, he states a condition in verses 20 and 21. If someone has indeed heard of Christ, they did not come to know Him by thinking and acting like the Gentiles. Paul mentions three constants in coming to know Christ. The first is that the truth is in Jesus. Jesus himself said, “…For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” (John 8:37) This means that no one can truly follow Christ and accept a different teaching as well.

The second constant in the experience of those who follow Christ is that they have “heard of him.” In chapter 1, verse 13, Paul wrote, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation…” (NIV) As we saw, when discussing that verse, ‘hearing’ in the Scriptural sense, always implies taking action on what is heard. In the context of this letter, hearing specifically involves believing what was heard. ‘Hearing’ also implies a soft heart which is receptive to the message.

Though it is absolutely essential to hear and accept Christ’s gospel message, that is merely the beginning. A third experience in which all true followers of Christ share is that they are “taught in him.” What this means is that we must put Christ’s teaching into practice in our lives. We cannot remain one of Christ’s followers without acting on what He said.

But what is the teaching of Christ? Paul provides the answer in verses 22 through 24. “that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit; and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.” The first teaching is to “put away” the “old man.” This refers to habits and lifestyle. Paul writes that the ‘old man’ is in the process of being corrupted by deceitful desires. Once a person becomes Christ’s follower he can no longer live as though he weren’t. The verb which Paul uses indicates that removing the ‘old man’ does not happen automatically when we choose to follow Christ, but involves conscious effort on our part.

But the change cannot be merely external. Paul writes that the followers of Christ must be “renewed in the spirit of your mind.” In verse 17 Paul said that the Gentiles live as they do because of the futility of their thinking. The mind of someone who belongs to Christ is to be radically different. However, this is not something which a person is capable of achieving on his own. The change takes place when we allow God’s Spirit to renew our spirit.

Not only is a follower of Christ to remove his old way of living but he is to consciously “put on the new man.” What is this new man? Paul says that it is one in which “the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.” Scripture says that, “God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him…” (Genesis 1:27) Through our sin, however, we have destroyed the likeness. Those who follow Christ are re-created in God’s image. If we are made in God’s image, we need to display a godly character. When people look at us, what image do they see? Do they see God in us?

Grow Up Into Him Who Is The Head (Ephesians 4:11-16)

The Apostle Paul writes that leaders are among the gifts which Christ has given to His followers. In chapter 4, verses 11 through 16 of his inspired letter to the Ephesians, he writes: “He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ; from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.”

Leaders have been given to the followers of Christ for at least three reasons. The first is to prepare or train them to serve and meet the needs of people. Many approach Christ or the church from selfish motives. They are interested in what they can obtain or how they may benefit by claiming to put their faith in Christ. But a true follower of Christ will want to serve and give of himself. For example, the Apostle James wrote, “Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27) It is the responsibility of leaders to train Christ’s followers how to serve.

Another responsibility of leaders is to help the followers of Christ be united in their faith and their knowledge of Christ. This is in accordance with Jesus’ prayer for his followers. He prayed, “that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.” (John 17:21)

A third responsibility of leaders is to help the followers of Christ attain “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” In other words, to help people become as much like Jesus as possible. In another place Paul writes, “For whom he [that is, God] foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29)

The importance of good leaders in the church is indicated not only by their responsibilities but by what results in their absence. In this passage Paul gives several contrasts to help us understand this. For example, Paul writes that in the absence of godly leadership the followers of Christ are exposed to the “cunning and craftiness of men”. (vs. 14 NIV) The Apostle Peter describes such people in this way, “…uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error;” (2 Peter 2:18)

Paul writes that a consequence of the followers of Christ not reaching unity in the faith is that they will be “tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine.” Unity implies agreement. As Paul writes in another place, “Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)

But it is possible to be united in the wrong thing. In contrast to the ‘deceitful scheming’ of men (vs. 14) Paul writes that if the followers of Christ are to grow, they must speak the truth in love. (vs. 15). So, how can we know that what our leaders teach and promote is the truth? In addressing one group of leaders Paul, himself, warned, “Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.” (NIV, “Even from among your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”) (Acts 20:30) With this in mind it is extremely important to remember that the apostles and prophets are among the leaders Paul lists among Christ’s gifts to the church. In this same letter, in chapter 2, verse 20 Paul wrote that the apostles and prophets are in the foundation of God’s household. In chapter 3, verse 5 Paul also reminds us that God’s message has been revealed to the apostles and prophets by God’s Spirit. The apostles and prophets carefully wrote down and preserved the message which had been revealed to them in the book which today we call the New Testament. The New Testament is the only objective standard by which we can judge teaching, and is the basis upon which all the followers of Christ can reach unity. Notice, however, that it is not enough to merely be united in truth. Paul emphasizes that it must also be in love. As Paul writes in another place, “If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) Do we exhibit the same kind of love that Christ did?

In verse 13 Paul writes that under the guidance of godly leaders the followers of Christ will become mature (“a full grown man”) and attain the fullness of Christ. On the other hand, in verse 14 he warns that those who remain children (NIV, infants) in their faith will be unstable. From this we learn that is essential for every follower of Christ to grow and make progress in his relationship to Christ. But growth is not only necessary on an individual basis, it is also necessary for the followers of Christ as a whole. Paul likens them to a body. In chapter 1, verses 22 and 23 he had already defined the body of Christ as the church. So, it is necessary for the church to grow and make progress in the faith as well. It is important to understand, however, that just as Paul had defined maturity for the individual as becoming like Christ, so too, he defines the building up of the body, that is the church, as “grow[ing] up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ.” (vs. 15) The maturity of the body cannot be measured by how wealthy it is or by how many members there are, but only by how Christlike it is. The focus of the body must always be on its Head. Are we like Christ?

It is worth noting that full maturity is not achieved instantaneously. Just as a human child requires time to grow from an infant into an adult, so too, spiritual maturity in the body of Christ is a process. Also, just as a child requires the proper nourishment in order to grow properly, Paul indicates that it is love which nourishes and causes the spiritual body to grow. Note, too, though Paul has emphasized the role of leaders in helping the body to grow, he clearly says that Christ’s body will be built up to the extent that each individual who makes up the body works to accomplish it.