Thursday Aug 28, 2014
EPHESIANS 4.14-16 THE GROWTH OF UNITY
Eph 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
The Results of Unity
· V14 Stability- the knowledge of sound doctrine - Won’t Be Deceived
Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
· V15 Speaking The Truth in Love
Don’t just pull out your 12 gauge and go to blasting away
Another result is that believers can maintain truth in love in both speech and conduct. Paul contrasted the deception of heresy with the integrity of the gospel. "This fundamental concern for the truth is the secret of maturity in the church." The church that stresses both the truth and love will produce spiritually mature, Christ-like believers. Loving, effective confrontation involves speaking the truth in love. The truth may be as medicine to the person who needs it, but love is the sugar that, added to the medicine, makes it palatable. Remember Mary Poppins' prescription: "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."
Ga 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
· V16 Cooperation
The church then is a diverse body composed of many different people who must give attention to preserving their unity (vv. 7-16). Paul's emphasis was on body growth more than on individual growth in this passage. Each believer contributes to body growth as he or she exercises his or her particular gifts (abilities) in the service of Christ.
Results in Evangelism - maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Comments (0)
To leave or reply to comments, please download free Podbean or
No Comments
To leave or reply to comments,
please download free Podbean App.