Growing Up
Key Takeaways
We are all spiritually immature on our own.
Even mature Christians like Paul needed the church to grow. We cannot reach spiritual maturity in isolation.We have the life of the Trinity in us.
Our unity as believers is rooted in God's oneness (one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, one Father).Growth comes from "speaking the truth in love."
A blend of honesty and tenderness is what causes the body of Christ to mature.Truth without love and love without truth are both deadly.
We need both operating together to experience real growth.The gospel is the ultimate example of truth and love.
Jesus' death on the cross demonstrates both the offensive truth of our sin and the amazing love of our salvation.
Study Questions
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Paul lists unity seven times in this passage, rooting the church's oneness in God's oneness. What practical barriers prevent you from experiencing deeper unity with other believers in your local church?
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John mentions that "you're the last person who sees your own immaturity." Why is this true? Can you think of an example from your own life?
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What's the difference between "niceness" and "speaking the truth in love"? Can you think of a biblical example of someone doing this well?
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Think of a current relationship where you need to speak truth or receive truth. What's holding you back—fear, pride, or selfishness?
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John reasons that Christianity is not about making bad people good but making dead people alive. How does this distinction reshape your understanding of what it means to follow Christ?
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According to Ephesians 4, spiritual gifts are given not for personal fulfillment but to equip others for ministry. How does this shift your understanding of your role in the church from audience member to minister?
Seeking God’s Face Devotional
This year, we’ll be using the devotional “Seeking God’s Face” for our personal daily discipleship. Also, please join us for our Sunday Morning Class, “Whole-Life Discipleship,” every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. following the 9 a.m. worship service.
This Week’s Liturgy
Call to worship
Psalm 29:1-2
Leader: Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
All: Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
Confession of FAITH
New City Catechism Q & A #19
Q: Is there any way to escape punishment and be brought back into God’s favor?
A: Yes, to satisfy his justice, God himself, out of mere mercy, reconciles us to himself and delivers us from sin and from the punishment for sin, by a Redeemer.
Confession of sin
Most Merciful Father, We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and what we have left undone. In our immaturity, we separated truth from love — withholding truth to protect ourselves, or wielding truth harshly, driving others away. Forgive us, anchor us in the Gospel, and grow us together to maturity. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
This Week’s Playlist
Looking Ahead
Invite a friend and join us next week as we continue our sermon series with Ephesians 4:17-32.