Growing up in Christ Ephesians 4:11-16 Based on outline by brother Ed Bragwell

Ephesians 4:11-16 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Growing Up In Christ

Introduction Christians must grow spiritually for the church to grow vs. 14-16; 2 Peter 3:18 Knowledge comes by searching the scriptures - Acts 17:11 But, knowledge alone can lead to pride - 1 Corinthians 8:1 Knowledge applied with love and grace is needed We must grow in knowledge… and four other related areas: Perception Perspective Personality Performance Growing Up In Christ

Perception Of the right information - Ephesians 5:17 Acts 18:24-26; 1 Timothy 4:13, 15, 16 Of the application Of right and wrong…good and evil - Hebrews 5:14 Of Simon - Acts 8:18-24 Paul perceived his spiritual condition Simon did not perceive his desire was evil until he was rebuked Eunuch had the right information… But needed to make the application - Acts 8:31-35 Growing Up In Christ

Perspective Of the Relative Importance Of… Temporal & eternal things 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Matthew 6:19-20, 24, 33 Outward adorning & inward adorning 1 Peter 3:1-4 Bodily strength & spiritual strength 1 Timothy 4:8; Colossians 2:23 What people think of us & what God thinks of us 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 What we think of ourselves & what God thinks of us Romans 12:3 Style and spirit of religious teachers & substance of the teaching Philippians 1:15-18 Statistical growth (numbers/dollars) & solid spiritual growth Growing Up In Christ

Personality Church Problems blamed on “Personality Conflicts” When the real problem is spiritual immaturity! Must Grow & Develop Spiritual Personality Traits Galatians 6:1-2; Ephesians 4:2,31,32; Colossians 4:6 James 3:13-18; Titus 3:3 Traits To Grow In… Speaking plainly, but kindly Giving and receiving correction gracefully Not being a wimp, nor being a bully Growing Up In Christ

Performance Performance Involves Three Factor - James 1:22-25 Desire- 2 Corinthians 8:2 Ability - 2 Corinthians 8:3; Acts 11:27-30 Opportunity - Galatians 6:10; Philippians 4:10 Growth Occurs In All of These When… We increase our desire or willingness to grow We work to increase our ability We look for more opportunities Growing Up In Christ

Conclusion Four Things Are Needed To Grow… Time Teaching from God’s word Opportunity Desire Time, Teaching &Opportunity Depend upon Desire If no desire to grow, you cease to be a genuine “babe” in Christ… And you become nothing more than a BABY who must be petted, pampered and pushed!! Growing Up In Christ

What Is Your Desire? Growing Up In Christ