1. “causes the growth of the body” Ephesians 4:16 We Are No Longer To Be Children Lesson 4 by Lowell Sallee

2. “causes the growth of the body” Ephesians 4:16 Our goal as a church is to help each and every member “attain”Our goal as a church is to help each and every member “attain” We are not yet what we ought to be until we are like Jesus (I Peter 2:21)We are not yet what we ought to be until we are like Jesus (I Peter 2:21) We all start off as babes in Christ (I Pet.2:2)We all start off as babes in Christ (I Pet.2:2) Our goal is to be full-grown like ChristOur goal is to be full-grown like Christ

3. “causes the growth of the body” Ephesians 4:16 “we are no longer to be children” (4:14)“we are no longer to be children” (4:14) Negative characteristics of childrenNegative characteristics of children “tossed here and there”“tossed here and there” “every wind of doctrine”“every wind of doctrine”

4. “causes the growth of the body” Ephesians 4:16 “by the trickery of men” (4:14)“by the trickery of men” (4:14) “craftiness in deceitful scheming”“craftiness in deceitful scheming”

5. “causes the growth of the body” Ephesians 4:16 “but speaking the truth in love” (4:15)“but speaking the truth in love” (4:15) “Truth without love is brutality, but love without truth is hypocrisy.” (I Tim. 1:5)“Truth without love is brutality, but love without truth is hypocrisy.” (I Tim. 1:5) Many are deceived into believing you should not teach truth IF it’s going to hurt their feelings (Galatians 4:16; 2 Tim. 4:2).Many are deceived into believing you should not teach truth IF it’s going to hurt their feelings (Galatians 4:16; 2 Tim. 4:2). cf. Proverbs 27:6cf. Proverbs 27:6

6. “causes the growth of the body” Ephesians 4:16 A mature Christian (church) : knows the truth; speaks the truth; practices the truth; and treats all men truthfully (Rom.1:16)A mature Christian (church) : knows the truth; speaks the truth; practices the truth; and treats all men truthfully (Rom.1:16) We must all grow up and speak the truth in love just like Jesus (the head) did.We must all grow up and speak the truth in love just like Jesus (the head) did. Psalms 119:163, 165Psalms 119:163, 165

7. “causes the growth of the body” Ephesians 4:16 Must be careful with the sharp sword of truth (Hebrews 4:12)Must be careful with the sharp sword of truth (Hebrews 4:12) Don’t try to cut their heads off –Don’t try to cut their heads off – -2 Timothy 2:24-26 -Galatians 6:1 -James 5:19-20 Make sure our assemblies are visitor friendly (I Cor.14:16-17)Make sure our assemblies are visitor friendly (I Cor.14:16-17)

8. “causes the growth of the body” Ephesians 4:16 Our goal as church is to be full-grown like ChristOur goal as church is to be full-grown like Christ When each member of the body grows spiritually “causes the growth of the body” (Ephesians 4:16)When each member of the body grows spiritually “causes the growth of the body” (Ephesians 4:16)

9. “causes the growth of the body” Ephesians 4:16 God wants each Christian to grow spiritually (I Peter 2:1-2; 2 Peter 3:18).God wants each Christian to grow spiritually (I Peter 2:1-2; 2 Peter 3:18). When each member of the body grows spiritually “causes the growth of the body” (Ephesians 4:16)When each member of the body grows spiritually “causes the growth of the body” (Ephesians 4:16)