Ephesians 4:11-14 (ESV)
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
What is the purpose of the church? Contrary to some thought the church was not created to feed others. We've all heard the excuse, "I don't like this church or pastor or teacher because I don't really feel fed." What does that mean, anyway? Is the purpose of the church to be a feeding trough once a week for people who don't know how to feed themselves? Thinking like this brings to mind the image of an adult in diapers, sitting at a table, and the 70 year old mother spoon feeding him. In society today we would call that crazy. So then why do we assume that as an adult in the church we should be spoon fed everything for our spiritual development and growth? Maybe it's because we still have "adults," who have been in the church for years, still wearing spiritual diapers.
God is very straightforward through His servant Paul. The church is there to equip the saints for the work of the ministry of Christ, building each other up until we attain maturity in Him. Remember, this is addressed to those of us who are believers, whether for a week or fifty years. We are no longer to be like children who are gullible and fall for any doctrine that seems good to us.
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ." Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)
We are to be honest with one another not to tear down, but to grow up. Our desire should be for each and every member of the body of Christ to become mature in Christ for the glory of Christ. Take off the diapers and become an adult. Grow spiritually and become sanctified for the glory of God.
Amen.
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