Ephesians Part 22

Paul continues his vision for the Church’s growth in Ephesians 4:13–16, explaining the purpose and end result of the gifts Christ has given. These gifts are meant to build up the Body until we all “come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.” This unity is not simply the absence of conflict. It is an aspiration, a goal to be sought after with humility and shared purpose. Unity of the faith happens when believers align their hearts and minds toward pleasing God rather than pursuing personal preferences or ambitions. When we all share faith in God and His Son, trusting His plan and submitting to His will, true unity takes root. 

Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Faith unites us in two essential ways: belief in who God is, and trust that His promises are sure. This unity, however, is not blind conformity; it is unity in truth. As Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32). Truth frees us from the slavery of sin, while error leads us back into bondage. Jesus prayed that His followers would be “sanctified by the truth,” because “Your word is truth” (John 17:17–19). It is the Word of God that sets His people apart and binds them together in purpose. God’s people share not only a common faith but also a common enemy, and therefore a shared mission which is to walk in truth, proclaim it in love, and live it out with conviction. 

Paul then speaks of coming to “the knowledge of the Son of God,” which involves far more than intellectual agreement. We can know about Christ in our minds, understanding that He is the Son of God, that He came as a man, lived perfectly, died for our sins, rose again, and now sits at the right hand of the Father, but head knowledge alone is incomplete. The Greek concept of “knowing” involves deep personal relationship and fellowship. To know Christ is to understand His heart, His mind and His character; it is to walk with Him daily and share His desires. Jesus defined eternal life itself in these terms: 

“that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). 

To know Him is to love Him, and to love Him is to live as He lived. 

In verse 14, Paul urges believers not to remain as children—innocent and humble, yes, but no longer immature in understanding. Spiritual growth is essential. 

“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 . . .”  (Ephesians 4:14).

Just as a child grows into adulthood, so must believers grow into maturity in Christ. Paul illustrated this in 1 Corinthians 13:11, saying, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child... but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” He connects this process to learning and spiritual development: knowledge that leads to conviction, conviction that leads to courage, and courage that leads to steadfast faith. The writer of Hebrews warned believers not to remain infants in understanding but to “go on to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1). Growth requires effort and commitment. Just as ancient kings were commanded to write God’s law in their own hand so they would never forget it, we too must take ownership of our learning—reading, studying and applying Scripture so that our faith is rooted in knowledge, not assumption. 

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.