Ephesians Part 23

Paul warns against being “tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine.” Immaturity leaves believers vulnerable to deception, easily swayed by persuasive words or popular ideas. We live in a world filled with spiritual confusion—where religion is often marketed as entertainment, and truth is watered down to fill seats or sell books. Some promote a faith that demands nothing of its followers, a worldview referred to as “Moralistic Therapeutic Deism,” where the goal is to be nice, feel good and go to heaven, yet with little need for obedience or repentance. Christ’s message is far different. He said plainly, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). True discipleship demands action. It calls for doing, not just hearing the Word. To chase every new teaching or trend is, as John Stott wrote, to condemn ourselves and the church to “perpetual immaturity.” 

Instead of being swayed by falsehood, Paul calls us in verse 15 to “speak the truth in love.” This phrase captures the heart of mature Christian character. We have an obligation to speak the truth, but truth must always be tempered with love. Truth without love becomes harsh and unyielding, while love without truth becomes weak and ineffective. The two must be held together, for they reflect the nature of Christ Himself. The Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers, is both the Spirit of Truth and the source of divine love. It is only through His guidance that we can maintain this balance and grow into maturity. To speak the truth in love is to walk worthy of our calling and to grow to be like Him—it is the posture of a believer who reflects Christ’s grace and truth in equal measure. 

As we grow in truth and love, Paul says we are to “grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Spiritual growth is not isolated or individualistic; it is communal. Verse 16 paints a picture of the Church as a living body, joined and knit together by every joint and ligament, with each part doing its share. When every member contributes their God-given gifts, the body grows stronger and healthier. This is how the Church matures—through individual and collective participation, where every believer serves, supports and strengthens the whole. 

Each of us has a share in this work. Each member’s contribution is vital whether they contribute through prayer, teaching, serving or encouragement. Jesus taught that trees bearing no fruit will be cut down (Luke 13:6–9), a sobering reminder that growth is not optional. We are called to bear fruit in our lives and in the Church. We can pray for the growth and maturity of the Body, asking God to renew His Church and to draw those who hunger for truth. 

This vision is beautifully captured in the prayer, “Your Kingdom come.” It is both a plea for God’s rule to be established and a personal commitment to live as agents of that Kingdom now. When we all seek to do our part being motivated by love, guided by truth, and empowered by the Spirit, the Church will grow into full unity of the faith. 

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.