(Eph 4:17) “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,”  Think of the word, “Gentiles”, as the unsaved of the world. “Vanity” is useless thinking before God. Put together, the world thinks differently than God thinks. The world justifies itself, its actions. The saved are to bring both their thoughts and actions in line with the revealed Word of God. 

(Eph 4:16)  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.”Today’s mentality is, “If I am not in church, it does no harm.” Wrong! The New Testament teaches we are one body, each necessary to its growth! Anyone who has ever lost a body part can tell you that part matters. Lose your little toe and see how well  you can walk without it. Every time you put yourself first and go somewhere else or stay home, you literally, spiritually, hurt your church.

 (Eph 4:15)  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.”  In context, we started off with those in authority ministering to us the Word so that we might be edified, growing in Christ. Now, as we grow in the “head” – Christ, we are each able to supply what our church (the people) needs. Are you growing in the Lord and sharing in the uplifting of your brothers and sisters in the Lord? 

Eph 4:14) “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:”  Although you and I  are always to speak the truth (no lies or distortions of the truth on any subject) in love, the text here is referring back to verse 14, growing in the truth of doctrine. The idea is that we grow and share that truth to those who resist it in a loving way. Remember, we wrestle not against people, but against spiritual wickedness (Chapter 6).  Rule of Thumb: try your best to share as you believe the Lord would share it in your place.

(Eph 4:14) “ 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;” Children can be led and influenced easily by others. They have a tendency to accept the word of an “authority” But you and I are to read and study the Word of God daily so that we might “….live by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.” That is how we grow in Him – how we mature as a Believer. Deceivers are many times deceived themselves from a lack of critical study of the Bible for themselves. They seek to take “short cuts” to study through the writings and outlines of others. So….get and stay in the Scriptures. 

(Eph 4:13) “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:”  A Christian not only possesses the greatest “Self-Help Book”, but it is more than that – it is a “God Help Book”. We have a tendency to become satified with “who we are” or “what we are like”. If people don’t like it – tough. Friend, each of us with the Spirit’s help can be better men and women than we are today! In fact, we are to seek to be better men and women than we are today. With God, we are never to think, “Tough. This is who I am.” Read the Book and ask the Lord for His help!

 (Eph 4:13) “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:”  It is so important that we exist in unity at our churches. The Bible speaks much about it, like unto this Scripture, “How can two walk together except they be in agreement?”  The answer is, “They cannot”. We should love our pastor, love our objective, and love our fellow beleivers. It is the mark of a believer, “By this shall all men know ye are My disciples, if ye have love one for another.”  If you cannot love those at your church, find another. Never be guilty of being a negative influence which will spiritually hold back the work of God!  

(Eph 4:11) “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:”  Thank God for those who teach us the precious Words of God! I think often of my own pastor, Rev. HL Petty. After six years of his teaching, the Lord called me into the ministry. At college I had a leg up, for he had diligently over the years studied and taught the Scriptures. Each Sunday after the service I would stand beside him as He said something to each of those departing. I would do so asking my Bible questions and he would try to answer my questions and say something to them at the same time. Thank God and take advantage of the Word that is being taught at every service! .   

(Eph 4:11) “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:”  The pastor is referred to also as elder and bishop in Scripture. Each speaks of a various responsibility of the office. Timothy tells us they are to focus on reading (the Word), exhortation (the growing of the saints), and doctrine (the sound teaching of Scripture). There are many other things a pastor does, but these should be the center, for not only is it desperately needed to keep Him on track, but also the church.    

  (Eph 4:11) “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:”  My personal belief is that evangelists are the missionaries of today. What do they do? They go forth and evangelize, gathering people into New Testament Churches, pastors them until the Lord raises up a pastor from among them, and then do it all over again. Praise God for missionaries. Their lives say they love the Lord more than anything else: a house of their own and the constant communion of relatives. They are exceptional saints of God and should be supported in every way we can!