Build up in faith - Atia’e i le faatuatua

Scripture Focus: Efeso 4:1-16

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love; being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all. But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Therefore he says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” Now this, “He ascended”, what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ; from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.
- Ephesians 4:1-16 (WEB)

Study:

Paul urges believers to live a life worthy of their calling, marked by humility, patience, and love. The core of this passage is unity – a unity born from a shared faith, hope, Lord, baptism, and God. This isn't uniformity, but a harmonious blending of diverse gifts given by Christ. He specifically mentions apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers, all working together to equip believers for service and build up the body of Christ. The goal is spiritual maturity – moving beyond being easily swayed by false teachings and growing into the fullness of Christ. This growth involves “speaking truth in love” and allowing each part of the body to function properly, contributing to the overall health and strength of the church.

Application:

In today’s world, it's easy to be distracted by conflicting ideologies and opinions. This passage reminds us to ground ourselves in the foundational truths of our faith and to prioritize unity within the Christian community. We are all given different gifts, and it is crucial that we value and utilize those gifts to build up one another. We need to resist the temptation to be tossed around by every new idea and instead, mature in our faith, speaking truth with love and grace. Consider how you can contribute to the unity and growth of your local church and how you can encourage others to do the same.

Reflection Questions:

• How can you demonstrate greater humility and patience in your interactions with others?
• What gifts has God given you, and how are you using them to serve the church?
• Are there areas where you feel easily influenced by false teachings? How can you strengthen your foundation in the truth?
• How can you actively promote unity and understanding within your Christian community?

Prayer:

Lord, help us to walk worthy of the calling You have given us. Grant us humility, patience, and a deep love for one another. Equip us with Your gifts and guide us to use them for the building up of Your body. Protect us from false teachings and help us to grow into mature disciples of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tags: Ephesians, Unity, Faith, Christian Life, Gifts, Maturity, Humility, Patience, Love, Church, Spiritual Growth, Bible Study