Ephesians 4: 1-16
Rev. Nick Cheek
Intro: This morning we are moving into the second half of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Each half has a particular focus. Our previous chapters, 1-3, focused primarily on God’s redemptive and reconciling work in us and in the world. Paul reminded us that we are claimed, adopted and accepted by a loving God – not because of anything we have done, but only because of what Christ has already done for us. In chapter 2 we read the famous verse… it is by grace that we have been saved… not by works so that no one can boast. The first half of Ephesians teaches us that through Christ we have found a love that crosses over boundaries, a love that tears down walls… and a love that builds up unity in the body of Christ. Chapters 1-3 give us a foundational identity as a Christian (who we are and whose we are) – We are the church, we are children of God. The next three chapters concentrate more on what that Identity means. If we have indeed been claimed by God, what does it mean to be called by God? How are we to act? What does a grounded and mature Christianity look like – how do we demonstrate it?
Scripture and prayer –
In an article from Psychology Today, experts in the field were invited to share examples of what maturity might look like at different stages in life. Here’s what they had to say;
A mature 18-year-old is able to declare wants, needs, and beliefs while also learning to embrace self-maintenance and balance. They may be well along in the process of self-differentiation. (Carl Pickhardt, psychologist and lecturer in Austin, Texas)
A mature 29-33-year-old may have a well-established identity. This means deciding what kind of life you’re going to live and having confidence that you know what you believe about things—values that you trust and that guide your decisions. —(Jeffrey Arnett, professor of psychology at Clark University)
A mature 45-55-year-old is selective about relationships and priorities, able to focus his or her social life around people who are rewarding, and gently move away from those who are not. This person begins to focus more on experiences and connections with other people rather than on material things as sources of meaning and pleasure. He or she sees setbacks as opportunities for growth and change. — (Karl Pillemer, professor of human development at Cornell University)
A mature 70-year-old has the ability to take stock of what has happened so far and to think about what it means for what’s yet to come. Such people can consider what kind of legacy they want to leave behind and the value of their lives to the broader society. They are able to focus on the more positive aspects of everyday life. —Dawn C. Carr, research associate at the Stanford Center on Longevity
If only we could practice that kind of mature wisdom when we are younger. [short pause] In our passage this morning, Paul talks about another type of maturity. He invites us to work towards a Christian maturity. He tells us that we should no longer be tossed around—pulled this way and that by every passing idea or loud voice—but instead, we should be anchored in our faith.
In plain English, Paul is encouraging us to grow up in our faith. To grow up, church. Not in a harsh or shaming way, but in the way you might lovingly challenge someone you care about—because you see their potential, their strength, their calling. Paul is inviting us to take our faith seriously, to step more fully into who we are called to be: mature, steady, compassionate followers of Christ.
The word Paul uses in this passage for maturity means to be on a journey towards perfection. In other words, from the moment we are claimed and called by God, we embark on this journey. And as with any other piece of our lives that we hope to mature or grow in… we’ve got to put a little work into it. Just as a plant is only going to grow if you water it and put it in the sun… and just as our intellect will increase as we study, read and learn…so it is with our Christian Maturity. We have to water it with worship and bible study and missions and small groups. There really are no shortcuts. At the same time, we have to be careful with how we view Christian maturity – What does it mean to be a strong and mature Christian? Is it about how much we study and know about the Bible and God… or is it about how we live out that knowledge in the world around us?
In the Book, “The Pursuit of Maturity” the late New Zealand author J. Oswald Sanders writes about this idea. He says, “Spiritual maturity is not automatic as a result of the mastery of scriptural teachings. Of course that is an essential element in attaining maturity, but of itself it cannot produce maturity. The accumulation of biblical information is of immense value, but it is only as the principles of Scripture are worked out in daily obedience that spiritual growth is advanced. Bible study can be largely an intellectual exercise that leaves the life unchanged. There is of necessity an intellectual component in this pursuit, but it is fruitful only if it results in increased likeness to Christ.” (Pursuit of Maturity, A native of New Zealand, the late Christian author J. Oswald Sanders)
STORY: When I was 19 and in college in the Bible Belt, I met a fellow student — let’s call him Sam — who, at the time, I really admired. Sam was an upperclassman who seemed deeply committed to his faith. Every morning, as I walked to breakfast, I’d see him sitting in the dorm quad, Bible open on his lap, focused and still.
Sam was what some might have called a “Straight Edge Christian” — a term that floated around more in the ’80s and ’90s. It referred to folks who held themselves to a high standard of personal holiness: no drinking, no smoking, no parties, no swearing. He only listened to Christian music and often wore one of those “What Would Jesus Do?” bracelets, as a daily reminder of his commitment. At the time, I was drawn to Sam’s Christian character. He seemed different in a way that inspired me. He wasn’t flashy about his faith — just steady. And I thought, “That’s what Christian maturity must look like.” So I started spending time with him. We prayed together. Studied Scripture. Went to church multiple times a week. Even fasted regularly. And honestly — those rhythms shaped me in positive ways. They helped me root my life in God and take my faith seriously. But, over time, something shifted. Without realizing it, we started seeing ourselves as better than others. We didn’t say it out loud, but it showed in our attitudes. We believed that because we were doing “all the right things,” we were somehow closer to God. And those who weren’t on our path — well, we quietly judged them. We thought we were maturing in our faith. But in truth, we were starting to confuse maturity with superiority. Instead of growing in grace, we were growing in ego. We were learning to look up to God, yes — but we were also looking down on others.
Looking back, I can see how easy it is for earnest faith to take a detour into spiritual pride. Over the centuries, the church has done some damage through our pursuit of perfection or our zealousness for “right doctrine.” Because of it, the Church has alienated people… folks who desperately need to know the love of God. Folks who need to be valued and accepted… who need to know it’s okay if they don’t dress the part or speak the churchy language. And I think this is especially important to remember today — because in the current climate, being “Christian” carries a lot of baggage. The word itself has been co-opted in all kinds of ways — for political agendas, for moral gatekeeping, for exclusion rather than inclusion. There’s a version of Christianity out there that’s louder than ever… but not necessarily deeper. You’ve probably seen it. Maybe even experienced it. A kind of faith that’s quick to post Bible verses on social media but slow to extend grace in real life. A faith that draws lines instead of building bridges. A faith more concerned with being right than being kind. More invested in appearances than in transformation. And I get it — it’s easy to fall into that. I’ve been there. But that is not the Christian maturity Paul is speaking of today. Real Christian maturity … doesn’t look like having the cleanest record or the most tightly argued theology. It’s not about projecting a perfect image or winning debates. It’s about bearing the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We need a new Christian maturity church… one not based on a rigid religiosity, but on something better – something higher. In our passage this morning, Paul beautifully outlines what being a mature Christian actually looks like. He says it resembles a life of humility and gentleness. A life that is filled with patience towards others and towards oneself. It is a maturity that seeks unity with our brothers and sisters who are different from us. A maturity that remembers all of God’s people are one… one in baptism, one in spirit, and one in the Lord – we are equals. Instead of judgment, Paul makes it clear that Christian maturity finds its foundation in the promotion of love, grace, and acceptance. Real Christian Maturity isn’t about how quickly we can reference a passage in the Bible, or about how polished or pious we seem to be.
Instead, Christian maturity is about how much we are willing to give of ourselves… how deeply we are willing to care for another… and how wide we are willing to open our doors to welcome anyone and everyone who wants to meet with Christ. That’s Christian maturity.
In our passage, Paul gives the church a clear direction for our faith. He reminds us that all the unique gifts we possess—our intellect, our resources, our skills, our compassion—are meant to work together to draw us closer to the fullness of Christ. Every strength we have, every blessing we carry, is meant to help us grow into the image of Jesus.
If you were to boil down what Paul believes Christian maturity looks like, it would be this: becoming more and more like Jesus. Not just believing in him—but becoming like him. It’s about laying aside our need to be at the center so that Christ might be lifted up in the world. It’s about walking in such a way that people don’t just hear about Jesus—they see him in us.
Think for a moment about Jesus—his life, his ministry, the shape of his days. For him, maturity wasn’t measured by how perfectly he followed the rules. It was estimated by how deeply he loved. By how fully he poured himself out. By how freely he gave his time, his table, his healing, his mercy, even his very life.
Perhaps Christian maturity is not about becoming more pious. Instead, it is about becoming more Christlike – and that means loving in ways that change people. That heals wounds. That opens doors. That break bread, build bridges, and bear the burdens of others. That’s the fullness Paul is talking about. That’s the kind of grown-up faith the world desperately needs to see in us.
Friends, let us be the ones who give Christianity a good name again – through our words, our actions, and our love for the other. Amen.