“So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and from by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” Eph 4:14
In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul is principally concerned with unity in the body of Christ—how the church functions as one unit for the mission and purpose to which she has been called. Paul identifies this “one body” (Eph. 4:4) as those who:
- Walk “worthy” of their calling (Eph. 4:1).
- Bear “with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2).
- “Maintain the unity of the Spirit” (Eph. 4:3).
- Equip others “for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12).
- Build “up the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12).
- “Attain to the unity of the faith” (Eph. 4:13).
- Speak “the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15).
These splendid features identify the body of Christ and distinguish all mature believers. Maturity is essential in achieving the purpose and call of the church. How do we produce mature believers?
Sound doctrine.
In an age when doctrine is marginalized and disdained, Paul reminds us that biblical, sound doctrine is the golden chain linked to all the characteristics listed above. Without sound doctrine, the chain falls apart, releasing a torrent of false teaching and an onslaught of immaturity. We could put it forthrightly: the church falls apart without sound doctrine.