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Ephesians 4:15-16: Gift of Growth


Ephesians 4:15-16
[15] Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

In verses 15-16 we see that God wants us all to have the gift of growth. Now, I understand how one might say that growing is not a gift. It is something that we do in obedience and cooperation with the Savior. I would argue that everything we have is a gift, even the ability to grow. As we are speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in Christ!

And how does this happen? Well, without Christ’s enabling and empowering us, we wouldn’t be growing. In fact, there is a wonderful passage of Scripture in 2 Peter that tells us where we find the gifts needed for our own spiritual growth.

2 Peter 1:3-10
[3] His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, [4] by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. [5] For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, [6] and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, [7] and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. [8] For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. [10] Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

His divine power has “granted to us,” or given to us, ALL THAT WE NEED FOR LIFE AND GODLINESS! Our ability to grow is something that God gives to us. All the tools needed are provided. The Holy Spirit is ours. We are gifted for growth.

The gifts just keep on coming. God has given the church all kinds of gifts. You and I are all gifted by the Savior, not just with salvation, but specific and different gifts that when used together make something wonderful. The gifts of leadership, both in the foundation of the apostles and prophets, as well as the ongoing leadership of evangelist, pastors and teachers. And finally, God has gifted each one of us for growth.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. Praise God for his amazing gifts. Today, begin to use these gifts that he has given to you.  They are for your growth and his glory.

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