Encouraging Spiritual Growth Through Affirmation and Community
Summary
In Ephesians 4:17-32, Paul emphasizes the importance of affirming one another in spiritual growth. The transformation of the Ephesians from their former pagan ways to a new life in Christ serves as a powerful example of how believers can encourage each other. Paul affirms the Ephesians for their progress, highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating spiritual growth in others. This affirmation is not just about acknowledging change but also about encouraging continued growth and maturity in Christ.
The passage underscores the role of the church in equipping believers for ministry and spiritual maturity. Paul reminds us that God has entrusted this work to us, emphasizing the importance of using our gifts to build up the body of Christ. The true measure of a church's success is not in numbers but in the depth of its members' faith and their Christ-like character. The ministry of the Word is central to this process, as it sanctifies, reproves, and trains believers in righteousness.
Paul's message also challenges us to use our words wisely, recognizing their power to build up or tear down. Affirmation and encouragement should be at the heart of our interactions, helping others to see their progress and motivating them to continue growing in their faith. This approach not only strengthens individual believers but also fosters a community of mutual support and love.
Furthermore, Paul calls us to live out our faith authentically, putting off the old self and embracing the new life in Christ. This transformation is a continuous process, requiring intentional effort and reliance on the Holy Spirit. As we grow in our understanding of Christ, we are called to reflect His love and truth in our words and actions.
Ultimately, the passage encourages us to be active participants in the spiritual growth of others, using our words and actions to affirm and uplift. By doing so, we contribute to the maturity of the church and the magnification of Christ in our lives and communities.
Key Takeaways:
1. Affirmation in Spiritual Growth: Affirming others in their spiritual journey is crucial. Recognizing and celebrating progress encourages continued growth and strengthens the community of believers. This affirmation is not just about acknowledging change but also about motivating others to pursue deeper maturity in Christ. [11:07]
2. The Role of the Church: The church's primary role is to equip believers for ministry and spiritual maturity. This involves using our gifts to build up the body of Christ, focusing on the depth of faith rather than numbers. The true measure of a church's success is the Christ-likeness of its members. [03:27]
3. Power of Words: Words have the power to build up or tear down. We are called to use our words wisely, affirming and encouraging others in their faith. This approach not only strengthens individuals but also fosters a supportive and loving community. [47:36]
4. Living Authentically in Christ: The transformation from the old self to the new life in Christ is a continuous process. It requires intentional effort and reliance on the Holy Spirit. As we grow in our understanding of Christ, we are called to reflect His love and truth in our words and actions. [38:40]
5. Evangelism and Exclusion: We must affirm the reality of exclusion from life in Christ for those who do not know Him. This involves sharing the truth of the gospel with a broken heart, urging others to repent and believe in Christ for eternal life. [53:13]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:27] - The Role of the Church
- [07:31] - True Measure of Ministry
- [11:07] - Affirming Spiritual Progress
- [13:32] - The Power of the Mind
- [16:08] - Joy in Spiritual Growth
- [19:33] - Metacomment and Emphasis
- [22:14] - Understanding Christ's Sacrifice
- [25:07] - Deepest Love and Appreciation
- [27:56] - Serving with a Renewed Spirit
- [31:20] - Paul's Humble Affirmation
- [34:19] - Affirmation vs. Insistence
- [36:32] - Overcoming Old Habits
- [40:05] - Managing Anger and Words
- [44:06] - Take-Home Truths and Affirmation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:17-32
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Observation Questions:
1. What transformation does Paul highlight in the lives of the Ephesians, and how does he affirm their spiritual growth? [11:07]
2. How does Paul describe the former way of life of the Ephesians, and what specific changes does he note in their behavior? [36:32]
3. What role does Paul assign to the church in the spiritual growth and maturity of its members? [03:27]
4. How does Paul emphasize the power of words in the spiritual journey of believers? [47:36]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean by "putting off the old self" and "putting on the new self," and how does this relate to the continuous process of spiritual growth? [38:40]
2. How does the sermon suggest that affirmation and encouragement can impact an individual's spiritual journey and the community as a whole? [11:07]
3. In what ways does the sermon describe the church's responsibility in equipping believers for ministry, and how does this differ from focusing on numerical growth? [07:31]
4. How does the sermon interpret the significance of using words wisely, and what are the potential consequences of failing to do so? [49:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when someone affirmed your spiritual growth. How did it impact your faith journey, and how can you do the same for others in your community? [11:07]
2. Consider the gifts you have been given. How can you use them to contribute to the spiritual maturity of your church community? [03:27]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self." What steps can you take this week to make progress in this area? [38:40]
4. Think about your daily conversations. Are there ways you can be more intentional with your words to build up others in their faith? What changes can you make to ensure your words are edifying? [47:36]
5. How can you actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation and spiritual growth within your church, especially during times of fellowship and community gatherings? [07:31]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s message about living authentically in Christ. What practical steps can you take to ensure your actions and words align with your faith? [36:32]
7. How can you lovingly affirm someone who may be struggling with their faith, and what specific encouragement can you offer them this week? [49:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Affirmation as a Catalyst for Growth
Affirming others in their spiritual journey is crucial for fostering growth and strengthening the community of believers. Recognizing and celebrating progress encourages continued growth and motivates others to pursue deeper maturity in Christ. This affirmation is not just about acknowledging change but also about motivating others to pursue deeper maturity in Christ. By affirming the spiritual progress of others, we create an environment where individuals feel valued and encouraged to continue their journey of faith. This approach not only strengthens individual believers but also fosters a community of mutual support and love. [11:07]
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you affirm today for their spiritual growth? How can you specifically encourage them to continue their journey in Christ?
Day 2: The Church's Role in Spiritual Maturity
The church's primary role is to equip believers for ministry and spiritual maturity. This involves using our gifts to build up the body of Christ, focusing on the depth of faith rather than numbers. The true measure of a church's success is the Christ-likeness of its members. The ministry of the Word is central to this process, as it sanctifies, reproves, and trains believers in righteousness. By focusing on spiritual depth, the church can nurture a community that reflects the love and truth of Christ. [03:27]
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts to contribute to the spiritual maturity of your church community this week?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Words
Words have the power to build up or tear down. We are called to use our words wisely, affirming and encouraging others in their faith. This approach not only strengthens individuals but also fosters a supportive and loving community. By choosing words that uplift and inspire, we can help others see their progress and motivate them to continue growing in their faith. This intentional use of language is a powerful tool for nurturing a community of love and support. [47:36]
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your recent conversations. How can you intentionally use your words to build up someone in your life today?
Day 4: Embracing Authenticity in Christ
The transformation from the old self to the new life in Christ is a continuous process. It requires intentional effort and reliance on the Holy Spirit. As we grow in our understanding of Christ, we are called to reflect His love and truth in our words and actions. This authentic living is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel and serves as a witness to others. By embracing this new life, we can demonstrate the love and truth of Christ in all that we do. [38:40]
"Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." (Colossians 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to put off the old self and embrace the new life in Christ? How can you take a step towards this transformation today?
Day 5: Evangelism with a Heart of Compassion
We must affirm the reality of exclusion from life in Christ for those who do not know Him. This involves sharing the truth of the gospel with a broken heart, urging others to repent and believe in Christ for eternal life. By approaching evangelism with compassion and sincerity, we can effectively communicate the love and truth of the gospel. This compassionate approach not only shares the message of Christ but also demonstrates His love to those who are lost. [53:13]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel message? How can you share it with them in a compassionate and loving way this week?
Quotes
In this text, there's no higher language that Paul could use to esteem the ministry of maturing the church. And so, if you have an idea in the back of your mind, it's what Paul is doing right here. He is maturing the church, and he's using the highest level of language possible. John Calvin said of this most important ministry of equipping the saints that, and I quote, God might Himself have performed this work if He had chosen, but He has committed it to the ministry of men. [00:03:27] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And so, all of us here have a ministry, not only of reconciliation, according to Paul's ministry to the Corinthians. He said that every Christian has a ministry of reconciliation. We're evangelists. We're to evangelize. We're to share the gospel. But also, we have a ministry as well to mature the saints, to be a part of utilizing our gift within the local church so that, as a result, if you look in the text above in verse 14, as a result, we're no longer children in the faith. [00:03:59] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
If you love Christ, then you love His Word. And if you love His Word, then you know and apply His Word. And His Word does these things in people's lives. It's not only your life, okay? You are not one who exists just to study the Word of God for yourself, but what you learn, what you know of Christ is expected by God to be shared with others so others can mutually grow in that as well. [00:07:06] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And Paul is affirming that their former manner of life used to be such. In verse 22, it says that in reference to your former manner of life. They used to live like Gentiles. But they've had a conversion. They've been converted. They've been saved. And now as true Christians, Paul is affirming the life change in their life. And he's building them up. And he's encouraging them. [00:14:25] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And so Paul presently affirms that they are walking in this way and they are laying aside the old sins and they are putting on the newness of Christ. And Paul knows this and he is affirming this. It's really beautiful. And so here in verse 17, so this I say and affirm together with the Lord that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles walk. He's affirming them. [00:35:43] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And so the main idea of this passage, I would dare say, is that the Ephesian antidote to fighting off the old simple self is putting on the new self. Putting off the old and putting on the new. And so applicationally, we also submissively, decide bad character one thing at a time. And you will grow in your faith little by little by little and over a short period of time, you'll grow a long ways. [00:37:12] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And so as we truly are equipped with the love of God, we do not hold ought against one another. Forgive right away. Forgive right away. It's good marriage advice, by the way. Forgive right away. It's good parenting advice, by the way. Forgive right away. It's good fellowship advice, by the way. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Be one who just forgives right away. You can't offend me. [00:43:28] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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