God's Growth in Us Makes Us Strong

Photo by Carlos Varela

Scripture: Ephesians 4:14

As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;

Insights: Yesterday we learned we grow because of God’s work in us.  As a result of our growth we are able to accomplish what verse fourteen tells us about our life in Christ.  We become strong in our growth and are able to discern the truth from the falsities surrounding us in this world.  Notice from our verse we are described as being mature.  I derive this concept of maturity because we are no longer children.  Children are wonderful, but they have not grown up enough to see the larger perspective to their immediate choices.  Only a mature person is capable of looking past the choice of the decision.  Paul then uses a second illustration which pertains to seamanship.  He states the strong person who has grown in the Lord is not tossed by the waves which are created by every wind of doctrine.  Beloved, the reason cults exist is because of this singular issue.  A Jehovah’s Witness or a Mormon does not wake up in the morning saying to themselves, “What a glorious day, I get the opportunity to lead someone down a path toward hell because of my doctrine which is false.”  These individuals are some of the finest citizens, employers, employees and friends you will ever meet.  Their future, however, is destined to hell unless they come to the truth of the gospel and truly meet Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  The third illustration Paul gives is that of a charlatan.  This third example is truly of one who is intentional about their deceptive strategy.  They are crafty and tricky men and they scheme on the pain and suffering of others.  The believer who is strong in the Lord, however, does not have to fear any of these illustrations.  They are not blindly innocent and therefore led astray.  They are not confused by doctrine and therefore led astray.  They are not tricked by evil men and therefore led astray.  No, for this kind of believer they are strong and their strength comes from the Lord.  Beloved, let us be strong as we grow in our relationship with Jesus.

Questions:

1. Are you able to discern the truth from a lie regarding spiritual matters?

2. What is your plan for grown in the Lord to make you strong in Him?

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word.  Thank You for letting me grow in strength and to have the ability to discern the truth from the false doctrines which are tossed about in this world.  Amen.

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