Ephesians 4:13-24
Most young people are anxious to enjoy the privileges of adults. By contrast it may not matter to them if in their spiritual life they continue as children, sometimes for the whole of their lives. Vv. 13-16 describe the harmonious growth of the body of Christ, of which we form part. This growth is the result of each believer’s development. It is in the Lord Jesus that the "perfect man" attains his full stature. Christ is in Himself "fulness" (v. 13; 1 John 2:13). By contrast, the little child, for want of being established in the truth, remains open to every kind of error. A very dangerous condition! We see into what moral and spiritual darkness the world is plunged by its ignorance of God (vv. 17-19). We who have been taught the truth as it is in Jesus will show by our conduct how we have "learned Christ" (v. 20). Our doctrine, or rather our manner of life, is a Person. Christ teaches Himself. "Study Him much" it has been said. And live Him!
Just as we discard one article of clothing for another, we have put off the old man and put on the new man (vv. 22-24). Our clothing does not pass unnoticed. What is ours like in the eyes of others? Is it the dirty garments of the old man, or rather some moral likeness to the Lord Jesus (Acts 4:13)?