3. Challenge for the new community (4:13-16)

The spiritual development of believers in Asia was essential. New systems of thought, the “New Age” movements of the day, lured Christians with the prospects of higher knowledge. Paul calls upon the church to function as it ought until all reach unity of faith, knowledge of Jesus, and maturity, i.e., the full potential of grace.

While it is true that each believer needs to attain spiritual maturity, there must be corporate spiritual maturation as well. Why? Because a community that is growing spiritually fosters individual spiritual growth, even as an individual who matures in spiritual thinking and living inspires similar development in the community. The higher reaches of Christian living are realized in relationship, not in isolation. The fullness of the body is attained in the spiritual growth of the members who constitute it.

As the church matures and fosters individual spiritual growth, its members are grounded in faith. Once mature, they are no longer susceptible to the winds and waves of false doctrine. Therefore, to preserve the faith of its members and to prevent their falling into error and heresy, the church must lead them to spiritual maturity. Committed to the truth, and speaking and doing the truth in love—the contrast with “cunning,” “craftiness,” and “deceitful scheming” is obvious—the church will grow up into him who is the Head. Unlike the cults, the church does not need to redesign the message for the modern mind; it needs to speak and do the truth, matching it with love. The verb here (aletheuo) may be rendered “be true in word and conduct.” By accepting the truth, one becomes a person of truth.

Paul may have had in mind the image of the body of the infant that literally grows to the head. It is an analogy appropriate for the spiritual body, the church. From the Head, the body grows and builds itself up in love, each part doing its work. Therefore, leaders must help others exercise their gifts for service in the church. As each part works, the body grows, functioning harmoniously under Christ.