Growing Up in Christ: The Pursuit of Spiritual Maturity in Ephesians

 

Growing Up in Christ: The Pursuit of Spiritual Maturity in Ephesians

The book of Ephesians is not simply a treatise on our positional standing in Christ; it is a dynamic call to transformation. Paul, with his characteristic blend of theological depth and practical wisdom, doesn't allow us to remain content with merely having been saved. He urges us, with compelling force, to pursue the ongoing journey of spiritual maturity. This "growing up in Christ," as he puts it, is not an optional addendum to the Christian life; it's the very trajectory of it.

From the outset, Ephesians establishes that we have been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). This is our inheritance, our starting point. We are already complete in Him, and yet, paradoxically, we are called to a process of becoming. This tension—the “already” and the “not yet”—is a hallmark of the Christian life. We are simultaneously justified and being sanctified.

Paul unpacks this process of sanctification, this pursuit of maturity, in striking terms. He exhorts us to “no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). Immature believers are vulnerable to false teaching, easily swayed by the latest trends, and susceptible to the manipulative tactics of those who would lead them astray. Spiritual maturity, then, is characterized by stability, discernment, and a rootedness in the truth of the gospel.

What, then, does this maturity look like? It is not merely the accumulation of knowledge, though sound doctrine is essential. It is not simply moral improvement, though ethical living is a fruit of the Spirit. Rather, spiritual maturity is fundamentally about growing in our conformity to Christ. Paul states that we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).

This Christlikeness is multifaceted. It involves:

• Speaking the truth in love: Maturity is marked by a commitment to honesty, but an honesty tempered by compassion and grace (Ephesians 4:15). We are to speak words that build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29).

• Putting off the old self and putting on the new self: This is a radical transformation of our character and behavior. It involves turning away from the patterns of the old life—lying, anger, stealing, bitterness—and embracing the virtues of the new life—righteousness, holiness, love, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:22-24, 31-32).

• Being filled with the Spirit: This is not a one-time event but an ongoing experience. As we are filled with the Spirit, we are empowered to live lives of worship, thanksgiving, and mutual submission (Ephesians 5:18-21).

• Submitting to one another: Maturity is expressed in our relationships. We are called to a posture of humility, recognizing the value and dignity of others, and seeking their good (Ephesians 5:21). This is particularly evident in the context of marriage and family, where mutual submission reflects the self-giving love of Christ.

• Standing firm in spiritual warfare: The Christian life is not a passive pursuit of personal holiness; it is an active engagement in spiritual battle. Mature believers are equipped to “put on the whole armor of God” to resist the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18). This involves a reliance on God's strength, a commitment to prayer, and a clear understanding of the nature of the conflict.

The pursuit of spiritual maturity is not an individualistic endeavor; it is a communal project. God has placed us in the context of the church, the body of Christ, where we are to encourage one another, build one another up, and spur one another on to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). We need the fellowship of believers, the teaching of the Word, and the accountability of a community to grow in Christlikeness.

In conclusion, Ephesians presents a compelling vision of the Christian life as a journey of ongoing transformation. Spiritual maturity is not an arrival but a process, a lifelong pursuit of growing up in every way into Christ. It is a journey marked by truth and love, a putting off of the old and a putting on of the new, a being filled with the Spirit, and a standing firm in spiritual warfare, all within the context of the community of faith. May we, by God’s grace, embrace this calling and pursue the fullness of Christlikeness to the glory of God.

Download a copy of this article: Growing Up in Christ: The Pursuit of Spiritual Maturity. Included in the downloadable copy are 10 Reflections on the Book of Ephesians. 

Transparency Note: 
This article was created in partnership with a generative AI assistant. I, the author, provided the primary direction, core ideas, and critical oversight for this piece. The AI was utilized as a tool to help structure initial drafts and explore linguistic options, while the final argument, narrative, and conclusions are entirely my own.