That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Ephesians 4:14 KJV
Some may believe this verse is about personal Christian maturity. I do not believe this is so and have conducted some analysis to help demonstrate what I mean.
Time to open our handy dandy concordance!
What word will we be looking at today? The WOTD (word of the day) is 3516. népios. Let's take a closer look, shall we?
So far, so good. From a cursory glance, it looks like we're talking about little bible-believing babies, some testifying toddlers even... but let's not stop there.
It may be helpful to look at the other instances of népios to understand the meaning in this passage so I have done just that.
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Galatians 4:3 KJV
The same word is used here to describe the state of the pre-converted saint. Before God opens our eyes, we are under bondage to sin. This is not an immature Christian but one who is still under the curse of Adam unable to discern spiritual things. We all start out this way but God, by His grace, gives us new spiritual life in His Son through which we are able to apprehend His righteousness as being our sole merit before Him.
For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Romans 6:20 KJV
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them , because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. [4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Ephesians 2:2-5 KJV
We are enlightened by a mighty work of His Spirit in us quickening our souls unto belief in the one true hope in Him, the gospel.
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Ephesian 1:18 KJV
But I'm just getting started.
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
Colossians 2:20 KJV
(Don't be thrown off by rudiments. It is the same root word used in Galatians 4:3 above)
Now, that I have explained why this verse is not about personal Christian maturity and development, my intent is to convey to your minds what I believe this verse is actually proclaiming.
Before we are converted to the truth, adopted as sons and daughters, given faith and declared righteous that is justified before the Father by the most precious blood of His only begotten, we are tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine. I am sure many of us can attest to this coming from our various walks of life and being called out of various false works-based religions.
What is important now is that every saint is anchored in the doctrine of Christ. We are the house built on the ROCK rather than the shifting sand which is our fickle and failing flesh. This, my brethren, is GOOD NEWS! AMEN!
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:4 ESV
Now, that we are anchored in the truth of His gospel, we are able to speak that truth in love that the body of Christ may grow that is to say more souls converted by preaching of the cross. Then, through the various gifts and talents we are able to give rise to further increase and edification. May we, by God's grace, edify one another on Steemit and throughout the world. Have a good day!
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: [16] From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Ephesians 4:15-16 KJV
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