Christ is not only building a serving church and a mature church—He is building a stable church. In Ephesians 4:14, Paul explains why spiritual maturity is essential. Believers who remain spiritual children are vulnerable to false teaching, easily carried about by every wind of doctrine. But through the faithful ministry of God’s Word, Christ equips His people to stand firm in the truth.
This sermon examines three characteristics of spiritual instability. First, Paul presents the picture of spiritual children—those who lack discernment and are easily influenced. Second, he warns of the danger of false teaching and the necessity of sound, verse-by-verse biblical instruction. Finally, he exposes the source behind false doctrine: deceptive men working according to the schemes of Satan, who seeks to corrupt Christ’s church and render believers ineffective for the gospel.
Yet this passage is ultimately a message of hope. Christ has not left His church defenceless. He has given shepherds and teachers to faithfully proclaim His Word so that His people may grow in discernment, stability, and a deep knowledge of Him. As the church is rooted in sound doctrine and centred on Christ, it is strengthened to withstand every wind of false teaching.
May this passage encourage us to pursue spiritual maturity, to treasure the faithful preaching of God’s Word, and to stand firm in the truth for the glory of Christ.