Interpretation: What does the text mean?
Application: How does the text apply to the Church and to the believer?
1. Read Ephesians 4:11-15 through at least twice.
2. Read Ephesians 4:11-15 in at least two different commentaries. I appreciate what John Calvin said concerning verse 14:
"Tossed to and fro, and carried about. The distressing hesitation of those who do not place absolute reliance on the word of the Lord, is illustrated by two striking metaphors. The first is taken from small ships, exposed to the fury of the billows in the open sea, holding no fixed course, guided neither by skill nor design, but hurried along by the violence of the tempest. The next is taken from straws, or other light substances, which are carried hither and thither as the wind drives them, and often in opposite directions. Such must be the changeable and unsteady character of all who do not rest on the foundation of God’s eternal truth. It is their just punishment for looking, not to God, but to men. Paul declares, on the other hand, that faith, which rests on the word of God, stands unshaken against all the attacks of Satan."
3. How does this passage apply to the Church and to the believer?
Questions to ponder:
- According to this text why is it essential to grow in Christian maturity?
- Can we truly be united doctrinally? If so how?
- Can continual immaturity lead to false teaching?
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