Reflections on a few passages of Scripture

Several recent Bible Studies I've been in addressed growth and purpose in our Christian life.

Take some time to read these texts in their context and consider some of the issues raised.

Full Text can be found in these links:

Eph 4:1-32

2 Tim 3:1-17

Hebrews 5:1-6:20

The unique oneness in the Body. This is not unity in diversity, which we celebrate in our different gifts, but about a unity in "one". That may seem obvious by definition, but I think we often miss the point and accept everything which leads us towards universalism and post-modernism, often placing the emphasis on welcoming all views. But it doesn't say all, it says one...by that I think Paul means there is just One Truth.

Also note the goal of both our leaders of all forms and shapes and of Scripture itself, for equiping us for maturity and good works. A wonderful thought.

But notice the risks that await us in the dark. Whether they be deception by the world or dullness of mind or pursuit of the basics. But then maybe we are not even that far down the road in our maturity that we even teach the basics anymore so how can we consider leaving them for higher pursuits? We hear of repentance from sin, but when is the last time we heard of repentance from dead works or judgment?

Points to ponder.....Notice the bold highlights.

Eph 4 - Unity in the Body of Christ
4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may 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 schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Heb 5:11-6:2
11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. 6 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. ESV