Sunday February 22, 2026

Sermon Title: God's Pattern for The Church

Scripture: (Ephesians 4:1-16)

Series Big Idea: God unites and transforms believers in Christ’s Church 

Sermon Big Idea: God's will for believers is to mature spiritually in Christ

Introduction  

In Ephesians, Paul moves from describing what God has done for us in Christ to calling us to live lives that reflect His grace. Chapter 4 marks a shift from our position in Christ to our daily practice as His people.

The Goal: Christlike Maturity (Ephesians 4:1–6, 13)  

Spiritual maturity means growing to reflect the character of Christ in humility, patience, love, and unity. The ultimate goal for every believer is “the fullness of Christ,” not mere self-improvement.

The Problem: Spiritual Childhood (Ephesians 4:11–14)  

Paul warns that spiritual childhood leaves us vulnerable to instability and deception. God equips the church through gifted leaders so we might move beyond immaturity and stand firm in truth.

The Process: Growing Through Truth and Love (Ephesians 4:7–10, 15–16)  

True spiritual growth happens as we speak the truth in love and each believer serves and builds up others. Maturity is a community journey, where every member helps the body become more like Christ.

Conclusion  

Our hope for maturity is found only in the gospel. Christ alone can transform us by His grace. We are called to trust in Jesus, walk in truth and love, and become the people God intended us to be.

Ephesians 4:1-16 Bibliography

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991.

Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, eds. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Snodgrass, Klyne. Ephesians. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996.

Vaughan, Curtis. Ephesians. Founders Study Guide Commentary. Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press, 2002.

Cole, Steven J. Ephesians. Steven J. Cole Commentary Series. Dallas: Galaxie Software, 2017.

Hoehner, Harold W., Philip W. Comfort, and Peter H. Davids. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon. Vol. 16. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2008.

Osborne, Grant R. Ephesians: Verse by Verse. Osborne New Testament Commentaries. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2017.

Merida, Tony. Exalting Jesus in Ephesians. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2014.

Barry, John D., Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R. Grigoni, and David Bomar. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

Dockery, David S., ed. Holman Concise Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998.

Water, Mark. Key Word Commentary: Thoughts on Every Chapter of the Bible. AMG Publishers, 2003.

Brannan, Rick, and Israel Loken. The Lexham Textual Notes on the Bible. Lexham Bible Reference Series. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014.

MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Handbook. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.

Radmacher, Earl D., Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999.

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Nashville TN: Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Brooks, Keith. Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the New Testament. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. The Tyndale Reference Library. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

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