Introduction
Reviewing This Year’s Theme Passage
Ephesians 4:11–16 (ESV): 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds 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.
The Sign of Spiritual Immaturity
Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV): 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,
It’s possible to be a biological adult while you are still a spiritual child.
When you are influenced by everything you hear, you are spiritually immature.
Paul calls the things we’re hearing in the culture doctrines:
A Digital World Not Our Own
For every good use of technology there is an evil use of technology.
The Power of The Matrix
The Movie Has Become Real Life
We’re Brand New
Trickery on Steroids
Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV): 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,
The Pace of Deception
The Deception of Progress
The Allure and Danger of the Hustle
The Truth Serum
Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV): 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,
- Receiving and acting on the truth is a sign of growth.
- Telling the truth is a sign of maturity.
The Power of Taste
2 Timothy 4:3–4 (ESV): 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
- Sound teaching must be endured.
- Sound teaching does not help us on our terms.
Job 34:3 (ESV): 3 for the ear tests words as the palate tastes food.
Psalm 34:8 (ESV): 8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
© Joshua D. Smith, Ph.D., 2024
Save PDF Locally
Click to save a copy of the filled-in notes to a PDF file on the computer/device you are currently using
Save PDF to Google Drive
Click to save a copy of the filled-in notes to a PDF file on your Google Drive account
(For Apple devices, use Chrome browser or go to SETTINGS>SAFARI and uncheck BLOCK POPUPS.)
Send to Email
Enter your email address below to receive a copy of your filled in notes