Once a person "gets saved (comes to know Jesus)' the next step is to begin "growing in your knowing" of HIm...growing in your relationship with Him

individual believers are encouraged and admonished...actually commanded to "grow up" into spiritual maturity in Christ for the sake of the church

we'll discuss in depth the importance of unity in the church

: Eph. 4:1-6 emphasises the importance of relationships n the church and how we are to treat one another

-it is a powerful deterrent to Satan's schemes and a powerful witness for Christ when we treat one another according to this admonishment

:  a look at true biblical "heroes"

-what they're like,...what they do

-their character and their conduct

: to live a life worthy of our calling we are to "be gentle"

-it's somewhat different than our understanding of the english word gently

-this word means "power under control" :restrained"

: Living life worthy of our calling begins with our relationships in the church

-a teaching on the importance of the church

last week Paul begged the Ephesian believers to live up to their calling

-this week he begins detailing what that entails

-first thing is a proper understanding of who we are

: now that you know your position and who you are in Chris (Eph. 1-3)

-now that you know the high calling of God in Christ...live lives worthy of that position...of that person who you are...of that calling

Lofty words from Paul depicting the deep intimate relationship of love between God and His people as he continues to pray for the Ephesians...that they will experience the "fullness of Christ as a reality in their lives.