December 21, 2026 - This passage teaches that the purpose of the local church is spiritual formation—corporate growth toward unity in the faith, maturity, and Christlikeness. Paul shows that this formation is essential because it produces stability against false teaching, integrity in speaking the truth in love, maturity in growing into Christ together, and responsibility as every member contributes to the health of the whole body. When the church is oriented toward this goal, it grows in love, faithfulness, and visible witness to the glory of God.