We Henceforth Be No More Children

2021-08-21

There is a lot of talk about church attendance lately, and how it is essential during these chaotic times. Let us consider church in light of pulling down strongholds of the mind. First, let us remember that church is defined as a physical congregation (Psalm 22:22; cf. Hebrews 2:12). It has a structure that includes a leadership team of pastors and deacons that have certain qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-13). It is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).

In the local church, there are offices who are appointed to “the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). The purpose of these ministries is so that “we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man” (Ephesians 4:13). A purpose for this unity and knowledge is so that “we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness” (Ephesians 4:14).

What is this saying? A purpose of church is so that we do not get these destructive ideas in private and have no one out there who can get us back on track if we are wrong. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). The Psalmist Asaph had such an experience: “My feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped... Until I went into the sanctuary of God...” (Psalm 73:2, 17).

Being off by yourself without the input of others can lead you into a lot of trouble. Other people help protect you from false ideas about the faith, and you can likewise help protect others.

This is the ninth perspective in the pulling down of strong holds.