by John Calvin
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 2:21–22
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Psalm 119:9–24
Paul says here that it behooves all of us to be built and to grow like a building dedicated to God, through the Spirit.
In the first place, when he says we must be builded, he means to stir us up daily to grow more and more in faith. Second, he makes good use of the word groweth, meaning, in effect, that we must not think ourselves to be as perfect as we should be.
Some fanciful heads are so puffed up with pride that they imagine themselves to be so wise that they disdain to cast their eyes upon God’s Word or to listen or be taught by it. How tragic is such a presumption! We cannot be disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ unless we know that we must be established in him and profit in him all our life.
God’s Word is so great in height, breadth, and length (Eph. 3:18) that even if a person wholly busies himself in it, yet he would never know it all. We ought to study it throughout all of our life, knowing that God intends thereby to set us in the way. We must then go forward little by little, and keep at it continually in humility and modesty.
Paul shows us that to be established in our Lord Jesus Christ and to make progress in all the good things that he gives us, we must have his Word so we may be built upon it and grow more and more through it. To bring this about, we must be teachable. From day to day, we must labor to seek help in the Word to strengthen our faith, which shall not be perfect in this world, as we will discover by experience.
FOR MEDITATION: Bible study by yourself and with others is essential for spiritual maturation. Are you studying the Scriptures on a daily basis? Are the Scriptures your rule to walk and work by (Gal. 6:16), your food to nourish you (Job 23:12), and your sword to fight with (Eph. 6:17)—in short, the supreme means that you use to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ? How do your study habits need improvement?
-----
Calvin, J., & Beeke, J. R. (2008). 365 Days with Calvin (p. 304). Leominster; Grand Rapids, MI: Day One Publications; Reformation Heritage Books.