Understanding the ancient cultural context of the Bible is a significant way that believers can discern when the truth is diverted with false conclusions or unintended interpretations. We can forget, or ignore, the cultural context of the Bible, when we apply it to our lives, and approaching the Bible as if it had no context turns us into the “rudderless ship at sea” that verse 14 talks about.

14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. 
Ephesians 4:4-16, NLT

Paul tells us, “We are one Body, one Spirit, on Church.”
Together we can discern and avoid ulterior motives of those who try to trick and manipulate us with distortions of God’s truths (14).
Truth will be spoken lovingly, as Christ (who is our leader) did (15).
We all have our separate roles and responsibilities, and all parts are necessary for the growth and health of the whole church (16).
We will move further in renewal in Christ (5). It’s all about LOVE (16).

In our church, we talk about God as the Trinity, and we are invited to join this “Circle of Love.” God made us in His image, and He is one God in three personages: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Mark 1:9-12 reveals the intimacy, identity, and belonging of these persons as they are united in fellowship with each other. We were created for this loving relationship (Ephesians 1:4-5), made in the image of God’s community, with a deep longing to love and be loved.

Pray with me. We praise you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, our Holy God, three-in-one. Thank you for creating us in your image and showing us how to live in perfect unity as we each do our own work which you have planned for us. Lord, help us to continue to grow in your likeness, each of us as part of Your Bride, the Church. Amen

As I studied, I had a playlist of my favorite music playing in the background. As I finished typing this prayer, Nichole Nordeman started singing, “You Are Good.” These words echoed the praise in my heart, so I’m sharing it with you.