How can we strive to be "perfect" as our Heavenly Father is perfect? The Calling: Matthew 5:48 “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) What “Perfect” Means - Greek teleios: complete, mature, whole—nothing missing. - Focuses on wholehearted love that mirrors the Father’s indiscriminate goodness (vv. 43-47). Foundational Truths - God is the standard (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16). - Christ is the model and mediator (Romans 8:29; Hebrews 4:15). - The Spirit is the power source (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16). Step 1 – Receive the Perfect One - “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) - New birth unites us to Christ (John 3:3). Step 2 – Walk by the Spirit - “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) - Let the Spirit rule thoughts, words, attitudes; He produces the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Step 3 – Love Like the Father - “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) - “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8) - Bless, serve, forgive—even adversaries. Step 4 – Pursue Practical Holiness - “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) - Guard the mind (Psalm 101:3), flee temptation (2 Timothy 2:22), replace sin with righteousness (Ephesians 4:22-24). Step 5 – Engage the Spiritual Disciplines - Scripture: “Your word I have hidden in my heart…” (Psalm 119:11) - Prayer & fasting (Matthew 6:6, 17-18) - Fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25) - Service & generosity (Matthew 6:1-4) Step 6 – Grow Intentionally - “Make every effort to add to your faith virtue… love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7) - Aim for “the full measure of the stature of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13) - Press on after setbacks (Philippians 3:12). Step 7 – Persevere in Hope - “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) - Keep eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2) and encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24). Assurance: God Completes What He Starts “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) Summary Perfection is God’s unchanging standard and gracious gift. In Christ we receive the position; through the Spirit we pursue the practice. By faith we grow in mature love and holiness, confident He will finish the work. |
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