|
Introduction: A.
Think about these questions if you were to die right now…
1.
Would you go to heaven? 2.
How do you know your answer? B.
The answer to these questions seem easy when reading Bible
passages. Rev.
2:10; 2 Tim. 4:6 C.
But for many it is difficult when applied to us
specifically.
Why is that? Discussion: I. The Source of Perfection A. The obvious…God is perfect 1.
His names implies such. 2.
We’re definitely NOT perfect! B.
Not so obvious… 1.
Jesus told us to be perfect like our Father in heaven. Matt.
5:48 2.
So, is it really possible to be perfect or do we need to
understand how we are perfect? II. Can We Be Perfect? A. Either: “Jesus said it, so it must be true/possible.” B. Or: His use of ‘perfect’ must be understood in a manner not typically understood/used by numerous Christians today. C. The Bible teaches that all sin and fall short of God’s glory. Rom. 3:9-10 D. Even AFTER sinners become Christians they still commit sin. Cp. 1 Jn. 1:7 1.
‘If’ doesn’t necessarily imply a walk of perfection.
Cp. Rom.
7 2.
Nor does Christ’s blood give us a license to sin. Cp. Rom.
6:1; 1 Jn. 2:1 III. Not Perfect, Yet Thankfully, Perfected A. If we “walk in the Light… 1.
We bear fruit. Eph.
5:6-10 2. We’re presented perfect in Christ. Col. 1:21-28 B. …The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin” 1 Jn. 1:7 IV. So, What Did Jesus Mean? A. Jesus meant that God is the standard of righteousness and that we be like Him. 1 Pet. 1:13-16 1.
We shall love… Matt.
5:20ff 2. …Even our enemies. Matt. 5:43-48 B.
In
this way we walk perfectly (with maturity, or completeness): with
pure righteousness. Conclusion: A.
So, are you walking in the Light (in Christ)? 1.
You can rest assure that if you were to die right now –
your sins are washed away. 2.
You should rejoice always in the cleansing blood of our
Savior. B. The Good News for the rest of you… You can be made perfect. Col. 1:28
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
|
||||||||
