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No one is perfect
Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven
Jesus meant "try" to be perfect?
Remember what Philippians 4:13 says? “I can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me.” Perfection is a state of moment-by-moment
faith in which we walk in the things God has shown us. Jesus left us an
example that we should follow in his steps. Following Christ is not for
super-mature Christians for 1 John 2:6 says that if we claim to be a Christian
we must walk as Jesus did. What was Christ's example? He committed
no sin and no deceit was found in his mouth. (1 Peter 2:21-22) Christ is
the only man who never sinned. For all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God. (Rom 3:23) But, "having been justified by faith, we have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we
have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of
the glory of God." (Rom 5:1-2) Hebrews 2:18 says that since Jesus was
tempted in all ways like we are yet was without sin, he knows how to help us who
are being tempted. We will grow in the knowledge of God and His will. We will
also be tested and disciplined to be molded to His likeness. We are responsible
for walking in the fullness of the grace He gives us each day. 2 Cor 12:9
teaches us that His grace is sufficient for us even when we feel weak and
powerless...that is when we are really the strongest because God's power is made
perfect in weakness. The first chapter of 2 Peter says that by the knowledge of
Him, we have some things we need for life and godliness. No wait, it says ALL
things we need for life and godliness.
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the
knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given
to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of
Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us
exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers
of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through
lust."--2 Peter 1:2-4
So even though our flesh is weak, through the divine power
of God's Holy Spirit, we can walk in the truth, the light and in righteousness
and holiness all of our days. We need the blood of Christ to cleanse us
from all sin and we need the Spirit of God to give us power to walk holy before
Him in love in this world. Concerning the command to be perfect, Job was a
perfect man: he feared God and shunned evil. James 1:4 says, “But let patience
have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
And do not forget this one thing, that Christ taught us how to live to please
God and inherit eternal life. He said, "Be perfect therefore, even as your
Father in heaven is perfect."
This is not a false hope, unreasonable command or deceptive
statement that Jesus made. He has given us everything we need to carry
this out. We can have a right spirit and a clear conscience today!
He has opened the way for us into the most holy place and he gives us the grace
and strength to stand complete in Him. We lack no good thing.
If you are not walking with a clear conscience but are
guilty of continuing in sin. We urge you to be reconciled to God and to
stop sinning, for some of you do not have the true knowledge of God and we say
this to your shame (1 Cor 15:34).
The grace and mercy of our Lord is able to save and cleanse
your heart from the lusts of the flesh and mind and the pride of life.
There is a way that seems right to a man but the end of that way is death.
Forgiveness accompanies repentance and love toward God that is shown in response
to God's love toward us. Follow Christ and his way for anyone who follows
him will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life (John 8:12).
“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man
in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Col 1:28
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TRUE LOVE:
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor [hate] what is evil. Cling to what
is good.
(Rom 12:9)
ETERNAL LIFE:
"Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal
life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has
placed his seal of approval.”
(John 6:27)
TO BE PERFECT IS TO BE A CHRISTIAN:
"Be perfect therefore, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."
(Matthew 5:48)
STOP SINNING:
"Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are
some who are ignorant of God--I say this to your shame."
(1 Corinthians 15:34)
SANCTIFICATION IN HOLINESS:
"But the path of the just is like the
shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes
them stumble."
(Prov 4:18-19)
NOT BY FAITH ALONE:
"You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith
alone."
(James 2:24)
ETERNAL SECURITY:
"Therefore, my
brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.
For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a
rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.."
(2 Peter 1:10-11)
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