Introduction

• John 19:28 – The word translated “perfect” is also translated as “accomplished” and “fulfilled.”

• We must keep the word in its context.

  • Matthew 5:43-48 – “Perfect” here means loving everyone.

  • James 1:2 – Trials bring a state of maturity. This completeness is also a type of perfection.

  • Hebrews 5:7-9, 14 – Jesus was made perfect. He perfected Himself by carrying out His mission.

  • Philippians 3:11-16 – Paul wanted to be perfected in the sense of being resurrected. Christians can be perfect today in the sense of spiritual maturity.

My relationship with God

• Matthew 22:37 – Martin Luther was racked with guilt and didn’t think he or anyone else could live up to this. He misunderstood perfection and God’s crace, thinking that God must just do everything for us.
• Hebrews 9:1-14 – Our consciences can be perfectly cleansed today by the blood of Jesus.
• Hebrews 10:1-4, 10-14
• I John 1:7 – The sacrifice has been made!
• I John 2:1-2 – I can be perfect because I can partake of God’s perfect plan.

My relationship with myself

• Isaiah 55:3, 7-9 – God’s thoughts are far above us.
• Perfectionism can bring us down and lead us to procrastinate and be idle.
• Robert Turner is a good example of a man who, although he preached God’s word for many years, was still plagued with self-doubt.
• Haggai 2:3
• We need to come to terms with our limits as humans.

My relationship with others

• Luke 18:9-14
• Self-righteousness ruins our relationship with others.
• Ephesians 5:21
• Romans 12:16
• Romans 2:23
• I Timothy 1:15 – Paul said he was chief among sinners!

Conclusion

Let us live with humility and an understanding that we need God.