The Christian and Perfection Philippians 3.12-15 Read Philippians 3.12-15 The Christian and Perfection Phil 3:12-15 Introduction: Class teacher said “Only one perfect man ever lived”

Perfection Used in Two Senses Relative: Complete in its parts – whole – mature (v15; Matt 5.48) Absolute: Without fault or blemish – as used mostly today (v12; Jas 1.25) Christians only attain relative perfection, maturity, in this life – Press toward absolute B. “Perfect” in two senses (vv. 12, 15) 1. Relative: Complete in its parts – whole – mature (v. 15; cf. Matt. 5:48) 2. Absolute: Without fault or blemish – like mostly used today (v. 12; cf. Jas. 1:25) 3. Christians attain only relative perfection (maturity) in this life – press toward absolute.

I. “Mission Impossible” Three Attitudes toward Perfection Among Christians I. “Mission Impossible” C. Three attitudes toward perfection found among Christians: Discussion “Mission Impossible” – Forget It!

Mission Impossible – “Forget It!” So, no need of trying for it? Wrong, v13 So, just continue in sins? Wrong – Rom 6.1-4; Heb 10.26-29 So, console self with “nobody perfect” or “I can’t be perfect” Gives excuse to hang on to sin or harmful habit Gives excuse to neglect critical duties A. So, no need of trying for it? – wrong (v. 13). B. So, just continue in sins? – wrong (Rom. 6:1-4; Heb. 10:26-29). C. So, console self with “nobody is perfect” or “I can’t be perfect.” 1. Gives us excuse to hang on to a beloved sinful or harmful habit. 2. Gives us excuse to neglect critical duties.

II. Close Enough - Coast II. Close Enough – Coast In!

Close Enough – Coast In Set goal short of perfection – reach goal and coast Become satisfied with certain level of growth and stop Cease efforts to learn Cease efforts to correct (cf. Jas. 1:25) Cease efforts to improve character (cf. 2 Pet. 1:5-11) Cease efforts to improve skills and develop new ones (Heb. 5:12-14) Set goal short of perfection – reach goal and coast. B. Become satisfied with certain level of growth and stop. 1. Cease efforts to learn. 2. Cease efforts to correct (cf. Jas. 1:25) 3. Cease efforts to improve character (cf. 2 Pet. 1:5-11) 4. Cease efforts to improve skills and develop new ones (Heb. 5:12-14)

III. Not attaining – But reaching III. Never Reaching It – ALWAYS Reaching FOR It!

Never Reaching It – Always Reaching FOR It Paul had not reached it, but was always reaching for it (Phil. 3:12-14) “God does not require perfection, but does require faithfulness.” Faithfulness requires reaching for perfection Both babes and mature in the faith can and must “go on unto perfection.” (Heb. 6:1) Will not be lost for not being perfect, but for not wanting and trying to be perfect. Paul had not reached it, but was always reaching for it (Phil. 3:12-14) B. “God does not require perfection, but does require faithfulness.” 1. Faithfulness requires reaching for perfection. 2. Both babes and mature in the faith can and must “go on unto perfection.” (Heb. 6:1) 3. Will not be lost for not being perfect, but for not wanting and trying to be perfect.

A Life of Reaching Ours is a life of refining and perfecting. Our faith (2 Thess. 1:3) By studying the source of faith (Rom. 10:17) By profiting from adversity (Jas. 2:1-4) Our knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18) Our holiness (2 Cor. 7:1) Our abilities (Heb. 5:12-14) Our positions and dispositions (Eph. 4:2,31,32; Col. 4:6; Jas 3:13-18; Tit. 3:3) C. Our’s is a life of refining and perfecting. 1. Our faith (2 Thess. 1:3). a. By studying the source of faith (Rom. 10:17). b. By profiting from adversity (Jas. 2:1-4) 2. Our knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18) 3. Our holiness (2 Cor. 7:1). 4. Our abilities (Heb. 5:12-14) 5. Our positions and dispositions (Eph. 4:2,31,32; Col. 4:6; Jas 3:13-18; Tit. 3:3)

Makes Us Rely on the LORD Sincerely reaching for perfection but unable to attain it makes us depend on the Lord more. For help (Heb. 4:16) For strength (Phil. 4:13) For forgiveness (1 John 1:8-2:1) D. Sincerely reaching for perfection but unable to attain it makes us depend on the Lord more. 1. For help (Heb. 4:16) 2. For strength (Phil. 4:13) 3. For forgiveness (1 John 1:8-2:1)

The Christian and Perfection Philippians 3.12-15 Conclusion: Let us not forget nor coast – but let us always work toward perfection. B. Let us not become frustrated at failure to reach perfection, but turn to God’s grace to fill in the gap.