1. To download a copy of today’s lesson go to TheGoodTeacher
To download a copy of today’s lesson go to TheGoodTeacher.com and click on “Gospel Meetings”

2. Are You A Perfect Christian?
“that we may present every man
perfect in Christ” (Col. 1:28)
Prepared by Chris Reeves * 31-W church of Christ Gospel Meeting * July 26, 2016

3. Perfect or Sinless?
“Perfect” (Gr. telios) in the NT means “complete, full-grown, mature”; having reached its end
Paul labored in order to make “perfect” Christians (Col. 1:28)

4. Perfect or Sinless? “Perfect” does not mean sinless
Fact #1: Christians do sin (Gal. 6:1; Jas. 5:19; 1 Jn. 1:7-10; note the “if”)
Fact #2: Christians should not sin; do not have to sin (1 Jn. 2:1-2; 3:6-9)

5. Perfect in Love
Perfect (complete) love treats everyone, friend or enemy, with kindness (Mt. 5:48)
Perfect love treats our brother properly (Col. 3:12-14)
Perfect love has no fear (1 Jn. 4:12, 17, 18)

6. Perfect in Obedience
Perfect (complete) obedience does all of what Jesus says (Mt. 19:21)
Jesus was perfect in this way (Heb. 5:9)
Keeps his word (1 Jn. 2:5)

7. Perfect in Unity
Perfect (complete) unity or oneness is based upon the unity of God and Jesus: work, purpose, goal, roles (Jn. 17:23)

8. Perfect in Age
Perfect (complete) spiritual age keeps us from acting like babes, children, or immature adults (1 Cor. 14:20)
The Corinthians needed to grow up spiritually and so do we (1 Cor. 1:10-11; 2:6; 3:1-4)

9. Perfect in Holiness
Perfect (complete) holiness keeps us separated from uncleanness (2 Cor. 7:1)
Avoid ideas that condone sin: “Weak and often sinning, we all have faults, etc. (Rom. 6:1, 12-15; Eph. 4:22ff; Col. 3:5ff)
We do not reach “sinless perfection”, but we can and should “perfect holiness”!

10. Perfect in Knowledge
God’s word is perfect (complete) in its message of truth (Rom. 12:2; Cor. 13:10; Jas. 1:17, 25)
Perfect (complete) knowledge keeps us from error (Eph. 4:13; Col. 4:12)
Perfect (complete) knowledge requires growth and study (Heb. 5:11 – 6:3)

11. Perfect in Patience
Perfect (complete) patience, steadfastness, carries us through the trials and temptations without falling (Jas. 1:2-4, 12)

12. Perfect in Faith
Perfect (complete) faith shows itself in works; we do and not just say – action that accompanies our words (Jas. 2:14- 26; see v. 22)

13. Perfect in Speech
Perfect (complete) speech leads to a “perfect man” that can bridle the whole body (Jas. 3:2)
Some can control their appetites (lusts), but not their tongue

14. Are You A Perfect Christian?
Press on toward perfection (Heb. 6:1)
Press on toward the goal (Phil. 3:12, 15)