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Followers of Christ Jesus are Commanded to Be Perfect!
The Revelations, the Lord has given to me by the Spirit, along with my teachings and comments are written in Blue. May we all have ears to hear.
Matthew 5:44-48 … I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans (tax collectors: Strong’s G5057) the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Ok, now here it is! BE YE THEREFORE PERFECT, EVEN AS YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN IS PERFECT.
Now, I know what you’re thinking! Who in this world of today, can do this? So, before we go any farther, let’s look at this word “perfect.” In Strong’s Concordance the actual word in the Greek is: G5046 τέλειος, teleios, tel'-i-os, From G5056; meaning complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with G3588) completeness: - of full age, man, that is to say perfect.
In other words our Saviour, Lord and King COMMANDS each one of us, who have surrendered our lives over to Him … to grow up, and become a full grown complete mature adult man. Mankind includes women, too. Male and Female created He them. In other words, the word “perfect” is not a line, we cross, then all of a sudden, we become instant perfection at its finest. The word “perfect” used in the way the Lord meant it, actually means “MATURE.” Be ye therefore, a “full grown complete mature adult” in Christ Jesus, as your Father which is in heaven is “mature” and “complete.”
Christ Jesus is our example of a full grown MATURE COMPLETE ADULT MAN. Jesus told the Jews in John 10:30 I and my Father are one. Jesus was, and still is, our prime example of what a full grown mature adult, in Him, should be. A “Perfect” person, in the eyes of God, simply means a “full grown Mature” person in Christ Jesus. Let’s look at what the Father said as recorded in Matthew 3:16-17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. The Apostle Paul put it this way in … 1Corinthians 13:9-12 For (in the beginning of our walk in Christ Jesus) we know in part, (our knowledge and understanding of Spiritual things is in division and adverse to Carnal things, therefore limited) and we prophesy in part (because we’re not grown up enough Spiritually, we are unable to see things clearly). But when that (completeness) which is perfect (mature growth in Christ Jesus, a quickening Spirit) is come (into our lives), then that which is in part (or in division, immaturity and childishness) shall be done away (left behind). When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now (That is to say … in the beginning of our walk with Christ Jesus) we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I (the Apostle Paul) know in part; but then (when I shall have reached adulthood, perfection, completeness, maturity) shall I know even as also I am known.
(Jesus prayed the following verses prior to His going to the cross) John 17:20-23 Neither pray I for these (His Disciples) alone, but for THEM also which shall believe on me through their word (That includes all of us who believe and trust in Him today); That they (we) all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made (and here it is) “PERFECT” (MATURE ADULTS) in one (Christ Jesus); and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Now in the Gospel of Luke, the Scripture brings forth another Word meaning “perfect” yet, still aligns with complete or mature adult. Luke 6:40 The disciple (the learner, the pupil; Strongs G3101) is not above his master (instructor, teacher; Strongs G1320): but every one that is PERFECT (complete; Strongs G2675 καταρτίζω, katartizō, kat-ar-tid'-zo From G2596 and a derivative of G739; to complete thoroughly …) shall be (shall mature to become) as his master (instructor, teacher; Strongs G1320).
Ephesians 4:8-16 Wherefore he saith, When he (Christ Jesus) ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men … And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the PERFECTING (completing, maturing) of the saints, for the WORK of the ministry, for the edifying (Building: Strongs G3619) of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a (Here it is again) PERFECT (complete, mature) MAN, UNTO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (In other words … “ BE YE THEREFORE PERFECT, EVEN AS YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN IS PERFECT” is all about growing up from a child in Christ Jesus to a FULL GROWN COMPLETE MATURE ADULT MAN OR WOMAN IN CHRIST JESUS) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Another thing we need to consider here, is the fact that the word “perfect” is truly NOT about working toward “crossing a finish line” and “bingo” we’ve achieved “becoming a perfectly enlightened human being, able to turn water into wine, and divide the Red Sea.” First of all, it is totally impossible for any carnal human being to achieve “perfect” in Christ Jesus, a quickening Spirit. The kind of “perfect” or “maturity” that Christ Jesus was, and still is, talking about, can only be achieved in the Spirit, by and through the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
One of the main points to understand here is that each of us who follow Christ Jesus must find, and understand, our individual calling. Each one of us has been dealt a different hand in this life, in this generation. Now, even though we all have a calling of God on our lives, each one of us MUST play the hand we are dealt. This involves, each one of us serving our same Lord Jesus Christ, while at the same time fulfilling our individual lives in righteousness, under our Heavenly Father’s watchful eye. Plus, we all have many different and various priorities and goals, purposed and revealed by Almighty God that must be accomplished. At the same time, we must remain on track with our Heavenly Father’s purpose, while walking in obedience and staying in line with the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ, until we complete our race.
Is this possible? Yes, it is! We are not all called to work on the same project, or achieve the same things. We are all called to be DOERS of the God’s Word, no matter where our lives, within God’s purpose, carry us. The Lord doesn’t need everyone to be an Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor or Teacher. He also needs, Helpers, Prayer Warriors, Singers, Praise and Worship Leaders, Workers within and outside the Church Body. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Plumber, an Electrician, a Janitor, a Candlestick maker, a Builder, a Landscaper, a Farmer, a Rancher, a Legal or Medical Professional White Collar or Vocational Blue Collar … your Tithe’s paid, Offerings and Alms given, are just as essential in Spreading God’s Word and advancing His Kingdom, as any one of the individual Five-fold Ministry Offices. All of these jobs and positions, along with many more, are all part of the whole, constituting the “works” that Jesus was talking about. Our Lord is not a respecter of persons. He discerns the Spirit, Motive and Intent of our innermost being. He not only sees what we intend to do, He sees why we intend to do it. The spreading of the Christian Gospel and advancing God’s Kingdom, are the “works”. It doesn’t matter how or what we do to get the “works” done, as long as we are operating under the Lords leadership and guidance … and in righteousness, love, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus stated in John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. We are all called to do the same works as Christ Jesus. But, each one of us has a necessary position in the Body of His Church made without hands. Plus, we all have individual specific assignments, in order to advance the goals of our Heavenly Father, from generation to generation.
Now, doing the works that Jesus did, does not mean we are to attempt to do the same exact things that were assigned to Him. We are out to do and achieve the same good works, by completing the different various and sundry task assigned to us in our time. We are for advancing His Word and Kingdom through and by the Holy Spirit. But, like I said before, we are not here to ‘turn water into wine’ or ‘divide the Red Sea.’ If we were called and assigned to do these things, people would want to make God’s out of us, instead of looking to Christ Jesus. We, in our generation, have been given other assignments. Let us all focus on the challenges set before us in our time, that we may continue the “works” of Christ Jesus.
The bottom line here is, that God wants each follower of Christ Jesus to grow up into mature adults in Him, in order to carry on His works from generation to generation. That’s what “perfect” is all about. Christ came that we all might have life and life more abundantly. He came that our joy might be made full. A child can’t do the job. The Lord wants each one of us to GROW UP into fearless, courageous, full grown, complete mature adults in Christ Jesus. He wants FULL GROWN MEN AND WOMEN, IN CHRIST JESUS to stand up for RIGHTEOUSNESS. CAST DOWN EVIL AND LAWLESSNESS. Be wise as serpents, harmless as doves, full of Godly wisdom and understanding. Let us all do what He has called us to do. We need to get our perspective correct.
As we continue this study, here’s a clue as to the believers destination … written by the Apostle John.
Revelation 1:4-6 Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him (Christ Jesus) that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and (to whom is) his (Christ Jesus’) Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Now consider this. The Lord does not place a child into a position requiring the handling of the obligations and responsibilities of a king or a priest. Even King David, who was called in his childhood, wasn’t placed into the position of King until he matured into adulthood, after several challenging years of training. It takes a full grown mature adult in Christ Jesus to handle either of those positions. To nourish, lead and guide childlike Christian believers, into adult mature kings and priests, is primarily one of, if not the main job description of the Holy Spirit, working through the Five-fold Ministry. Now, would be a good time to go back and read Ephesians 4:8-16 above again!
Below are a few Scripture verses of confirmation, that are well worth studying!
Colossians 1:25-28 (Here the Apostle Paul writes) Whereof I (Paul) am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man PERFECT (complete, mature) in Christ Jesus:
James 3:2 … (Here’s a clue on how to become “perfect.” Striving for a goal such as this, can change anyone’s life for the better) If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect (complete, mature) man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
The Scripture above is a great place to start working on one's self. The Lord isn’t going to do it all for us. The Holy Spirit will lead and guide us, but we too, have to do our part. A very close friend of mind used to say. Let us pray we can grow up, before we grow old. So, let us all strive to become “perfect” … That is to say, let us all become “mature, complete, full grown adults in Christ Jesus.” We can all remain focused on God’s will, purpose and specific work for each of our own individual lives, while at the same time, we can still continue to grow and mature in Christ Jesus, starting especially by “controlling our tongue.” We should all paste the words stated in James 3:2 onto our refrigerator doors.
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OK my friends, I’ll be posting more soon. All of us here … pray for an abundance of love and blessings for each of you, and to all of your families and loved ones. May our Heavenly Father continue to bless each one of you always! … In Christ Jesus,
