Influence of Imperfection

Galatians 3:21–23 ESV

21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.

The Influence of Imperfection on the Creation

Genesis 3:17–19 ESV

17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; 18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

See also Ge 5:29; Ro 8:20–22

Genesis 5:29 ESV

29 and called his name Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed, this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the painful toil of our hands.”

Romans 8:20–22 ESV

20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

The Influence of Imperfection is Expressed in Death

Ps 103:15–16; 2 Pe 1:4

Psalm 103:15–16 ESV

15 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.

2 Peter 1:4 ESV

4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

See also 2 Sa 14:14; Ps 90:3–10; Ec 12:1–7; Jas 1:10; 1 Pe 1:24

The Influence of Imperfection on the Spiritual

Job 4:18; Jud 6

Job 4:18 ESV

18 Even in his servants he puts no trust, and his angels he charges with error;

Jude 6 ESV

6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day—

See also 2 Pe 2:4

2 Peter 2:4 ESV

4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;

The Universal Influence of Imperfection on Humans

Romans 3:23 ESV

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

See also Ge 6:5; 1 Ki 8:46; Ps 14:3; Ps 130:3; Pr 20:9; Ec 7:20; Is 53:6; Is 64:6; Ga 3:22; Jas 3:2

James 3:2 ESV

2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

The Influence of Imperfection on the Household of Faith

Israel and her leaders

Ne 9:34; Je 2:21

See also Jdg 2:11–13; Ne 9:16; Ps 106:39; Is 3:14; Je 50:6; Eze 20:30; Mic 3:1–3

The Christian church and its leaders

2 Co 12:20; Php 3:12

2 Corinthians 12:20 ESV

20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.

Philippians 3:12 ESV

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

See also 1 Co 3:1–3; 1 Co 13:12; Col 2:20; Heb 5:12; 1 Jn 1:8; Re 3:2; Re 3:17

How to Overcome Imperfection

Hear God’s Word - Romans 10:17

Romans 10:17 ESV17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Believe God’s Word - Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11:6 ESV6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Repent of your Sins - Luke 13:3

Luke 13:3 ESV3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Confess Jesus as the Son of God - 1 John 4:3

1 John 4:3 ESV3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

Be Baptized for the Remission of Sin - Acts 16:22

Acts 16:22 ESV

22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods.

Remain Steadfast for Life - 1 Corinthians 15:58

1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.