The Perfect Christian
THE PERFECT CHRISTIAN
TEXT: Hebrews 5:12‑6:2
INTRODUCTION: In this specific situation, author speaking to these Hebrew Christians and say, "Hey, it's time to move forward." And for them, in that particular day, it meant move beyond the O.T. principles and practices. He says, "You have a far better Provision in Calvary and a far better Priest in Christ than all the O.T. Levitical rites and rituals put together!!
Every so often, we have to be reminded of the same thing. We need to be moving on to perfection in our lives as well. Not perfection in the sense of being totally without sin but a sense of completion or fulfillment
With that in mind the Bible says to move on toward spiritual maturity; or perfection....
What then is a perfect or mature Christian?
Is it one who has been saved for a long time?
Is it someone who attends church every time doors are opened?
What are some characteristics of a Perfect Christian?
I. ONE WHO INCORPORATES THE SCRIPTURE INTO HIS DAILY LIFE
Someone has said, it is possible to be saturated with the Word of God but not be satisfied with the Word of God
Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. ("hid": to lay up in reserve)
Psalm 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. ("meditate": to talk out loud to yourself)
A. I will store it away
B. I will speak about it
1. When you read the Bible, do you Skim it or Study it?
2. Do you look just for Answers or do you see Application?
II. THE PERFECT CHRISTIAN INTERPRETS SITUATIONS THROUGH THE EYES OF CHRIST
Ladies in grocery store; someone pushes cart in front in check out; Guys trying to get home, some knucklehead cuts you off; Teens try to get faithful to Lord; things start going all wrong. Which is the greatest test of our maturity? How we handle it when things go Right, or when things go Wrong? ‑when pressures, and problems, and predicaments crash in
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Are you letting all things work together for good?
A. There are times for speaking
B. There are times for silence
C. There are times for suffering
John 13:15 for I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
III. THE PERFECT CHRISTIAN INVESTS HIS SUBSTANCE WISELY
Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (treasure: a deposit of wealth)
A. A direct link between your heart and your treasure!!
1. Investing in that which is enduring
Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
B. Investing in that which is effective
1. Produces a desired result
2. Missions
3. Jesus said, "Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves"
4. Much much more than just our Money!!
5. Includes our Energy, and our Time, and our Prayers
6. The perfect Christian Invests his Substance wisely
IV. THE PERFECT CHRISTIAN INVOLVES THE SPIRIT IN DECISION MAKING
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things,
A. Christians have to be extra careful in choices we make!!
1. God gives us a built in compass for righteousness; Holy Spirit
2. He always will point us toward truth!!
3. We should be working ever so closely with Holy Spirit every day in every decision we have to make!!
!!! 4. Ephesians 4 talks about our Behavior as a Child of God:
a) ‑put away Lying; speak the truth
b) ‑not allowing Anger to result in sin
c) ‑not stealing but using our Hands for good
d) ‑not using the Tongue for a dagger or sword
B. It pains the Holy Spirit when we make wrong or foolish decisions
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
a) Listen to the spirit
b) Learn from the spirit
c) Lean on the spirit
d) So Necessary and yet so Neglected!!
CONCLUSION: We've been talking about the perfect or the completed, or mature Christian... Chances are, you're like me; one of these areas needs improvement.
Incorporating the Scriptures Into Daily Life
Interpreting Situations Thru Eyes of Christ
Investing Your Substance Wisely
Involving the Holy Spirit in Your Decisions
Where do we start? Lord, I really need help in this area!! I'm struggling (failing) Decide how to make things better.