Authentic Leaders Are Flawed
Our Perfection? – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Philippians 3:7-11

Key Verse: Philippians 3:12b

or have already been made perfect

The word perfection is used several times in the New Testament in regard to our spiritual journey.  We are afraid of the term, it seems to me, in our present church world.  The apostle wrote in 2 Corinthians 13:9 that his prayer for them was for their “perfection.”  And in 2 Corinthians 7:1 Paul challenges the Corinthian Christ followers to perfect holiness out of reverence for God.

            There are two forms of perfection in the New Testament.  The first is the perfection of behavior or accomplishments which will only be obtained when we are glorified in heaven.  The second form of perfection is a work done by God in our inner beings—our intentions.  The perfection is accomplished by Christ’s work by the sanctifying work of His Spirit in us.  Thus, Jesus commanded us to be “perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).  And in Hebrews 10:4 this theology of perfection is confirmed: “because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”  Note the two concepts in this verse: He had made perfect and secondly are being made holy.  Our inner perfection is complete when we are sanctified by God’s Spirit, but the rest of our earthly life is spent being made holy by growth in daily living.

            If you are a Spirit filled Christ following believer, you have been made perfect in your intentions, i.e. inner being!

Father, I receive the work in me done by you.  I will learn and grow each day in order to be more like you in my lifestyle.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.