Christian Perfection (Outline)

Hebrews 6:1-8 — 1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Matthew 5:48 — Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 — And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Introduction

1. A Deeper Vocabulary

• Do we really think we can become "perfect"?
• What have God's preachers been getting at with such language as: "True Church" / "True Christian" / "Professing Christian" / "Carnal Christian" / "Spiritual Christian"

2. What are the "Principles of the Doctrine of Christ"?

I. Christian Perfection is A Divine Command

Matthew 5:48; Philippians 3:15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

II. Christian Perfection is A Practical Development

1 Corinthians 3:1-4 — And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

III. Christian Perfection is Biblically Defined

• Does not include: amoral "infirmities", absence of "human ignorance" or the possibility of mistakes. (etc.) a) John 9:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; b) John 16:33; Hebrews 4:15 c) Ephesians 1:4; Romans 5:2

A. Perfect in Love

(Matthew 5:38-48; 1 Corinthians 13)

B. Perfect in Faith

(Hebrews 12:2)

C. Perfect in Character

(Ephesians 4:11-16)