# Potential of Perfection James 3:2

“The Potential of Perfection”

 

TEXT: James 3:2

 

Self interests prevent perfection.

Perfection is unattainable if our only motivation is self-centered; our motivation must be God-centered. For a life to be God-centered, it must first be God-sensitive.

 

Genesis 10:12 And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city.

John 10:1 ¶ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

 

 

      I. A Prideful City - “The Same is a Great City” Gen. 10:12

                definition of Resen: to curb, restrain ------- halter, bridle

  halt: hesitance, imperfect progress

               a. Nineveh---Resen---Calah

                     Jonah 1:2; 3:2, 3; 4:11  

 

               b. Calah---to be complete, maturity, full {old} age

                     Job 5:26; 30:2

 

               c. Ham ---the middle son of Noah

                             Shem    Ham   Japheth

                  definition of Ham: to enflame self

                   Ps. 105:23, 27; 106:22

 

     II. A Pitiful Case - “The Same is a Thief and a Robber”

 

         Acting through motives of self interest alone is highly criminal before God.

 

         Lk.10:30-37

                   1. Thieves —what’s yours is mine—I’ll take it.

                   2. Priest and Levite —what’s mine is mine—I’ll keep it.

                   3. Good Samaritan —what’s mine is yours—I’ll give it.

 

     III. A Perfect Man - “The Same is a Perfect Man”

                   1. Offend not in word v.2

                   2. Bridle the whole body ““

                   3. A wise man—good, clear, honest thinking v.13

                   4. Endued with knowledge ““

                   5. A good conversation—behavior, conduct ““

                   6. Meekness of wisdom—character ““