let's just all be perfect
We are currently doing a study in our small group that focuses on walking as Jesus walked. We are trying to get to the heart of who Jesus is and what it means to do as he did. One thing I really appreciate so far is the bold declaration that we are called to be perfect. Matthew 5:48 says, "You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Jesus was perfect. It seems unfair considering he was (and is) God. But the focus of our study this last week was that he was also fully man. Jesus was man every bit as much as we are and had the same temptations we do - he simply didn't fall prey to them. Of course, he wasn't born with the same sinful nature that we are. He was born without sin. But when we follow him, die to ourselves, and receive that Holy Spirit, aren't we also without sin?
How quickly we discard our sins with thoughts like, of course I sinned, I'm only human. We may indeed be human and prone to sin, but we have been gifted with the Holy Spirit. We do not need to continue being trapped by sin; we can overcome it! We can overcome temptation. We can truly be perfect. Not on our own power, but through the power of God.
How much quicker do we sin when we have the mindset that it is inevitable? If we feel that we are imprisoned by sin, then we will quickly give in. But if we know that we have the ability to overcome it - we can! We have the ability to make our own choices and decisions and we have the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are in no way trapped.
When we stumble, we don't need to wallow in guilt. We don't need to mourn the past sins and mistakes. Those are forgiven. But we should never take advantage of that forgiveness. We should be motivated by it to go beyond ourselves. We should be motivated to rely on the Holy Spirit and live a life separate from sin.
If you have not confessed your sins to Jesus. If you haven't asked for his free gift of forgiveness. If you have not been baptized into NEW LIFE. You should do that! It truly is like being set free.
It sounds easy. But of course it's not. It is a life long struggle. We are being pulled two different ways. Heaven and Hell are very real and very active. We must keep our eyes, minds, goals, etc on our destination. Sin happens when we stop looking towards Heaven. So run with perseverance and keep your eyes on the finish line!
Jesus was perfect. It seems unfair considering he was (and is) God. But the focus of our study this last week was that he was also fully man. Jesus was man every bit as much as we are and had the same temptations we do - he simply didn't fall prey to them. Of course, he wasn't born with the same sinful nature that we are. He was born without sin. But when we follow him, die to ourselves, and receive that Holy Spirit, aren't we also without sin?
How quickly we discard our sins with thoughts like, of course I sinned, I'm only human. We may indeed be human and prone to sin, but we have been gifted with the Holy Spirit. We do not need to continue being trapped by sin; we can overcome it! We can overcome temptation. We can truly be perfect. Not on our own power, but through the power of God.
How much quicker do we sin when we have the mindset that it is inevitable? If we feel that we are imprisoned by sin, then we will quickly give in. But if we know that we have the ability to overcome it - we can! We have the ability to make our own choices and decisions and we have the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are in no way trapped.
When we stumble, we don't need to wallow in guilt. We don't need to mourn the past sins and mistakes. Those are forgiven. But we should never take advantage of that forgiveness. We should be motivated by it to go beyond ourselves. We should be motivated to rely on the Holy Spirit and live a life separate from sin.
If you have not confessed your sins to Jesus. If you haven't asked for his free gift of forgiveness. If you have not been baptized into NEW LIFE. You should do that! It truly is like being set free.
It sounds easy. But of course it's not. It is a life long struggle. We are being pulled two different ways. Heaven and Hell are very real and very active. We must keep our eyes, minds, goals, etc on our destination. Sin happens when we stop looking towards Heaven. So run with perseverance and keep your eyes on the finish line!
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