I. EXORDIUM:
Are we perfect?
II. AUDIENCE PROFILE:
Believers
III. OBJECTIVES:
To show that we are made perfect while here on earth
IV. TEXT:
Matthew 5:48 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
V. THESIS:
Be perfect while here on earth
VI. TITLE:
Be Perfect
VII. EXPLICATION:
A. Author: Apostle Matthew
B. Time of Writing: 70 A.D. (uncertain)
C. Intended Audience: Jews
VIII. MAIN BODY:
A. Be Perfect for our GOD, the Father in Heaven is perfect.
1. Our role model is GOD, the Father in Heaven
Deuteronomy 32:4 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!
Psalms 18:30 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
Ecclesiastes 3:14 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him.
Matthew 5:48 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
2. Command is not given if it can't be done.
3. It's commanded here while we are alive on earth.
4. Perfect came from Greek word: telios meaning complete in various applications of labor, growth, mental, and moral character
B. Essential Elements of Perfection
1. Benevolence - Matthew 19:21
Matthew 19:21 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
2. Love - Colossians 3:14
Colossians 3:14 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
3. Good Works - James 2:22
James 2:22 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.
4. Control of the Tongue - James 3:2
James 3:2 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
5. Obedience - 1 John 2:5
1 John 2:5 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.
C. Duty to be Perfect:
1. Replace the old ways of the old covenant - 2 Corinthians 3:11
2 Corinthians 3:11 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!
2. Measure to the full and complete standard of CHRIST - Ephesians 4:13
Ephesians 4:13 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
3. Be perfect in our relationship to CHRIST - Colossians 1:28
Colossians 1:28 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.
4. Become mature in our understanding - Hebrews 6:1
Hebrews 6:1 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.
5. Be perfect and complete - James 1:4
James 1:4 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
IX. CONCLUSION:
Matthew 5:48 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
