I Know It All: Why do some Christians think they are so perfect?
Christian: Christians don’t think they are perfect. Usually, when I get asked this question it is because you have some conviction regarding the not-so-perfect condition of your heart. Could that be true?
I Know It All: Well, maybe.
Christian: Do you have a problem with Christians working toward perfection as God commands us in Matthew 5:48 to “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect?”
I Know It All: I don’t know. I guess not.
Christian: I can’t go through a day without being convicted about something. As Christians, we are not effortlessly perfecting flawnesness because we have a sinful nature. Instead we are striving for righteousness and holiness as God commands us. We slip up too but the difference is what we do when we slip up. Do we immediately regret and repent or do we just throw it aside with an ‘I won’t do it again’ attitude. The difference is how we react to the sin. We are to have a persevering fight regarding the sin in our lives – and to the eyes of the world it may look like stuck-up perfection – when in reality it is a striving for complete perfection. We are to be conforming to the image of Christ who is perfect. Perfect in Greek means “completed” so we are working toward a completion in Christ.
I Know It All: Well, I guess that makes sense.
Christian: We call ourselves and others to repent not because we know it all but because we know what will happen if we don’t. It is our love and concern that drives us to strive for God’s holiness and compassionately wanting others to do the same. Have you ever told a lie? Stolen anything? Taken God’s name in vain? Been jealous of something someone else had? Then you have sinned against our holy God and you must repent and put your trust in Jesus Christ.
I Know It All: I've tried really hard to just stop doing some things that I know are wrong but it doesn't seem to be working.
Christian: You can't just think that by stopping your actions that you will be saved. We are saved by grace through our faith in Christ, not by our actions. When you put your trust in the Lord then he gives you the desire to want to begin changing. You will then begin to produce the fruit -- which is the righteousness of God -- in your life. If you are truly calling upon his name then he promises to save and deliver you.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Perfect?
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3 comments:
Is this a conversation you recently had with someone? I think it's so good to be thinking about our response to these questions so that we are ready and don't miss any opportunities simply because we don't really know how to respond or don't feel comfortable talking about our faith. Andrew and I are role playing lots of different scenarios of business situations and spiritual ones.
The conversation of perfection did come up and I suppose you could say that something along these lines is my response. Just wanted to show an example of how something like that could be responsed to biblically. And of course we are told to be prepared to explain what we believe. Can't remember that verse right now!
Found the verses:
1 Peter 3:14-16 "But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."
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