MEMORISE:

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

READ: Genesis 17:1-2

1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

MESSAGE:

When something is perfect, it means that it is good in itself and there is no complaint about it. It also means that it is so good that it cannot be improved upon. Thus, a perfect Christian is one without blemish.

There are Christians who have been saved but not sanctified. Such people may easily get annoyed. Some are saved and sanctified and may not get annoyed as easily. I recall a rehearsal session for a drama that was to be staged in Church years ago. A scene required that a character become very annoyed but the actor assigned to the role could not bring himself to demonstrate anger, despite numerous attempts. He had dealt so completely with anger in his life that he could not even pretend to be angry. May you be sanctified to this point and beyond in Jesus’ name.

Without the power of the Holy Spirit however, even if you are saved and sanctified, you may still have limitations in fighting spiritual battles. Evil forces may overpower you if there were to be any encounter. 1 Peter 1:2 says:

“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”

To strive towards perfection as a Christian, you must first and foremost be Spirit-filled. Without the Holy Spirit, you cannot bear any of the different fruits (Galatians 5:22-23). For you to strive towards perfection as a Christian, three things must manifest in your life. First, you have to do things exactly how God Himself would do them. Knowing that God can only do things perfectly, you must see to it that you strive towards perfection in everything you do. Secondly, to strive towards perfection as a Christian, you will aspire to get to where God wants you to reach. You should never stop or rest until God’s purpose for you is accomplished. Many Christians backslide because they think they have attained the highest spiritual height. Thus, they become contended. Thirdly, you must be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48). I pray that God gives you the grace to be so in the mighty name of Jesus. amen.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, make me as perfect as You want me to be in every area of life, in the mighty name of Jesus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Hebrews 8-10.

HYMN 11:  I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR.

1. I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

o Refrain:

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;

Every hour I need Thee;

Oh, bless me now, my Savior,

I come to Thee.

2. I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;

Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.

3. I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;

Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

4. I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;

And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

5. I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;

Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.