Be Perfect
2 Cor. 13:1-14
See: Vs.9, 11 Paul prays for the church of Corinth to be perfect. Remember this is the carnal minded church who Paul often rebuked and even in this text He tells them to examine themselves to see if they are even in the faith.
Perfect defined: It doesn’t mean sinless, but it does mean to become spiritually mature.
Mention: Genesis 6:9 A just man and perfect…
Also: Job 1:1 Was perfect and upright
See: Psalms 101:2 I will behave myself in a perfect way
See Also: 1 Chronicles 28:9 David tells Solomon to serve with a perfect heart
Mention: Hebrews 6:1 Let us go on to perfection
It is God that produces this perfection of the heart in us!
Mention: Psalms 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me…
How is this perfection wrought in our lives?
See: James 1:3-4
1. Patience
We all need to learn to wait on the Lord!
“God is never in a hurry”
David and Joseph: They two had to wait on the Lord for many years
God usually gives one of three answers when we pray; Yes, no or wait. I personally believe concerning me that God most of the time says “wait”
Through this patience He teaches us to trust Him!
2. Tribulation
Mention: Hebrews 2:10, 5:8-9 Through His sufferings the bible tells us that the man side of Jesus was made perfect
See: 1 Peter 5:10
All of life troubles prepares us for the journey ahead do not despise them
Hebrews 12:5 The word chastening has multiple meanings: Discipline, Training and Instruction.
God uses tribulations to mold us into the image of His Son!
3. Preaching and Teaching
See: Ephesians 4:11-12
And: 2 Tim. 3:16-17
4. Taming The Tongue
See: James 3:2
Prov. 10:19 The multitudes of words
And: Prov. 21:23
There are several areas we address when it comes to the tongue:
• Flattery- smooth talk with evil intent
• Falsehood- Lies
• Tattler- Truth with intent to hurt
The tongue is the littlest, but meanest member in every organization! Especially the Church
5. Choosing to Love
See: Matt. 5:43-48
Colossians 3:14 The bond of perfectness
There are several marks of this kind of love:
See: Luke 6:27-38
• Love Blesses its enemies (speak well of) Vs.28
• It Prays Vs.28
• It Gives Vs.28-29
• It’s Merciful Vs.35-37
See: 2 Chronicles 16:9
Then: Psalms 37:37 Mark the perfect man...
Mention: 2 Cor. 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
