Can we really be perfect? Human beings are far from perfect. We are no different than politicians who we just elected. We look at their faults and expect them to be perfect. We might end up thinking the same about ourselves. Do we have a funny idea about being perfect?
Genesis 6:8-9
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.
Genesis 17:1
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.
Some people carry tremendous guilt because they are not perfect. God wants us to be enthusiastic. Noah found grace and God told him to be perfect. If you received grace from God (unmerited favor), praise God that you have 2 natures. If you weren’t converted you would only have one nature.
Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. God took Enoch to heaven. Do we understand what it means to walk with God? Look at what Paul wrote in Romans 4:11 about Abraham: Abraham can have the perfect life. Is there anyone else here who can be perfect? Have a perfect heart after God’s own heart. David committed terrible sins and admitted them in Psalms 116:9 Walk with God and be perfect. One definition of what being perfect is all about-in the Bible it says-Walk with God. Do not live apart from God, you are perfect and inseparable. The reason people leave God’s church is the incredible connection with God is not there. Once you are converted you will stay in God’s church. Enoch, Noah, David and Abraham were all considered perfect by God. Noah got drunk and naked one time. Abraham almost committed adultery. David dove head first into adultery and murder. God wants us to notice we can go from a miserable Christian to a happy and joyous Christian. God regards a person perfect when they are willing to walk with Him. Jesus is the center of our lives. Jesus must be in the center. Ask for a new heart. When we feel sorry about all the sin we engaged in, God rejoices. God also rejoices when we surrender to Jesus. It doesn’t matter if were were alcoholic, adulterer, thief, or a criminal. Jesus gives us a clean heart and soul. This process makes us whole. Jesus gives us His victorious life. We take on Jesus character. He takes our punishment. Love is vital in this experience. We cannot be happy with someone we do not love. As we walk with Jesus, we may be tempted. Everything makes sense if we have love for Jesus. Does God want us to be happy? Think about your Christian life. When someone asks you why you don’t drink, eat that particular food, or watch that movie or program-if you aren’t filled wtih joy, we would reply “my religion forbids that”. What about Jesus? He knows what is best. If we are filled with joy, we would respond: “I don’t do that because Jesus would not do that or drink that”. Jesus should be our first Love and we can ask Him: “Do you like it”? Jesus should determine our actions. Walk daily with Jesus-seek His counsel on every decision. Our religion should not determine our actions. We treat someone kindly because we love Jesus. It’s not about never making a mistake. Praise God the Bible’s idea of perfection is walking with God like Enoch, Noah, David, and Abraham. Jesus suffered on the cross cause He loves you. You may stumble or fall. Walk with God. When asked by the nominating committee to serve the church, do not consider the responsibility as a job but as a ministry for Jesus.
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also,
I will walk before the LORD-In the land of the living.