This is probably the most important article in this series. The truth is I am unfinished. And thank God for that truth! I find myself in good company as I read the Scriptures though.
“For the good which I desire, I don’t do; but the evil which I don’t desire, that I practice. But if what I don’t desire, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me.” (Romans 7.19-20 WEB)
“The saying is faithful and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1.15 WEB)
“Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3.12 WEB)
The good news is that even the Apostle Paul struggled with sin in his life. He freely admitted that he had not yet arrived. Yet God used Paul to bring the gospel message to the Gentiles in an unprecedented ministry. The question is not whether we have attained perfection yet - for none of us have. The question is whether we will cooperate with what God is doing in us and allow him to use us for his glory.
There is hope, however. Deliverance will come for those that love God.
“What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me out of the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!” (WEB)
I do not expect perfection from any Christian. Nor did the Apostle Paul. I have not arrived any more than Paul had. But Paul expected what theologians call progressive sanctification. We may not have arrived at perfection yet but we should become more like Jesus as time goes by. The normal progression in the spiritual life involves becoming more refined and more God-like as we grow.
Post a Comment