“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Introduction
One of the reasons why God gave us the Scriptures is so that we could come to spiritual maturity, in other words, perfection. There are two types of perfection mentioned in the Bible. Firstly, there is absolute perfection. Only God has this attribute. Secondly, there is the perfection we can aim for in this life. It is not achieved through good works or any other human means, but is an act of God upon the soul of the one who is truly dedicated to His will.
Spiritual maturity
“Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9) … “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil” (Job 1:1).
These men were not absolutely perfect, as their stories indicate, but were considered by God to be spiritually mature believers. They served God, walked uprightly and faithfully obeyed His word. This spiritual maturity can come no other way than this. “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1). The apostle Paul understood what it meant to be both imperfect yet perfect in God’s eyes. “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you” (Philippians 3:12-15). It is not what we or others see that matters, but how God Himself sees us.
Perfection is possible
We should not deceive ourselves into thinking that perfection is not possible in this life. Such a state is reached by those who press on until they are spiritually mature. “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart” (Psalm 101:2) … “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace” (Psalm 37:37). The Lord Jesus Christ told the rich young ruler, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21). Therefore perfection is not a dream but a very real possibility for every believer. In 2 Corinthians 13:11 Paul encourages his readers to be spiritually mature in Christ, “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.”
How to be spiritually mature
Our opening text reveals the foundation of spiritual maturity (perfection) in the life of a believer. We are missing the point if we think that the Scriptures are given simply to educate us or show us how to get to Heaven. They are given for the perfecting of God’s people. Lay down the Bible, and perfection is not possible. Refusing to hearken to the preaching and teaching of God’s word leaves us on sinking sand. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13).
It is through reading, studying and meditating upon God’s word that believers know what choices to make and which path to follow in order to reach maturity in Christ. The lack of it has caused the downfall of many. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). In the parable of the sower Jesus speaks of those who “When they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection” (Luke 8:14). Simply put, they fail to walk in holiness, maturely and uprightly. They may hear, but they never obey God’s word, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22).
Conclusion
Spiritual maturity is not measured by what grasp we have of theological issues or how many verses we can quote off by heart, instead it is measured by obedience to God’s will and purpose for us in this life. The Bible is given to bring us to such perfection. “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:27-28) … “That ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Colossians 4:12).
© 13/5/2008