The Gospel
of Matthew
Outline 15
The Higher Life
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in
heaven is perfect Matthew 5:48
This amazing statement is made by Jesus as we step away from chapters five into six. It is so profound that we have to stop and take a look at it properly. Theologians believe that this verse has direct correlation with Deuteronomy 18:13. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. How can a man be perfect or walk blameless? Is that possible?!! Isn’t being perfect reserved for when we cross over into eternity?
To understand this better, we need to look at the root word used here for perfect or blameless; teleios – goal, purpose, adult, full-grown, of full age. It’s inherent meaning is that of maturity. It means that we should grow up and stop acting like children but as mature adults
in Love. When I was a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1Corinthians 13:11
God’s perfection is absolute while man’s is relative, reaching the goal set for him by God with each individual differing according to his God-given ability. The teleios is one who who has attained his moral end, the goal for which he was intended, namely, to be a man obedient in Christ. Zodhiates Greek Lexicon.
The LORD says to Abraham, I am Almighty God, walk before me and be blameless. Genesis 17:1
·Walk before me and have real integrity
· Live in the consciousness of My Presence
· Walk before me and be complete
· Walk before me and be perfect in Love
Him we preach, warning everyman and teaching everyman in all wisdom, that we present everyman perfect in Christ Jesus. Colossians 1:28
Be ye followers of God as dear children: and walk in love as Christ also hath loved us...Eph 5:1-2
We are being challenged to behave like God; copying His attribute of LOVE. We do not need to take our cue from people or need their approval to do what is right. The inner life of Christ produces a Higher life that overrides shallowness, pride and pettiness.
Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Matthew 6:1
...and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly
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