âYou can live a perfect lifeââ¦âYou have the right to live the perfect lifeââ¦âYou are commanded to be perfe
HOW TO LIVE A PERFECT LIFE IN CHRIST God's Divine Roadmap
RICHARD IDOWU OKUNADE
Copyright © 2017 All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.
INTRODUCTION “You can live a perfect life”…“You have the right to live the perfect life”…”You are commanded to be perfect.” You may have heard messages similar to this and you will yet hear them today at every step. The world and some religious beliefs made us to understand that living a perfect life is not worth a try anyway because we will not be perfect. Their definition of a Perfect person is…someone who has managed to achieve his or her dreams in life. Many people are caught in this trap and they continuously strive to realize their dreams and achieve perfection in many (all) areas of their life. This leads us to constantly compare ourselves with others who may have reached that famous perfection in any area of their lives. In fact, we rarely have an insight into the real lives of these seemingly perfect people. Of course, the whole situation changes if we want to achieve a perfect life in union with Christ. Perfect ''life in Christ'' is not easy to achieve. The man who wants to live a Christian life, not understanding the meaning and its principles, takes a risk of making mistakes in his or her sense of judgment. For example, it happens that the man who does not know the meaning of the Christian life, trying to go to the meetings, live a Christian life faithful, but found himself short, may be disappointed and walks away from the church. If he doesn't know that provisions are there for him to help his infirmities.
TABLE OF CONTENT INTRODUCTION PART 1: HOW TO LIVE A PERFECT LIFE PART 2: GOD'S TEMPLATE FOR PERFECTION PART 3: CHRISTIANITY IS NOT JUST A SET OF MORAL RULES
PART 4: THE ORDINANCES OF PURIFICATION PART 5: I AM A GOOD SHEPHERD CONCLUSION: WHAT TO AVOID ON THE JOURNEY TO PERFECTION
PART 1 HOW TO LIVE A PERFECT LIFE Living a perfect life is God's idea and demands. It is a divine call to all mankind. For us to fully understand this divine concept, we must first understand some very important characters of God. First, it is impossible for God to lie. Secondly, He cannot ask us to do what is not possible or won't ask us to do what He will not give us capacity to achieve.
MEANING OF PERFECT We will look at few places the word is used in the Bible so as to give us a broad knowledge. 1. Noah: Genesis 6:9(KJV) These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. 2. Abraham: Genesis 17:1(KJV) And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. 3. Temple: 2 Chronicles 8:16(KJV) Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected 4. Colossians 4:12(KJV) Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in
prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 5. Man of God: 2 Timothy 3:17(KJV) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 6. James 1:4(KJV) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Note: Predominantly King James Version uses the word perfect while most of other versions uses completion, blameless, finished, faithfully, interchangeably for the word 'Perfect'
PERFECTION DEFINED DICTIONARY MEANING Cambridge: Complete, and correct in every way, of the best possible type or without fault. Oxford: Having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible. Free from flaw or defect in condition or quality; faultless. General meaning in my own opinion is that, it is a state of completion, blameless, honesty, integrity, faithfulness.God Himself called Noah perfect. He was a man of like passion. Does that mean, he was without mistakes? No. We all knew what happened to him later on in life after the flood. How he got drunk and lay down naked without any shame (Genesis 9:21). As long as a man is faithful to God, he is perfect.
In this natural world we would all make mistakes, unintentionally commit sins due to the sinful nature we still have. Bible called it earthly tabernacle. Until the day we all get rid of it, we shall all fall short at one point or the other regardless of how careful we are because of some subtle sins we all have tendencies to commit, such as pride, fear, anxiety, worry, selfishness, impatient, among others.
PART 2 GOD'S TEMPLATE FOR PERFECTION Concerning Abraham, God told him how to be perfect. He told him emphatically how he would become a Perfect person. He told him he had to continually walk with Him (God). God is the same today and forever. Which means His template would be the same for all ages. One thing is clear: God wants His Children to live a perfect life. Jesus also used the same template. Each time He called out His disciples, He would say," Follow me". No one can be perfect by standing still. Every journey of our lives requires following Jesus’ footsteps. We must walk as He walked. Walking like Him is to be faithful to Him, do what He did and avoid what He avoided. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, Matthew 4:19a (NIV) To be perfect, we must focus on heaven and not the earth. It is the determination to be like Jesus. Do things like Him, talk like Him. It is a non-stop journey; a journey with a purpose, a forward movement. At the age of ninety-nine years, God appeared to Abraham and instructed him with the phrase "Walk Before Me" and be perfect. It is clear from the text that God didn't ask him to stand but walk. “Walk” being something about motion is very important to our study. For the fact that it was a direct statement from God, will give us His perspective on the phrase and the principles to apply.
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. Genesis 17:1 (KJV) The road to perfection is a long journey that ends in heaven. It is a non-stop journey, a journey with purpose; purpose to please God, to live right before God and man. God requires our genuineness of hearts before we can be made perfect.
PART 3 CHRISTIANITY IS NOT JUST A SET OF MORAL RULES Many people mistakenly perceive Christian morality only as a set of rules. Looking at it, they like to say that this is a set of rules, even beautiful, but completely unfulfillable. Indeed, in our time, even the Old Testament commandments "do not kill," "do not commit adultery" and "an eye for an eye" seem unattainable for some people. What do we say about the commandments of Christ, which in the opinion of all requires much more: "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” (Matthew 5:21) as well as many others. The fallacy lies in the fact that those people do not see the main thing - that God does not only give orders to His Children, but He also gives the power for their fulfillment. Some people think that supposedly evangelical commandments in principle cannot be fulfilled. That God has given them to people not so that they would realize them, but as some sort of ideal to be pursued, which can never be attained. And because of the awareness of the impossibility of achieving that ideal person, become aware of their nothingness and thus gain their peace. However, similar view has nothing in common with the truth. It distorts the very meaning of our faith. Again, He did not just explain how to do it, but He gives the power to do so. Even
the apostles, when they heard the first commandment of Christ, were astonished with their unfulfillment.
CHRISTIAN MORALITY AND PERFECT LIFE This misconception has to do with the attitude of some people who do not understand the essence of Christian morality and a sense of fulfillment in obeying God. They think that they should be fulfilled because it is the tradition of our people and our ancestors, or because the fulfillment of the commandment will help the healing of the community life. Or they are simply saying, "it is necessary to do so because God said so", without trying to understand the meaning of what we are commanded. And why God has commanded it. Be sure to trust God without reserve, but we need to try and understand His words. Abraham is an example of that.
THE POWER OF CHOICE God gave humans a free will. Every man has two things: to be with God or against Him. The choice is precisely this: "He who is not with me is against me" (Matthew 12:30). There is no middle ground. God loves all His creations and wants all men to be with Him. However, He does not force anyone. The meaning of this earthly life is - to decide and choose. While a man is alive, it is not too late to choose. However, after death, he cannot do anything or correct anything. A man with genuineness of life to live holy surely activates the grace of God to make it happen.
WAYS OF ACHIEVING THE PERFECT LIFE THROUGH CHRISTIAN MORALITY For many people, unfortunately, the notion of Christian morality and the means of achieving it rely exclusively on the waiver list – “do not do this and that and it should not be done this and that.” Seeing such a list, a secular man applies it to his life, reads from it all that is listed in the list and asks the question like: “…So what is left of my life and with what can I fill the void that was created?” So, incidentally, mostly derived following widespread stereotype that supposedly moral life of man is inevitably dull and insipid. Some think that this order has a chronological sequence, that in the beginning it is necessary for one to be removed from evil; this is followed by doing good. In reality, these things are related to each other – doing good helps the removal of evil and the removal of evil leave more opportunities to do good. The commandment "do good" shows that God has, for every human, the perspective of abundant and interesting life of grace - a perfect life.
PART 4 THE ORDINANCES OF PURIFICATION WASHING FOR CLEANSING To achieve perfection, we need thorough washing, by the word of God and the blood of Jesus. The importance of the Holy Spirit cannot be over emphasised. Walking in the flesh or lustful desires can only stagnant our journey to perfection. When we walk in the Spirit, we will always get things right by making the right decisions. The word of God washes us, the washing takes place by obeying what we read and study from the word of God. How can a young person stay on the path of purity?By living according to your word. (Psalm 11:9NIV) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11NIV)
WE HAVE NO EXCUSE NOT TO BE PERFECT Jesus is coming back for the believers without blemish,spots and wrinkles. To make heaven, we must live a holy life. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying I don't make mistakes or commits acts of sin sometimes. Each time this happened, I correct my ways immediately through repentance and confession. What I don't do is to continue justifying myself or give excuses in such situations.
We are humans; we make decisions, sometimes in a hurry without asking to know the mind of God concerning that situation. Sometimes we only talk to God and seek His counsel concerning the big issues of our lives whereas God has opinions on every small matter of our lives. I have learnt a lot from these mistakes and still learning. …for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. Proverbs 24:16 NIV However, many have used the excuse of human imperfections to perpetuate themselves in sinful acts or make less effort to live right. Some people use excuses to cover their wilful sins by saying no one is perfect. We know God is not a liar. He can't say what we can't do. Whoever continues to deliberately sin cannot be perfected and is in danger of losing his/her salvation. Perfect life is a consistent life; walking righteously before God and man and having good testimony among men. And they glorified God because of me. Galatians 1:24 (BSB)
PART 5 I AM A GOOD SHEPHERD Walking to perfection is like a Shepherd and sheep relationship. A sheep must be at the front while the Shepherd stays at the back for a better view. But when we have a sheep staying at the back and the Shepherd at the front, the sheep become vulnerable, out of touch , out of coverage and such sheep could be eaten by a predator or get lost. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. John 10:11-12 (NKJV) Ideally to live a perfect life, God must be the one leading from the back. Similarly, Jesus Christ metaphorically says, He is a good Shepherd. In the real world the Shepherd direct from the back while the sheep stays at the front. As a father of 3 young girls, each time we go out and decided to walk, maybe to the nearest corner shop, my wife and I cannot afford to leave the kids behind us. They remain at the front where we can see them and watch what they are doing. Same is walking with God. He wants to see us heed to His instructions. Walking before God means obeying His words.
THE GOOD SHEPHERD ROADMAP TO PERFECTION Looking at Psalm 23 line by line using the NIV Bible.
1. The Lord is my shepherd: Allowing God to lead us and having a bond with Him. I lack nothing: Depending on God for our livelihood and sustenance. 2. He makes me lie down in green pastures: Allowing God to give us direction, He knows where it is best for us. It is in that place we will have rest and peace of minds. He leads me beside quiet waters: Allowing God to lead us where our souls will find rest and fulfillment. 3. He refreshes my soul: By allowing God to restore and return our souls back to Him whenever it starts wandering and straying from Him. He guides me along the right paths: Allowing God to give us direction and the way to go. There are many wrong paths He will help us to avoid, but we must allow Him by inquiring for direction and adhering to His instructions. For His name's sake: Doing everything with respect and honouring His name. If God is doing things because of the value and integrity of His name, we must do everything not to soil or tarnish that name. 4. Even though I walk through the darkest valley: Trusting in Him in our darkest hour; period of uncertainty and fear. Trust in His presence around us that He is there to protect and see us through. I will fear no evil: Trusting in God’s protection without giving in to anxiety and trepidation. No evil shall befall us when Our Shepherd is around with us.
For you are with me: Trusting on the faithfulness of God. He is ever faithful to His promises and abiding presence. He promised not to leave nor forsake us. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me: Knowing that God will discipline us whenever we err. He disciplines His Children because He loves us; He chastises us where necessary so as to let us know we are straying and also to be a warning to us not to repeat such mistakes. 5. You prepare a table without me in the presence of my enemies: We are to put our trust in God, knowing full well that whenever He is with us, the power of human enemies and Satan is useless. Many believers, fear Satan more than God, this shouldn’t be. You anoint my head with oil: The anointing of God is for our empowerment. It gives us power over the enemy and other negative forces that may want to derail us in the journey to perfection. It releases the ability of God upon us to excel. Our heads must not be dry of oil. We must avoid sins to maintain and sustain the flow. My cup overflow: Jesus promises us abundant life. God desires to give us better lives. If we allow Him to be in charge and control of our lives, He will do much more than we ask or think. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life: We must rest in the promises and availability of God’s goodness for each day of our lives. He loves us unconditionally and is ready to be good to us at all times.
And I will dwell in the house of God forever: This is the vow we must make. We must determine not to forsake the gathering of the brethren. We must be committed to serve in His house, where we will be able to express ourselves in the use of our talents and gifts. Our commitment to Psalm 23 will help and strengthen us to live a perfect life one day at a time. It is the roadmap given to us to achieve perfection.
CONCLUSION WHAT TO AVOID ON THE JOURNEY TO PERFECTION
Avoid entangling yourself with things of the world. 2 Timothy 2:4 Avoid anything that easily gives you setback. Hebrews 12:1 Avoid indiscipline. 1 Corinthians 10:23 Avoid unforgiveness, don't harbour offenses and grudges. Avoid willful sins. Hebrews 10:26 Avoid hesitation to ask for forgiveness from God any time you err (1 John 1:9), and be determined not to repeat the same acts and ask for the grace of God to be consistent. 2 Corinthians 12:19
In my conclusion, God wants His children to be perfect. But on our journey to be perfect we must take one step at a time by correcting ourselves where we make mistakes. We must always ask for forgiveness for any sin committed. We must avoid deliberate sins: they are dangerous. (Hebrews 10:26). We must continue to live prayerful lives and be students of the word of God. If you are regular in doing all this, you are in motion, you are being perfected. God bless.
THE PRAYER OF SALVATION If you have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, this is the right time to do so. You are not reading this book by accident. Only confess your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour; do so prayerfully and from the depth of your heart. Kindly say this prayer and mean it with faith in your heart: “O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord, for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Halleluiah!” If you have done that, believe your sins are forgiven, and you are now a child of God. For your spiritual growth, you need to join yourself to a Bible believing Church in your area. You may contact me by submitting your details through my social media contact if you need guidance and counselling. God bless
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Blessed with a passion for serving God through teaching and evangelistic ministry, Richard Idowu Okunade is currently a Bible Study Teacher Leader in his local Parish Church. He believes that the application of Wisdom from God’s word is the solution to everyman’s problems. He is a teacher of God's word with a burning passion and commitment to world evangelism. For more information you can contact the author via: Twitter: https://twitter.com/richardokunade Facebook: Live By The Word Bible Study Group Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/livebytheword75 Website: www.livebytheword.blog
