Plantation SDA Church
Join us as Pastor Joseph Salajan continues our new Series Deeper. Deep study into the book of Matthew
Deeper Theme: Some people believe that in the Bible "perfect" means total sinlessness. But is that the right definition for "perfect"? What does it mean, "be perfect as your Heavenly Father"!?
Matthew 5:48 ESV
What does it mean “perfect”?
• Heresies
• Moral: once you become perfect, you will not/cannot sin…
• Materialistic: you cannot become sic; color of hair…
• Mechanical: restrictions, self-flagellation, self-mutilation, celibacy, castration
• Character Transfer: what I do is not important; Jesus in me is perfect…
• → TEXT + CONTEXT: Matthew 5:17-48
Matthew 5:19-20 NKJV
Matthew 5:21-22 NKJV
Challenge
Can you commit murder without shedding blood?
• Anger →
• Calling names
• Raca: empty-head, idiot
• You fool! → 1) foolish 2) impious, godless
Matthew 5:27-30 NKJV
Challenge
Can you commit adultery without a physical sexual act?
• Brain – the most powerful sexual organ
• Lust → eyes, hands → hyperbole
• CUT IT OUT!!!
Matthew 5:31-32 NKJV
Challenge
If you divorce your spouse can you get remarried?
• Apoluo: set free, send away, put away, release, let
go, dismiss most powerful sexual organ…
• The only ground: porneia – fornication –sexual
in nature – does it include lust???
• whoever marries a woman who is divorced (sent away) commits adultery…
Matthew 5:33-37 NKJV
Challenge
So are we allowed to swear, or not?
• Swear: bad language
• Swear: solemn promise
• Swear: pledge allegiance
• Swear by something – to give power to your words… NO!
Matthew 5:38-40 NKJV
Challenge
Is a Christian allowed to use violence as self defense?
• (Only) one eye for one eye: the law of retaliation
• It doesn’t mean you have to enjoy violence!
• Don’t be confrontational! Don’t retort!
• Be proactive, not reactive!
• Go that extra mile!!!
Matthew 5:43-48 NKJV
Challenge
So, then, what is perfection in this context?
• Telos: aim, ultimate end, goal, purpose
• Teleios: in full measure, undivided, complete, entire, mature, perfect
• Love your enemies → sons of your Father
• Be what you are meant to be: LOVE for EVERYBODY!
Your Take-Away
•What makes you special, is your love for your enemies! ☺
• Perfection is more about what you’re meant/destined to do, rather than what you’re not allowed to do!