Becoming Perfect
Series: Becoming….Transformed into His Image
Scripture: Matthew 5:48; Philippians 2:5-11

God’s intended goal for us isn’t a _______________ life of faith where we’re “saved and done,” but that we’d _______________ a Christ-like _____________________.
Our calling is to continue to ________________ and ____________ spiritual maturity despite our bumps, bruises, and blemishes.

teleios (tel·i·os): (1) brought to its end, finished. (2) wanting nothing necessary to completeness. (3) perfect. (4) that which is perfect. (4a) consummate human integrity and virtue. (4b) full grown, adult, of full age, mature.

“perfect” = a dynamic ___________ that emphasizes internal _____________ rather than a final, concrete endpoint.

We believe that the power of God can actually ____________ us as we __________ to his Spirit!

How do we become spiritually mature (teleios) Christlike disciples?
• It requires us to ___________ ________________ with the sanctifying grace of God.
• ___________________ - the process of full _______________ to God.
• Philippians 2:5-11
• ____________________ and ______________ of our will is our part of the process.

Cycle of Victorious Living: Revelation - _____________ - sanctify - _________________ = goal is ________________ of heart and _________.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:23
• The Holy Spirit entirely _____________ what the believer fully _________________.

Start talking:
• What’s a skill or hobby you’ve improved at over time through practice?
• Why do people sometimes avoid trying something if they know they won’t do it perfectly?
• When you hear the word “perfect,” what comes to mind first?

Start Thinking:
• How is spiritual maturity different from flawlessness?
• Why is understanding Jesus’ use of “perfect” in Matthew 5:48 so important?
• What does the word teleios teach us about God’s goal for believers?
• Why do you think many Christians assume maturity is unattainable?
• How does consecration connect to spiritual maturity?
• What role does surrender play in sanctification?
• Why does God require our cooperation instead of forcing transformation?
• What is the “cycle of victorious living” described in the sermon?

Start Sharing:
• In what area of your life do you most need spiritual growth right now?
• Are there areas you struggle to fully surrender to God? Why?
• Have you experienced a time when surrender led to deeper spiritual victory?
• What tends to hinder your spiritual growth most?
• How have you seen God mature you over time?
• Is the Holy Spirit prompting you toward a new level of surrender in any area?

Start Praying:
• Ask God to reveal any area of your life not fully surrendered to Him.
• Pray for courage to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work in your life.
• Ask God to continue maturing you into the image of Christ.

Start Doing:
• Identify one area of resistance or self-will to surrender this week.
• Spend time daily asking God, “What are You shaping in me right now?”
• Take one practical step of obedience in response to what God reveals.