Toward Spiritual Perfection: Principles for the Maturing Christian

By Jeff Marshall

Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word he will never see death.
Jesus the Christ

Do you know what God desires of you to fulfill His purpose for your life?

What does it mean to seek Gods spiritual perfection? When we see the word perfection, we see an unattainable ideal. How can we be perfect even spiritually perfect?

The Bible explains that in the life of Jesus the Christ, The Child continued to grow and become strong, becoming full of wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him [Luke 2:40]. Jesus would later say, Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect [Matthew 5:48].

If you are eager to live life on your terms and worship your own way, then this book is not for you. Towards Spiritual Perfection examines the Bible from Gods perspectiveHis will for usand stresses that to be like His Son, we must deny our own wants and desires every day of our lives [Luke 9:23].

Are you ready to do Gods will, His way? If so, this book of practical principles is a must for you, as you mature in Christ.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 6, 2011
• ISBN: 9781449714758

Jeff Marshall

Jeff Marshall was educated in the Caribbean island of Jamaica, Great Britain, and the USA; he has been teaching, preaching, and writing about biblical principles for over twenty years. Marshall has taught the Bible to all ages and all levels, always emphasizing the supremacy of God, denial of self, and man's responsibility and accountability to God regardless the cost. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

Book preview

Toward

Spiritual

Perfection

Principles for

the Maturing Christian

Jeff Marshall

missing image file

Copyright © 2011 Jeff Marshall

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.lockman.org)

WestBow Press books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

1-[phone]

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4497-1476-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-1477-2 (dj)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-1475-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011926057

Printed in the United States of America

WestBow Press rev. date: 3/30/2011

Dedication

To my beautiful girls, Hoo Lynn and Sue Lynn, who are not only my beloved children, but also sisters in Christ, sharing the same precious faith. Their continued faithfulness and love for God coupled with an abiding affection for their dad are daily reminders of the joy a father feels in knowing that a common bond is shared through our sojourn on planet Earth.

Thank you for your love, encouragement, and patience; indispensable support to which I am deeply and happily grateful.

Acknowledgments

This work would not be possible without expressing my appreciation to my Heavenly Father who has blessed me with His wisdom. I am grateful for the assistance of my family, who helped shape the thought process for this work, through their patience under my tutorage, and in our practical home Bible Studies.

Special mention and my deepest appreciation go to my wife, Yun, who has been a pillar of strength and encouragement in the writing of this manuscript. Without her support, this work would not come to fruition.

My thanks also go to my son–in–law, John Everson, for his editorial assistance in translating this work into a workable book manuscript. In addition, my parents, Winfield and Frances Marshall, who taught me the true value of the covenant relationship that God designed for eternal life. Lastly, the students who have given me great joy by using their minds to discern God’s word for themselves.

The Lord has been truly gracious and merciful to me.

–––Jeff Marshall

Preface

As God’s people, Christians, we are challenged to be the example to the world (Matthew 5:16), as we imitate Jesus Christ (Luke 2:52; Ephesians 5:1–2); the intended result being to show how much we appreciate what God has done, and continues to do in our lives, and our response as we remain true and faithful to Him (1John 3:7).

Our attitude and actions should be prompted and distinguished by our love for God and our fellow man (Luke 10:27; Jude 20–25). This requires a concerted effort of a diligent presentation of self (2Timothy 2:15; 2Corinthians 13:5; Mark 8:34; Romans 12:1–3) and a sincere practice of God’s Word (James 1:22; 2Chronicles 14:2) from the heart of the Christian.

Through Jesus Christ, with the help of the Holy Spirit and our application of God’s Word, coupled with the right heart and spirit, we should be confident of the hope that is within us. With this in mind, the approach of this book of lessons is based on the following personalized statement:

What has Jesus Christ done for me, His example, and what is His desired response of me to Himself through my sincere and honest application of His Word?

In some cases, figurative, literal or words (not found in the Greek language) will be embedded in the text for accuracy and clarity.

This study is meant to be a personal and pointed soul searching series of spiritual reflection for maturing Christians in the LORD’s Church. Most statements and comments will be difficult to digest because of there implications. It is hoped that students of God’s word, will honestly evaluate their spirituality, difficult as it will be, and become more accountable and responsible in their Christian walk with Christ.

May God be with your studies as you seek to: prove all things (Acts 17:11; 1Thessalonians 5:21), mature in Him, and glorify Him as the only true and Living God and Lord of your life.

–––Jeff Marshall

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Preface

God’s Plan of Salvation

Introduction

Who Am I in Jesus, the Christ?

Mature in Jesus Christ

Complement your Faith

The Holy Spirit

The Word of God

Grow in God’s Salvation

Pleasing God

Mold a Prayerful Heart

Mold A Thankful Heart

Mold an Evangelistic Heart

Mold an Agape Heart

Mold A Righteous Heart

Mold a Forgiving Heart

Exercise Your Gift

Assemble With Saints

Praising God in Song

The Reality of Hell

The Reality of Heaven

The Christian Conduct

About the Author

God’s Plan of Salvation

Introduction

Perfection (pəˈfɛkʃən) noun. (1) The action, process, or fact of making perfect or bringing to completion; completing, consummating, finishing, accomplishing. (2) The fact or condition of being perfected or completed; completion; completed state, completeness. (3) The condition, state, or quality of being perfect or free from all defect; supreme excellence; flawlessness, faultlessness. It is often treated as a matter of degree: Comparative excellence. (4) The condition or state of being morally perfect; holiness. Christian perfection, the relatively perfect holiness attainable by man, in distinction from the absolute divine perfection. (5) The most perfect degree, the highest pitch (of a quality, condition, faculty, etc.); the extreme or height (of anything good or evil). (6) Proficiency in some accomplishment or art.

What you believe and practice before God is most important, as you walk with Him. We are spiritual beings living a temporary human experience, thus your spiritual perfection should be your life’s aim. You must therefore develop a spiritual attitude that embodies, I always do the things that are pleasing to Him (John 8:29). This can only be done when, we make it our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him (2Corinthians 5:9). Are you doing your best to move toward spiritual perfection?

Assuming you are honest with yourself and rightly answered that question, there happens to be a specific way to meet God’s standard of walking with Him. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me (John 14:6). In order to walk truthfully and faithfully in His way, truth and life, we need to be submissive to His way, the truth of God’s word and live a life that exemplifies Christ. Nevertheless, most people use two very different methods toward spiritual perfection. I call them ‘lifestyle choices’.

One lifestyle is extremely appealing to the eyes, and looks like the way, the truth, and the life, but when tested, in reality, leads toward and ends in spiritual punishment. The other lifestyle, though somewhat unappealing to the eyes, is the right way, the truth and leads towards spiritual perfection and ends in eternal life.

Each choice represents a way we think we should build on the foundation of Christ. Self–indulgence and a need to be like the world, mars the first lifestyle choice. This lifestyle does encourage the heart of man to exemplify the call of God, Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world (1John 2:15–16), but instead, strives to shape God’s standard into a palatable one, in order for mankind to enjoy the world’s offerings.

This sort of lifestyle choice dulls the heart from loving the Lord (your) God with all (your) heart and with all (your) soul and with all (your) might (Deuteronomy 6:5). It crushes the thought that, you have been bought with a price (1Corinthians 6:20) and you are not your own (6:19). It does not even recognize Jesus’ formula for true success. For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. But if any man builds on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; each man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man’s work of what sort it is (3:11–13). Ultimately, this continuously deceptive lifestyle choice despises God’s method of spiritual perfection.

On the other hand, self–denial and purity, saturates the second lifestyle choice. It gets the heart of man to advance in Testing (yourselves) to see if you are in the faith (2Corinthians 13:5) with the view of conforming to Jesus’ command, If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me (Mark 8:34). This is the way, toward spiritual perfection.

This lifestyle choice ensures that God’s children concentrate on that which is important; keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1) by Setting it’s (your) mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth (3:2) because it truly recognizes that the carnal heart of man, has died and (your) life is hidden with Christ in God (3:3).

Have you died? Do you understand that, to achieve spiritual perfection, you have to think and live like Paul who imitated Christ (1Corinthians 11:1)? Paul said, I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me (Galatians 2:20). That is what moving toward spiritual perfection takes: death of self. Are you willing to do this? Are you ready to obey God’s command: be girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance: but like as He who called you is holy, be you yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, You shall be holy; for I am holy? (1Peter 1:13–16)

Jesus Christ told us that to achieve perfection, was a very simple thing to do. He said, For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome (1John 5:3). Are you ready to do it His way? You can. If you live by the words of Christ, Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light (Matthew 11:28–30), then come to spiritual perfection His way, come by His truth and by the life He led. Are you willing?

If you desire spiritual perfection, God’s way; this book of biblical principles will help you see the mind of God, how He wants you to live, and how to walk steady and straight toward God’s spiritual perfection. Each section of each chapter requires an honesty and self-examination to prove that you are really in the faith and going for the truth (2Corinthians 13:8). Are you ready to take each step?

Who Am I in Jesus, the Christ?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him, nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men (John 1:1–4).

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to this earth, taught, and lived a life (Luke 2:52), which was pleasing to God (John 8:29). Because of His love for mankind, He gave Himself, a loving service, to redeem us from the penalty of sin (Romans 6:23) on that cruel cross.

As baptized believers, added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:47), Christians should emulate Christ (Ephesians 5:1–2) in unadulterated thought, word and conduct befitting His approval as God’s son (Luke 3:22). We recognize Jesus’ sovereignty in our lives and shine as light in this world (Matthew 5:14–16) with sincere love and service, denying selfish desires, exercising genuine faith and seeking after Him and that heavenly home which has been prepared (John 14:6).

Who Am I in Jesus, the Christ?

The Word of God says, If you continue in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (John 8:31–32)

INTRODUCTION

How does God define who is a Christian? Is he a person who accepts Jesus as His savior through prayer? Is he a person who does good deeds before God without obedience to His plan of salvation? Is he a person who God gives His Spirit to, through baptism in water?

A Christian is a person whom: God determines belongs to Jesus Christ (2Timothy 2:19) and is identifiable by the Holy Spirit, whom he has received from God (Romans 8:14–16) through the keeping of His commandments (John 14:15; Ephesians 2:10). We do not meet the condition to belong to Christ unless (a) Jesus Christ has been crucified for us (b) we have been immersed in Christ’s name under the correct teaching and (c) continue allowing God’s Word to arbitrate our lives. Therefore we have been buried with Him through immersion into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).

It is extremely important to understand that God adds us to His Church as Christians after penitent belief and conviction, confession of Christ and immersion in water ‘into’ Christ.

As a Christian, you do not get to choose who you want to be in Christ. You have to be who Jesus Christ wants you to be. The Bible says, as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance: but like as He who called you is holy, be you yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, You shall be Holy; for I am Holy (1Peter 1:14–16).

The goal of every Christian is to hate self (Luke 14:26) and to change into and embrace the person, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who God desires (Luke 3:22). Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a unhypocritical love (1Peter 1:22), it should be understood that:

I Have Received: