Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Examples of perfect people:
Noah – Gen 6:9; Job – Job 1:1; David – Psa 101:2; Asa – 1 Ki 15:14.
What is the meaning of “perfect”?
When we hear or use the word perfect we mean without any flaw or sin in any way. However, the words used in both the OT and NT do not carry that meaning. Some translate it as maturity or mature. While the NT Greek does carry that idea it is not the main force behind the word used. The OT words used do not carry that meaning or mature. The Greek word telios means “complete in various forms” – mental and moral form”. It carries the idea of without blemish or spot but not mature. Mature deals with age and length of growth. Complete deals with nothing out of place in character and moral/spiritual light. (It says Noah was perfect in his generation). Sinless perfection is found only in Christ not man. Paul strived for perfection but acknowledged he had not achieved (Phil 3:12).
What brings perfection?
The idea of perfection in its proper sense is not something ignored by God and He explains it in various passages. The church is to become “perfect” through the teaching of the word Eph 4:12-14. Trails are designed to bring us into that complete state god desires Jam 1:2-4. Jesus prayed for us to be perfect in order to be witnesses to the world Jn 17:23. Paul preached and warned those he ministered to in order to present them perfect before God Col 1:28.
Developing spiritual perfection:
Studying and reading the word and then applying it to our life brings us to the point of perfection Heb 5:13-14. In order to become the person God wants from us we need to pay attention to His word and then make it a part of our life Jam 1:21. To engraft is to implant it in our life, heart and soul. Jesus said He wants a church without spot or wrinkle and He accomplishes this by the washing of the word Eph 5;27.
What perfection reveals:
Seeking perfection as taught in Scripture will reveal the imperfections in our character and spirit. Such things as immorality, prejudice, stubbornness, etc. Reading and studying the word aids us to see our true self in light of God’s revealed will in His word. God used the illustration of circumcision of the heart to teach this truth Jer 4:4; Deut 10:16. Immorality and other evil attaches itself to our hearts and it takes the sharp word to cut it off w/o cutting the heart. The word is needed because God tells us that our hearts are desperately wicked Jer 17:9.