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Spiritual Sight

The Eternal Purpose of God

Part IV

2 Ti

mot

hy 2

:20,

21But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

What Is God’s Purpose for

Us?

Mat

thew

17:

1-3And after six days Jesus

taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

was this?Which Moses

Was this the Moses…• In the bulrushes?• That murdered the

Egyptian?• That didn’t want to

lead the children of Israel?

Luk

e 9:

30,3

1And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

or performing a valuable service?

Where Moses and Elijah

here retired,

or something with more purpose?

Is heaven eternal retirement,

1 C

orin

thia

ns 6

:2,3Do ye not know that the

saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

Luk

e 16

:23And in hell he lift up his eyes,

being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

or performing a service?

Was Abraham retired here,

Rev

elat

ion

22:4

,5And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

or Queen Elizabeth, or any other modern monarch.

Is reigning work?

Ask the king of Denmark,

Rev

elat

ion

2:26And he that overcometh, and

keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

sound like eternal retirement?

Does this description

Rev

elat

ion

5:9,

10And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

teach premillinealism.

This passage

does NOT

of the new earth.These are reigning priests

What Is God Trying to

Accomplish in Us?

Rom

ans 9

:22-

24What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but

Rom

ans 9

:22-

24also of the Gentiles?

vessels of mercy.

God is preparing

Luk

e 12

:43-

47Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The

Luk

e 12

:43-

47lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

to take part in that preparation!

We have a responsibility

Rev

elat

ion

21:1

-7And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the

Rev

elat

ion

21:1

-7tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are

Rev

elat

ion

21:1

-7passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that

Rev

elat

ion

21:1

-7overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

New Jerusalem is prepared.

Notice how

This is the purposefor Christ’s sacrifice!

Titu

s 2:1

3,14Looking for that blessed hope,

and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

that we were created.

This is the reason

Eph

esia

ns 2

:10For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

is only the beginning of the picture!

Evangelism

Mat

thew

28:

19,2

0Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

for those who are the called according to His purpose.

This is what God has

ordained

Rom

ans 8

:28,

29And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

of being a disciple.

This is the purpose

Mat

thew

10:

24ffThe disciple is not above his

master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord…

God Calls This “Perfect”

Luk

e 6:

40The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

• Not glow in the dark and walk on water.

• Not sinless – never even one time.

What does God call “perfect”?

• Not mean you can’t be tempted; (otherwise, how do we explain Christ being tempted?)

• Not a status in the eyes of God.

What does God call “perfect”?

• Not blameless – ‘αμομητω’, ‘αμεμτος’, or ‘ανεγκλητος’.

• ‘Mature’ is part of it, but not all of it.

What does God call “perfect”?

is more than simple maturity.

Perfection

Phili

ppia

ns 3

:12Not as though I had already

attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

e.g., 52 cards

Literally: complete,

lacking nothing

Jam

es 1

:4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

• ‘αρτιος’• ‘καταρτισις’• ‘τελειος’• ‘πληρομα’• ’תִָמים‘

Synonyms:

Jam

es 3

:2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

includes good works.Perfection

Heb

rew

s 13:

20,2

1Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

involves being skillful to discern good and evil.

Perfection

Heb

rew

s 5:1

3,14For every one that useth milk

is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

involves more than just the foundational principles.

Perfection

Heb

rew

s 6:1

,2Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

includes love.Perfection

1 Jo

hn 4

:12No man hath seen God at any

time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Perfection Is Central to

God’s Purpose for Us

the design of the church!

It is central to

Eph

esia

ns 4

:11-

15And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure

Eph

esia

ns 4

:11-

15of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.

is the purpose for all scripture!

Perfection

2 Ti

mot

hy 3

:16,

17All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

is God’s purpose for every Christian.

Perfection

Col

ossi

ans 1

:28,

29Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

How Serious Is God About Perfection?

1 T

hess

alon

ians

3:9

,10For what thanks can we

render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

Was this an unrealistic prayer?

Col

ossi

ans 4

:12Epaphras, 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.

Was this an unrealistic, idealistic prayer?

John

17:

20-2

3Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even

John

17:

20-2

3as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Was this an unrealistic prayer?

2 C

orin

thia

ns 1

3:11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be

perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Was this just idealistic rhetoric?

2 C

orin

thia

ns 7

:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Was this just idealistic rhetoric?

Mat

thew

5:4

8Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Was this just idealistic rhetoric?

1 C

orin

thia

ns 2

:6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought.

Was he joking or serious?

Phili

ppia

ns 3

:14,

15I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Was he serious or just joking?

God’s Purpose Is for Us to Give up

Our Lives

2 C

orin

thia

ns 5

:14,

15For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Mar

k 8:

34-3

7And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

Mar

k 8:

34-3

7For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

means dead to sin.

Crucified with Christ

Rom

ans 6

:6-1

3Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no

Rom

ans 6

:6-1

3more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Rom

ans 6

:6-1

3Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

…and dead to self.

Gal

atia

ns 2

:20I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

three passages.

φρονεω is to “mind” or “set our affection on”

in the following

Col

ossi

ans 3

:1-3If ye then be risen with Christ,

seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Rom

ans 8

:5-7For they that are after the

flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Phili

ppia

ns 2

:5-8Let this mind be in you, which

was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient

Phili

ppia

ns 2

:5-8unto death, even the death of

the cross.

A Changed Life Is

Required to Inherit

He always told them to do charitable works!

Any time any one asked Jesus what they needed to

do to inherit eternal life

Mar

k 10

:17-

21And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill,

Mar

k 10

:17-

21Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and

Mar

k 10

:17-

21thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

means not “complete.”

Remember:

“one thing lacking”

Jesus called it being “perfect.”

In fact,

Mat

thew

19:

16-2

1And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder,

Mat

thew

19:

16-2

1Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that

Mat

thew

19:

16-2

1thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

and thou shalt live.”“This do

Luk

e 10

:25-

37And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all

Luk

e 10

:25-

37thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment,

Luk

e 10

:25-

37and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came

Luk

e 10

:25-

37where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto

Luk

e 10

:25-

37him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

will hear this…

Each one of us

Mat

thew

25:

31-4

6When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the

Mat

thew

25:

31-4

6goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed

Mat

thew

25:

31-4

6me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison,

Mat

thew

25:

31-4

6and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was

Mat

thew

25:

31-4

6an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in

Mat

thew

25:

31-4

6prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

The End