Memory Verse: Matthew 5:48: Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
"He's like his father."
What a compliment for most sons to hear!
We are to be like our Heavenly Father. But, of course, we fall far short of that worthy goal.
Some have thought this verse demands sinless perfection as a requirement to enter heaven. Not so. If that were the case not one would enter that promised place. Writing to the "little children".... those who could be sure they possessed eternal life (1 John 5:13) ...... John write: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8).
Why then did Jesus call for perfection? Hear Dr. Rice again: "God simply set a perfect standard. I have always told my children never to lie, never to do wrong. God could not afford to say that it is all right for a Christian to sin, for it is not all right. It is our own fault, and wickedness and sin always bring trouble. But it is still a fact that we do sin. God's standard is perfect, yet we do not keep it. That is the reason we must have a Saviour."
And here's an added truth: The call here is to maturity in the Christian like. Each day ought to find us on higher grounds. Victories today will bring greater success tomorrow. Meditation on the Bible, memorization of its verses and application of its truths in daily living will bring growth in grace and in the knowledge of Christ.
God's Word will make us clean and will bring Christian maturity.
Others will notice that you're becoming more like your Father every day!
"He's like his father."
What a compliment for most sons to hear!
We are to be like our Heavenly Father. But, of course, we fall far short of that worthy goal.
Some have thought this verse demands sinless perfection as a requirement to enter heaven. Not so. If that were the case not one would enter that promised place. Writing to the "little children".... those who could be sure they possessed eternal life (1 John 5:13) ...... John write: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8).
Why then did Jesus call for perfection? Hear Dr. Rice again: "God simply set a perfect standard. I have always told my children never to lie, never to do wrong. God could not afford to say that it is all right for a Christian to sin, for it is not all right. It is our own fault, and wickedness and sin always bring trouble. But it is still a fact that we do sin. God's standard is perfect, yet we do not keep it. That is the reason we must have a Saviour."
And here's an added truth: The call here is to maturity in the Christian like. Each day ought to find us on higher grounds. Victories today will bring greater success tomorrow. Meditation on the Bible, memorization of its verses and application of its truths in daily living will bring growth in grace and in the knowledge of Christ.
God's Word will make us clean and will bring Christian maturity.
Others will notice that you're becoming more like your Father every day!
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