Plantation SDA Church
Deeper Episode 4: Can you be really perfect?
Join us as Pastor Joseph Salajan continues our new Series Deeper. Deep study into the book of Matthew
Locations & Times
Plantation SDA Church
400 NW 118th Ave, Plantation, FL 33325, USA
Wednesday 7:30 PM
Deeper Theme: Some people believe that in the Bible "perfect" means total sinlessness. But is that the right definition for "perfect"? What does it mean, "be perfect as your Heavenly Father"!?
What does it mean “perfect”?
• Heresies
• Moral: once you become perfect, you will not/cannot sin…
• Materialistic: you cannot become sic; color of hair…
• Mechanical: restrictions, self-flagellation, self-mutilation, celibacy, castration
• Character Transfer: what I do is not important; Jesus in me is perfect…
• → TEXT + CONTEXT: Matthew 5:17-48
• Heresies
• Moral: once you become perfect, you will not/cannot sin…
• Materialistic: you cannot become sic; color of hair…
• Mechanical: restrictions, self-flagellation, self-mutilation, celibacy, castration
• Character Transfer: what I do is not important; Jesus in me is perfect…
• → TEXT + CONTEXT: Matthew 5:17-48
Challenge
Can you commit murder without shedding blood?
• Anger →
• Calling names
• Raca: empty-head, idiot
• You fool! → 1) foolish 2) impious, godless
Can you commit murder without shedding blood?
• Anger →
• Calling names
• Raca: empty-head, idiot
• You fool! → 1) foolish 2) impious, godless
Challenge
Can you commit adultery without a physical sexual act?
• Brain – the most powerful sexual organ
• Lust → eyes, hands → hyperbole
• CUT IT OUT!!!
Can you commit adultery without a physical sexual act?
• Brain – the most powerful sexual organ
• Lust → eyes, hands → hyperbole
• CUT IT OUT!!!
Challenge
If you divorce your spouse can you get remarried?
• Apoluo: set free, send away, put away, release, let
go, dismiss most powerful sexual organ…
• The only ground: porneia – fornication –sexual
in nature – does it include lust???
• whoever marries a woman who is divorced (sent away) commits adultery…
If you divorce your spouse can you get remarried?
• Apoluo: set free, send away, put away, release, let
go, dismiss most powerful sexual organ…
• The only ground: porneia – fornication –sexual
in nature – does it include lust???
• whoever marries a woman who is divorced (sent away) commits adultery…
Challenge
So are we allowed to swear, or not?
• Swear: bad language
• Swear: solemn promise
• Swear: pledge allegiance
• Swear by something – to give power to your words… NO!
So are we allowed to swear, or not?
• Swear: bad language
• Swear: solemn promise
• Swear: pledge allegiance
• Swear by something – to give power to your words… NO!
Challenge
Is a Christian allowed to use violence as self defense?
• (Only) one eye for one eye: the law of retaliation
• It doesn’t mean you have to enjoy violence!
• Don’t be confrontational! Don’t retort!
• Be proactive, not reactive!
• Go that extra mile!!!
Is a Christian allowed to use violence as self defense?
• (Only) one eye for one eye: the law of retaliation
• It doesn’t mean you have to enjoy violence!
• Don’t be confrontational! Don’t retort!
• Be proactive, not reactive!
• Go that extra mile!!!
Challenge
So, then, what is perfection in this context?
• Telos: aim, ultimate end, goal, purpose
• Teleios: in full measure, undivided, complete, entire, mature, perfect
• Love your enemies → sons of your Father
• Be what you are meant to be: LOVE for EVERYBODY!
So, then, what is perfection in this context?
• Telos: aim, ultimate end, goal, purpose
• Teleios: in full measure, undivided, complete, entire, mature, perfect
• Love your enemies → sons of your Father
• Be what you are meant to be: LOVE for EVERYBODY!
Your Take-Away
•What makes you special, is your love for your enemies! ☺
• Perfection is more about what you’re meant/destined to do, rather than what you’re not allowed to do!
•What makes you special, is your love for your enemies! ☺
• Perfection is more about what you’re meant/destined to do, rather than what you’re not allowed to do!