A More Perfect You
The Pursuit of Perfection in Christ
Actual Perfection
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is a closer look at actual perfection. Of special note is why actual perfection is not another form of law keeping and the problems with law keeping as presented in Galatians 5:16-18.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the concept of actual perfection.
- Feel: Value walking in the spirit.
- Do: Pursue the elements of actual perfection.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
1. In the text for this lesson the author states that only God sees conditional perfection while others can see actual perfection. How do you understand this?
See also Paul's teaching in Romans 12:1-2 and II Timothy 2:19. Conditional perfection is given by God upon our repentance and obedience to His will for our salvation. The manifestation of actual perfection is seen as we grow spiritually through the practice of walking by the Spirit in order to become Christlike.
2. How does Paul state we will not carry out the "desires of the flesh"? (Galatians 5:16)
By walking by the Spirit. Perhaps another way of looking at this is if we focus on doing God's will and developing and growing in the fruit of the Spirit, we will turn away from the desires and practices of the flesh.
3. What are the three reasons from the text that explain why false teachers offered an invalid argument?
- The things pursued were perfect – False teachers presented ideas of men, not God.
- The things pursued were from God – Law keeping to attain perfection is a human idea, imperfect and does not work. Conditional perfection is a gift from God.
- Walking by the Spirit (actual perfection) is not a form of law keeping – Law keeping is salvation through rule keeping and communicates earning salvation and merit before God. Walking by the Spirit is a walk of faith.
4. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?
To rely on self or others for our salvation leads to failure and is clearly against God's will. Walking by the Spirit and growing in our faith is clearly what God wills. It begins by our obedience to the gospel, expressed in repentance and baptism (conditional perfection) then continues as we walk by the Spirit (actual perfection). The desire and product of the flesh, no matter the form, is imperfection (see Galatians 5:19-21). Not specifically mentioned, but a part of this is rule keeping as a view of earning salvation. God's gift of perfection, therefore, is given by His grace and received through our faith.