(...excerpt from seminar notes taken on July 2008, SI Convention in Bangkok, Thailand)
The Bible teaches that all humankind struggles between tendencies of good and evil...The apostle Paul was one of the most mature Christians. But he saw himself torn between--the flesh fighting against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. Paul was in the middle, having to make the choices. On the other hand, Paul delighted in his understanding of the purpose and perfection of God's law, yet on the other, that insight produced much dismay in him because he could see how far short he fell, over and over again, of its perfection.
The existence of this inward conflict is not a sign that the person is not sanctified.
The Christian Goal
The Bible teaches that all humankind struggles between tendencies of good and evil...The apostle Paul was one of the most mature Christians. But he saw himself torn between--the flesh fighting against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. Paul was in the middle, having to make the choices. On the other hand, Paul delighted in his understanding of the purpose and perfection of God's law, yet on the other, that insight produced much dismay in him because he could see how far short he fell, over and over again, of its perfection.
The existence of this inward conflict is not a sign that the person is not sanctified.
The Christian Goal
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold on me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you” (Phil 3:12-15).
WHY A TENDENCY TO PERFECTIONISM?
Conditioning that has been implanted by parents, family members, teachers, preachers or significant others in our life.
- Unrealistic expectations
- conditional love
- subtle or direct theology of work
- manipulation of feelings
Overcoming Perfectionism
- Healing is a process. There is no quick cure.
- A process of growth in grace, reprogramming of thoughts
- Healing on every level of your life
- Healing of relationships
HOW TO OVERCOME PERFECTIONISM
- Accept that criticism will always be around
- See the church as a hospital
- Accept that you are not perfect and do not need to be perfect..
- Change bosses
- Get acquainted with your 'New Boss' (Learn about His character)
GOD'S GRACE
- Confidently Believing in God's Unfailing Love
- By this we mean that God deals with his people not on the basis of their merits, for what they deserve, but simply according to their needs; in other words, He deals with them on the basis of His goodness and generosity.
- Grace is God's unlimited, all-inclusive, transforming love toward sinful men and women.
- Grace is not merely God's mercy and willingness to forgive, but it is an active, energizing, transforming power to wave..
DIMENSIONS OF GRACE
1. Grace is an attitude of God revealed to the undeserving
2. Grace is an action of God on behalf of undeserving people
3. Grace is the gift of God bestowed upon people
4. Grace is the power of God at work in persons
5. Grace is God’s method of saving us
6. Grace is a new state entered into by faith
7. Grace is the love of God shown to the unlovely
TRANSFORMING GRACE
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18).
So, What is Biblical Perfection?
To teach that ultimate sinless perfection is possible to inherently sinful man here on earth is not supported by the Word of God, and is denied by the very nature of man himself.
Biblical perfection is not the abstract standard of flawlessness found in Greek philosophy but an individual’s perfect relationship with God and his or her fellow human.
The perfecting and maturing process continues as long as life itself. The growing Christian makes continual progress toward the ideal in Christ. According to the Word of God it is this spiritual maturity and stability that is possible in this life.
Biblical perfection involves ethical conduct, but it involves much more than mere behavior. It centers on maturing the relationship that was ruptured in the rebellion of the Genesis fall but is restored to individuals at conversion.
How to overcome
Perfectionism
6. Become a "close friend" of your “NEW BOSS”
7. Dedicate all you do to your all loving, understanding "NEW BOSS"
8. Your New Boss will never fire nor abandon you.
9. Believe and experience God’s Grace
Not only will God and His grace be with you at every step of the process, but
God will be pleased with you at every step of the process
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Cor 12:9,10).
So do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
(Isaiah 41: 10).
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
(Isaiah 41: 10).
AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND THAT SAVE THE WRETCHED LIKE ME...I ONCE WAS LOST BUT NOW AM FOUND, WAS BLIND, BUT NOW I SEE...
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