BE PERFECT

Andrew Murray

CONTENTS
PrefaceandPrayer 1.APerfectHeartMakesAPerfectMan 2.WalkBeforeMe,AndBePerfect 3.PerfectWithTheLordYourGod 4.IHaveWalkedBeforeYouWithAPerfectHeart 5.Lord,GiveAPerfectHeart 6.God'sStrengthForThePerfectInHeart 7.WithThePerfectGodShowsHimselfPerfect 8.PerfectInHeartLeadsToPerfectInTheWay 9.PerfectAsTheFather 10.PerfectedAsTheMaster 11.ThePerfectSellingAllToFollowChrist 12.ThePerfectManASpiritualMan 13.PerfectingHoliness 14.WePrayForYourPerfecting:BePerfect 15.NotPerfected,YetPerfect 16.Perfect,AndYetToBePerfected 17.PerfectInChrist 18.PerfectInAllTheWillOfGod 19.ChristMadePerfectThroughSuffering 20.LetUsPressOnToPerfection 21.NoPerfectionByTheLaw 22.ChristHasPerfectedUs 23.GodPerfectYouInEveryGoodThing 24.PerfectPatienceMakesAPerfectMan 25.ThePerfectTongueMarksThePerfectMan 26.GodHimselfWillPerfectYou 27.PerfectLoveIsKeepingChrist'sWord 28.PerfectLoveIsLovingTheBrethren 29.PerfectLove:GodAbidingInUs 30.PerfectLove:AsHeIs,EvenSoAreWe 31.PerfectLove:CastingOutFear

PREFACE and PRAYER

If any one takes up this little volume with the idea of finding a theory of Perfectionexpoundedorvindicated,hewillbedisappointed.Myobjecthas beenaverydifferentone.WhatIhavewishedtodoistogowithmyreader throughtheWordofGod,notingtheprincipalpassagesinwhichtheword "Perfect"occurs,andseekingineachcasefromthecontexttofindwhatthe impressionisthewordwasmeanttoconvey.Itisonlywhenwehaveyielded ourselvessimplyandprayerfullytoallowthewordsofScripturetohavetheir fullforce,thatweareontherighttrackforcombiningthedifferentaspects oftruthintooneharmoniouswhole. Amongthethoughtswhichhavespeciallybeenbroughthometomein thesemeditations,andinwhichItrustImaysecuretheassentofmyreader, thefollowingarethechief: 1. There is a Perfection of which Scripture speaks as possible and attainable.Theremaybe,thereis,greatdiversityofopinionastohowthe termistobedefined.Buttherecanbeonlyoneopinionastothefactthat GodasksandexpectsHischildrentobeperfectwithHim;thatHepromises itasHisownwork;andthatScripturespeaksofsomeashavingbeenperfect beforeHim,andhavingservedHimwithaperfectheart.Scripturespeaksof aPerfectionthatisatonceourdutyandourhope. 2. To know what this Perfection is we must begin by accepting the command,andobeyingitwithourwholeheart.Ournaturaltendencyisthe veryopposite.WewanttodiscussanddefinewhatPerfectionis,tounderstand howthecommandcanbereconciledwithourassuredconvictionthatnoman isperfect,toprovideforallthedangerswearesurearetobefoundinthe pathofPerfection.
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Be Perfect

Preface and Prayer

ThisisnotGod'sway.Jesussaid,"Ifanymanwilldo,hewillknow."The same principle holds good in all human attainment. It is only he who has acceptedthecommand,"Beperfect,"inadoringsubmissionandobedience, whocanhopetoknowwhatthePerfectionisthatGodasksandgives.Until theChurchisseenprostratebeforeGod,seekingthisblessingasherhighest good,itwillbenowonderiftheveryword"Perfection,"insteadofbeingan attractionandajoy,isacauseofapprehensionandanxiety,ofdivisionand offence.MayGodincreasethenumberofthosewho,inchildlikehumility, takethewordfromHisownlips,asalivingseed,intheassurancethatitwill bringforthmuchfruit. 3.Perfectionisnoarbitrarydemand;intheverynatureofthingsGodcan asknothingless.AndthisistruewhetherwethinkofHimorofourselves. IfwethinkofHim,whoasGodhascreatedtheuniverseforHimselfand forHisglory,whoseeksandaloneisabletofillitwithHishappinessand love,weseehowimpossibleitisforGodtoallowanythingelsetoshare man'sheartwithHimself.Godmustbeallandhaveall.AsLawgiverand Judge; He dare not be content with anything less than absolute legal perfection.AsRedeemerandFatheritequallybecomesHimtoclaimnothing lessthanarealchildlikeperfection.Godmusthaveitall. Ifwethinkofourselves,thecalltoperfectionisnolessimperative.God issuchanInfinite,SpiritualGood,andthesoulissoincapableofreceiving orknowingorenjoyingHimexceptasitgivesitselfwhollytoHim,thatfor ourownsakesGod'slovecandemandofusnothinglessthanaperfectheart. 4.Perfection,asthehighestaimofwhatGodinHisgreatpowerwould doforus,issomethingsoDivine,Spiritual,andHeavenly,thatitisonlythe soulthatyieldsitselfverytenderlytotheleadingoftheHolySpiritthatcan hopetoknowitsblessedness. Godhasworkedintoeveryhumanheartadeepdesireforperfection.That desireismanifestedintheadmirationwhichallmenhaveforexcellencein thedifferentobjectsorpursuitstowhichtheyattachvalue.Inthebeliever

Be Perfect

Preface and Prayer

who yields himself wholly to God, this desire fastens itself upon God's wonderfulpromises,andinspiresaprayerlikethatofM'Cheyne:"Lord,make measholyasapardonedsinnercanbemade." The more we learn to desire this full conformity to God's will, for the consciousnessthatwearealwayspleasingtoHim,wewillseethatallthis mustcomeasagiftdirectfromheaven.Thisgiftisthefulloutbirthinusof thelifeofGod,theinbreathingoftheHolySpiritofJesusinthosewhoare whollyyieldedtoHisindwellingandrule.Trustingeverlesstomen'sthoughts andteachings,wewillretireoftenintothesecretofGod'spresence,inthe assurance that the more we see God's face, and hear the secret voice that comes direct from Him, "BE PERFECT," the more will the Holy Spirit dwellingwithinusunfoldtheheavenlyfulnessandpowerofthewords,and make them, as God's words, bring and give and create the very thing He speaks. InthehopethatthesesimplemeditationsmayhelpsomeofGod'schildren to go on to Perfection, I commit them and myself to the Blessed Father's teachingandkeeping. ANDREWMURRAY. EverBLESSEDFATHER!YouhavesentmeamessagebyYourBeloved SonthatIamtobeperfectasYouareperfect.ComingfromYou,OYou incomprehensibleandmostgloriousGod,itmeansmorethanmancangrasp. ComingtoYou,IaskthatYouwillYourselfteachmewhatitmeans,create inmewhatitclaims,givemewhatitpromises. MyFather!Iacceptthewordintheobedienceoffaith.Iwillyieldmylife toitsrule.Iwillhideitinmyheartasalivingseed,intheassurancethatthere, deeperthanthoughtorfeeling,YourHolySpiritcanmakeitstrikerootand growup. AndasIgothroughYourWord,tomeditateonwhatitsaysofthepathof theperfect,teachme,OmyFather,tobringeverythoughtofminecaptive

Be Perfect

Preface and Prayer

totheobedienceofChrist,andtowaitforthatteachingofYourHolySpirit whichissosuretotheuprightinheart.InHim,withwhomYouhavesent methemessage,givemetheanswertothisprayeralso.Amen.

Day 1 A PERFECT HEART MAKES A PERFECT MAN

"Noahwasarighteousman,andperfectinhisgeneration,andNoah walkedwithGod."Gen.6:9. "AndtheLordsaiduntoSatan,HaveyouconsideredMyservantJob, thatthereisnonelikehimintheearth,aperfectandanuprightman,one thatfearsGodandshunsevil?"Job1:8. "TheheartofDavidwasperfectwiththeLordhisGod."1Kings11:4, 15:3. "Asa'sheartwasperfectwiththeLordallhisdays."1Kings15:14. Wehavegroupedtogetherfourmen,ofallofwhomHolyScripturetestifies thattheywereperfectmen,orthattheirheartwasperfectwithGod.Ofeach of them Scripture testifies, too, that they were not perfect in the sense of absolute sinlessness. We know how Noah fell. We know how Job had to humblehimselfbeforeGod.WeknowhowsadlyDavidsinned.AndofAsa wereadthattherecameatimewhenhedidfoolishly,andreliedontheSyrians andnotontheLordhisGod;wheninhisdiseasehesoughtnottotheLord, buttothephysicians.Andyettheheartofthesemenwasperfectwiththe LordtheirGod. Tounderstandthis,thereisonethingwemustremember.Themeaning oftheword"perfect"mustineachcasebedecidedbythatparticularstagein God'seducationofHispeopleinwhichitisused.Whatafatherorateacher countsperfectioninachildoften,isverydifferentfromwhathewouldcall soinoneoftwenty.Astothedispositionorspirit,theperfectionwouldbe thesame;initscontents,astheproofsbywhichitwastobejudgedof,there

Be Perfect

A Perfect Heart Makes A Perfect Man

wouldbeawidedifference.WeshallseelateronhowintheOldTestament nothingwasreallymadeperfect;howChristhascometoreveal,andwork out,andimpartthetrueperfection;howtheperfection,asrevealedintheNew Testament,issomethinginfinitelyhigher,morespiritualandefficacious,than undertheoldeconomy.Andyetatroottheyareone.Godlooksattheheart. AheartthatisperfectwithHimisanobjectofcomplacencyandapproval. AwholeheartedconsecrationtoHiswillandfellowship,alifethattakesas itsmotto,WHOLLYFORGOD,hasinallages,evenwheretheSpirithad notyetbeengiventodwellintheheart,beenacceptedbyHimasthemark oftheperfectman. ThelessonwhichtheseScripturetestimoniessuggesttousisaverysimple, butaverysearchingone.InGod'srecordofthelivesofHisservantsthere aresomeofwhomitiswritten:hisheartwasperfectwiththeLordhisGod. Isthis,leteachreaderask,whatGodseesandsaysofme?Doesmylife,in thesightofGod,bearthemarkofintense,wholeheartedconsecrationtoGod's willandservice?ofaburningdesiretobeasperfectasitispossibleforgrace tomakeme?Letusyieldourselvestothesearchinglightofthisquestion.Let usbelievethatwiththiswordPERFECT,Godmeanssomethingveryreal andtrue.Letusnotevadeitsforce,orhideourselvesfromitscondemning power,bythevainsubterfugethatwedonotfullyknowwhatitmeans.We mustfirstacceptit,andgiveupourlivestoit,beforewecanunderstandit. Itcannotbeinsistedupontoostronglythat,whetherintheChurchatlarge anditsteaching,orinthelifeoftheindividualbeliever,therecanbenohope ofcomprehendingwhatperfectionisexceptaswecountallthingslosstobe apprehendedofit,toliveforit,toacceptofit,topossessit. Butsomuchwecanunderstand.WhatIdowithaperfectheartIdowith loveanddelight,withawillingmindandallmystrength.Itimpliesafixity ofpurpose,andaconcentrationofeffort,thatmakeseverythingsubordinate totheoneobjectofmychoice.ThisiswhatGodasks,whatHissaintshave given,whatwemustgive.

Be Perfect

A Perfect Heart Makes A Perfect Man

AgainIsaytoeveryonewhowishestojoinmeinfollowingthroughthe WordofGoditsrevelationofHiswillconcerningperfection,yieldyourself tothesearchingquestion:CanGodsayofmeasofNoahandJob,ofDavid andAsa,thatmyheartisperfectwiththeLordmyGod?HaveIgivenmyself uptosaythattheremustbenothing,nothingwhatever,tosharemyheartwith GodandHiswill?IsaheartperfectwiththeLordmyGodtheobjectofmy desire,myprayer,myfaith,myhope?Whetherithasbeensoornot,letitbe sotoday.MakethepromiseofGod'swordyourown:"TheGodofpeace Himselfperfectyou."TheGod,whoisofpowertodoaboveallweaskor think,willopenuptoyoutheblessedprospectofalifeofwhichHeshallsay: "HisheartwasperfectwiththeLordhisGod."

Day 2 WALK BEFORE ME, AND BE PERFECT

"AndwhenAbramwasninetynineyearsold,theLordappearedtoAbram, andsaidtohim,IamAlmightyGod:walkbeforeMe,andbeperfect.AndI willmakeMycovenantbetweenMeandyou,andwillmultiplyyou exceedingly.AndAbramfellonhisface:andGodtalkedwithhim."Gen. 17:13. "YoushallbeperfectwiththeLordyourGod."Deut.18:13. "LetyourheartbeperfectwiththeLordyourGodtowalkinHisstatutes." 1Kings8:61. ItwasnowtwentyfouryearssinceGodhadcalledAbramtogooutfromhis father'shome,andthathehadobeyed.Allthattimehehadbeenalearnerin theschooloffaith.Thetimewasapproachingforhimtoinheritthepromise, andGodcomestoestablishHiscovenantwithhim.Inviewofthis,Godmeets himwiththisthreefoldword:IamAlmightyGod:walkbeforeMe:beperfect. Be perfect. The connection in which we find the word will help us to understanditsmeaning.GodrevealsHimselfasGodAlmighty.Abram'sfaith hadlongbeentried:itwasabouttoachieveoneofitsgreatesttriumphs:faith wastobechangedtovisioninthebirthofIsaac.GodinvitesAbrammore thanevertoremember,andtorestupon,Hisomnipotence.HeisAlmighty God:allthingsarepossibletoHim:Heholdsruleoverall.AllHispoweris workingforthosewhotrustHim.AndallHeasksofHisservantisthathe beperfectwithHim:giveHimhiswholeheart,hisperfectconfidence.God Almighty with all His power is wholly for you; be wholly for God. The knowledgeandfaithofwhatGodisliesattherootofwhatwearetobe:"I

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Be Perfect

Walk Before Me, And Be Perfect

amAlmightyGod:beperfect."AsIknowHimwhosepowerfillsheavenand earth,Iseethatthisistheonethingneeded:tobeperfectwithHim,wholly and entirely given up to Him. WHOLLY FOR GOD is the keynote of perfection. WalkbeforeMe,andbeperfect.ItisinthelifefellowshipwithGod,in Hisrealizedpresenceandfavor,thatitbecomespossibletobeperfectwith Him.WalkbeforeMeAbrahamhadbeendoingthis;God'swordcallshim toaclearerandmoreconsciousapprehensionofthisashislifecalling.Itis easyforustostudywhatScripturesaysofperfection,toformourideasofit, andargueforthem.Butletusrememberthatitisonlyaswearewalking closely with God, seeking and in some measure attaining, uninterrupted communionwithHim,thattheDivinecommandwillcometousinitsDivine Power,andunfoldtousitsDivinemeaning.WalkbeforeMe,andbeperfect. God'srealizedpresenceistheschool,isthesecret,ofperfection.Itisonlyhe whostudieswhatperfectionisinthefulllightofGod'spresencetowhomits hiddenglorywillbeopenedup. That realized presence is the great blessing of the redemption in Jesus Christ.Theveilhasbeenrent,thewayintothetruesanctuary,thePresence ofGod,hasbeenopened;wehaveaccesswithboldnessintotheHoliestof all.God,whohasprovedHimselfGodAlmightyinraisingJesusfromthe deadandsettingHim,andusinHim,atHisrighthand,speaksnowtous:I amGodAlmighty:walkbeforeMe,andbeperfect. ThatcommandcamenotonlytoAbraham.Mosesgaveittothewholepeople ofIsrael;"YoushallbeperfectwiththeLordyourGod."ItisforallAbraham's children;foralltheIsraelofGod;foreverybeliever.Oh!thinknotthatere youcanobeyyoumustfirstunderstandanddefinewhatperfectionmeans. No,God'swayistheveryoppositeofthis.Abrahamwentout,notknowing wherehewent.Youarecalledtogoontoperfection:goout,notknowing whereyouaregoing.ItisalandGodwillshowyou.Letyourheartbefilled withHisglory:IamGodAlmighty.LetyourlifebespentinHispresence:

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Be Perfect

Walk Before Me, And Be Perfect

walkbeforeMe.AsHisPowerandHisPresencerestuponyouandfillyou, yourheartwill,beforeyouknow,bedrawnup,andstrengthenedtoaccept andrejoiceinandfulfilthecommand:beperfect.Assurelyastheopening budhasbuttoabideinthelightofthesuntoattainperfection,willthesoul thatwalksinthelightofGodbeperfecttoo.AstheGod,whoisALL,shines uponit,itcannotbutrejoicetogiveHimALL.

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Day 3 PERFECT WITH THE LORD YOUR GOD

"YoushallbeperfectwiththeLordyourGod."Deut.18:13. TobeperfectbeforeGodisnotonlythecallingandtheprivilegeofaman likeAbraham,itisequallythedutyofallhischildren.Thecommandisgiven toallIsrael,foreachmanofGod'speopletoreceiveandobey:"Youshallbe perfect with the Lord your God." It comes to each child of God; no one professingtobeaChristianmayturnasidefromit,orrefuseitobedience, withoutendangeringhissalvation.Itisnotacommandlike,"Youshallnot kill,"or,"Youshallnotsteal,"havingreferencetoalimitedsphereinourlife, butisaprinciplethatliesattheveryrootofalltruereligion.Ifourservice ofGodistobeacceptable,itmustnotbewithadivided,butawhole,aperfect heart. Thechiefhindranceinthewayofobediencetothiscommandliesinour misapprehensionofwhatreligionis.ManwascreatedsimplytoliveforGod, toshowforthHisglory,byallowingGodtoshowhowcompletelyHecould revealHislikenessandblessednessinman.Godlivesforman;longinginthe greatnessofHislovetocommunicateHisgoodnessandHislove.Itwasto thislife,lostbysin,Christcametoredeemusback.Theselfishnessofthe humanheartlooksuponsalvationassimplytheescapefromhell,withso muchofholinessasisneededtomakeourhappinesssecure.Christmeantus toberestoredtothestatefromwhichwehadfallenthewholeheart,the wholewill,thewholelifegivenuptothegloryandserviceofGod.Tobe whollygivenuptoGod,tobeperfectwiththeLordourGod,liesatthevery

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Be Perfect

Perfect With The Lord Your God

root, is the very essence of true religion. The enthusiastic devotion of the wholehearttoGodiswhatisaskedofus. Whenoncethismisconceptionhasbeenremoved,andthetruthbeginsto dawnuponthesoul,asecondhindranceisgenerallymetwithinthequestion of unbelief, How can these things be? Instead of first accepting God's command,andthenwaitinginthepathofobediencefortheteachingofthe Spirit,menareatoncereadywiththeirowninterpretationoftheword,and confidentlyaffirm,"itcannotbe."Theyforgetthatthewholeobjectofthe gospelandthegloryofChrist'sredemptionis,thatitmakespossiblewhatis beyondman'sthoughtsorpowers;andthatitrevealsGod,notasaLawgiver andJudge,exactingthelastpenny,butasaFather,whoingracedealswith eachoneaccordingtohiscapacity,andacceptsthedevotionandtheintention oftheheart. Weunderstandthisofanearthlyfather.Achildoftenisdoingsomelittle serviceforthefather,orhelpinghiminhiswork.Theworkofthechildis verydefective,andyetthecauseofjoyandhopetothefather,becausehe seesinittheproofofthechild'sattachmentandobedience,aswellasthe pledgeofwhatthatspiritwilldoforthechildwhenhisintelligenceandhis strengthhavebeenincreased.Thechildhasservedthefatherwithaperfect heart,thoughtheperfectheartdoesnotatonceimplyperfectwork.Evenso theFatherinheavenacceptsasaperfectheartthesimplechildlikepurpose thatmakesHisfearandserviceitsoneobject.TheChristianmaybedeeply humbled at the involuntary uprisings of the evil nature; but God's Spirit teacheshimtosay,"ItisnomoreI,butsinthatdwellsinme."Hemaybe sorelygrievedbytheconsciousnessofshortcomingandfailure,buthehears thevoiceofJesus,"Thespiritiswilling,butthefleshisweak."EvenasChrist countedtheloveandobedienceofHisfaithlessdisciplesassuch,andaccepted itastheconditiononwhichHehadpromisedthemtheSpirit,theChristian canreceivethewitnessoftheSpiritthattheFatherseesandacceptsinhim theperfectheart,evenwherethereisnotyettheperfectperformance.

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Be Perfect

Perfect With The Lord Your God

"You shall be perfect with the Lord your God." Oh! let us beware of makingtheWordofGodofnoeffectbyourtraditions.Letusbelievethe message,"Youarenotunderthelaw,butundergrace."Letusrealizewhat graceisinitspityingtenderness:"Asafatherpitieshischildren,sotheLord pitiesthemthatfearHim."Andwhat,initsmightypowerworkinginusboth towillandtodo:"TheGodofallgraceshallHimselfperfectyou."Ifwehold fastourintegrity,ourconfidence,andtherejoicingofhopesteadfastuntothe end,beingperfectinheartwillleadusontobeperfectintheway,andwe willrealizethatChristfulfilsthistooinus,"Youshallbeperfectwiththe LordyourGod."

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Day 4 I HAVE WALKED BEFORE YOU WITH A PERFECT HEART

"ThenHezekiahprayeduntotheLord,saying,'IbegYou,OLord, remembernowhowIhavewalkedbeforeYouintruth,andwithaperfect heart,andhavedonethatwhichisgoodinYoursight.'Andthewordofthe LordcametoIsaiah,saying,'TellHezekiah,thisiswhattheLordsays,I haveheardyourprayer,andseenyourtears;Iwillhealyou.'"2Kings20: 25. WhatachildlikesimplicityofcommunicationwithGod.WhentheSonwas abouttodie,Hespoke,"IhaveglorifiedYouonearth,Ihavefinishedthe workwhichYougaveMetodo.Andnow,OFather,YouglorifyMe."He pleadedHislifeandworkasthegroundforexpectingananswertoHisprayer. AndsoHezekiah,theservantofGod,alsopleaded,notasamatterofmerit, butintheconfidencethat"Godisnotunrighteoustoforgetourworkoffaith andlaboroflove,"thatGodshouldrememberhowhehadwalkedbeforeHim withaperfectheart. Thewordsfirstofallsuggesttousthisthought,thatthemanwhowalks before God with a perfect heart can know it it may be a matter of consciousness.LetuslookatthetestimonyScripturegivesofhim(2Kings 18:36),"HedidthatwhichwasrightinthesightoftheLord,accordingto allthatDavidhisfatherdid."Thenfollowthedifferentelementsofthislife thatwasrightinGod'ssight."HetrustedintheLordGodofIsrael.Heheld to the Lord. He departed not from following Him. He kept His commandments,whichtheLordcommandedMoses.AndtheLordwaswith
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Be Perfect

I Have Walked Before You With A Perfect Heart

Him."Hislifewasoneoftrustandlove,ofsteadfastnessandobedience.And theLordwaswithhim.Hewasoneofthesaintsofwhomweread,"Byfaith theyobtainedagoodreport."Theyhadthewitnessthattheywererighteous, thattheywerepleasingtoGod. Letusseektohavethisblessedconsciousness.Paulhaditwhenhewrote, "Our glorying is, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerityofGod,notinfleshlywisdom,butinthegraceofGod,webehaved ourselves"(2Cor.1:12).Johnhaditwhenhesaid,"Beloved,ifourheart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God; and whatever we ask we receive, because we keep His commandments, and do the things that are pleasinginHissight"(1John3:21,22).Ifwearetohaveperfectpeaceand confidence,ifwearetowalkintheholyboldnessandtheblessedglorying ofwhichScripturespeaks,wemustknowthatourheartisperfectwithGod. Hezekiah'sprayersuggestsasecondlessonthattheconsciousnessofa perfectheartgiveswonderfulpowerinprayer.Readoveragainthewordsof hisprayer,andnoticehowdistinctlythiswalkwithaperfectheartishisplea. ReadoveragainthewordsjustquotedfromJohn,andseehowclearlyhesays that"becausewekeepHiscommandmentswereceivewhatweask."Itisa heartthatdoesnotcondemnus,thatknowsthatitisperfecttowardGod,that givesusboldness. Thereismostprobablynotasinglereaderoftheselineswhocannottestify howpainfullyatsometimeorothertheconsciousnessoftheheartnotbeing perfectwithGodhashinderedconfidenceandprayer.Andmistakenviews astowhattheperfectheartmeans,andastothedangerofselfrighteousness inprayingHezekiah'sprayer,haveinverymanycasesbanishedallideaof itseverbeingpossibletoattaintothatboldnessandconfidentassuranceof ananswertoprayerwhichJohnconnectswithaheartthatdoesnotcondemn us.Oh!thatwewouldgiveupallourprejudices,andlearntotakeGod'sWord asitstandsastheonlyruleofourfaith,theonlymeasureofourexpectations. OurdailyprayerswouldbeanewreminderthatGodaskstheperfectheart;

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Be Perfect

I Have Walked Before You With A Perfect Heart

anewoccasionofchildlikeconfessionastoourwalkingornotwalkingwith aperfectheartbeforeGod;anewmotivetomakenothinglessthestandard of our intercourse with our Father in heaven. How our boldness in God's presencewouldbeeverclearer;howourconsciousnessofHisacceptance wouldbebrighter;howthehumblingthoughtofournothingnesswouldbe quickened,andourassuranceofHisstrengthinourweakness,andHisanswer toourprayer,becomethejoyofourlife. Oh!thecomfort,amidallconsciousnessofimperfectionofattainment,of beingabletosay,inchildlikesimplicity,"Remember,OLord,howIhave walkedbeforeYouwithaperfectheart."

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Day 5 LORD, GIVE A PERFECT HEART

"GivetoSolomonmysonaperfectheart,tokeepYourcommandments, Yourtestimonies,andYourstatutes."1Chron.29:19. "LetmyheartbeperfectinYourtestimonies."Ps.119:80. InhispartingcommissiontoSolomon,Davidhadlaidituponhimtoserve Godwithaperfectheart,becauseHeisGodwhosearchesthehearts.Itis nothinglessthantheheart,thewholeheart,aperfectheart,thatGodwants. Veryshortlyafterwards,inhisdedicationprayerafterthegivingofallthe materialforthetemple,heturnsagaintothisastheonethingneedful,and asksitforhissonasagiftfromGod."GivemysonSolomonaperfectheart." TheperfectheartisagiftfromGod,givenandreceivedunderthelawswhich ruleallHisgiving,asahiddenseedtobeacceptedandactedoninfaith.The command,"Beperfect,"comesandclaimsimmediateandfullsubmission. Wherethissubmissionisyielded,theneedofaDivinepowertomakethe heartfitforperfectionbecomesthemotiveforurgentandearnestprayer.The wordofcommand,receivedandhidinagood.andhonestheart,becomes itselftheseedofaDivinepower.GodworksHisgraceinusbystirringusto work.SothedesiretolistentoGod'scommand,andtoserveHimwitha perfect heart, is a beginning that God looks to, and that He will Himself strengthenandperfect.Thegiftofaperfectheartisthusobtainedintheway oftheobedienceoffaith.BeginatoncetoserveGodwithaperfectheart,and theperfectheartwillbegiventoyou. TheperfectheartisagiftfromGod,tobeaskedfor,tobeobtainedby prayer.Noonewillprayforitearnestly,perseveringly,believingly,untilhe

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Be Perfect

Lord, Give A Perfect Heart

acceptsGod'swordfullythatitisapositivecommandandanimmediateduty tobeperfect.Wherethishasbeendone,theconsciousnesswillsoongrow strongoftheutterimpossibilityofattemptingobedienceinhumanstrength. Andthefaithwillgrowthatthewordofcommandwassimplymeanttodraw thesoultoHimwhogiveswhatHeasks. Theperfectheartisagifttobeobtainedinprayer.DavidaskedtheLord togiveittohissonSolomon,evenashehadprayedforhimselflongbefore, "LetmyheartbeperfectinYourtestimonies."Letallofuswhodesirefor thisblessingfollowhisexample:letusmakeitamatterofdefinite,earnest prayer.LeteachsonanddaughterofGodsaytotheFather:"GiveYourchild aperfectheart."Letusinthecourseofourmeditationsinthislittlebookturn each word of command, or teaching, or promise into prayer pointed, personalprayerthatasksandclaims,thatacceptsandprovesthegiftofa perfectheart.Andwhentheseedbeginstostrikeroot,andthespiritgivesthe consciousnessthatthefirstbeginningsoftheperfecthearthavebeenbestowed inthewholeheartedpurposetoliveforGodalone,letusholdoninprayer fortheperfectheartinallitscompleteness.Aheartperfectinitspurpose towardsGodthisisonlytheinitialstage.Thentherecomestheputtingon of one grace after another the going, from strength to strength, on to perfectiontheputtingon,inevergrowingdistinctnessoflikeness,theLord Jesus,witheverytraitofHisholyimage.Allthisistobesoughtandfound inprayertoo.Itisjusthewhoknowsmostofwhatitistobeperfectinpurpose whowillpraymosttobeperfectinpracticetoo. InthewordsofHezekiah,weseethattherearetwoelementsintheperfect heart:therelationtoGod,andtoHiscommandments."Ihavewalkedbefore Youwithaperfectheart,andhavedonethatwhichisgoodinYoursight." Davidspeaksofthesecondoftheseinhisprayer,"aperfecthearttokeep Yourcommandments."Thetwoalwaysgotogether:walkingbeforeGod,in theawarenessofHispresence,willensurewalkinginHiscommandments.

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Be Perfect

Lord, Give A Perfect Heart

"Everygoodgiftandeveryperfectgiftisfromabove,andcomesfromthe Fatheroflights,"thegiftofaperfecthearttoo."Butletusaskinfaith,nothing wavering."Letusbesurethatinthebelieving,adoringworshipofGodthere willbegiventothesoulthatissetuponhavingit,nothinglessthanwhatGod Himselfmeanswithaperfectheart.Letuspraytheprayerboldly,"Lord,give Yourchildaperfectheart.LetmyheartbeperfectinYourtestimonies."

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Day 6 GOD'S STRENGTH FOR THE PERFECT IN HEART

"WerenottheEthiopiansandtheLubimsahugehost?Yet,becauseyou reliedontheLord,Hedeliveredthemintoyourhand.Fortheeyesofthe Lordruntoandfrothroughoutthewholeearth,toshowHimselfstrongin behalfofthemwhoseheartisperfecttowardHim."2Chron.16:8,9. WehaveherethesamethreethoughtswehadinGod'swordstoAbraham. There,itwasthecommandtobeperfectinconnectionwiththefaithinGod's powerandawalkinHisPresence.Here,wehavetheperfectheartspokenof astheconditionoftheexperienceofGod'spower,andasthatwhichHiseyes seekandapproveinthosewhowalkinHispresence.Thewordsteachusthe greatlessonofthevalueoftheperfectheartinHissight.Itistheonething Hedesires."Hiseyesruntoandfrothroughthewholeearth"tofindsuch. TheFatherseekssuchtoworshipHim.AndwhenHefindsthem,thenHe showsHimselfstrongintheirbehalf.Itistheonethingthatmarksthesoul ashavingthecapacityofreceiving,andshowingGod'sglory,Hisstrength. ThecontextprovesthatthechiefmarkoftheperfectheartistrustinGod. "BecauseyoureliedontheLord,Hedeliveredthemintoyourhand.Forthe eyesoftheLordruntoandfrotoshowHimselfstronginbehalfofthem whoseheartisperfecttowardHim."Theessenceoffaithisthis,thatitgives GodHisplaceandgloryasGod;itallowsHimfreescopetowork,relying onHimalone;itletsGodbeGod.Insuchfaithorreliancetheheartproves itself perfect toward God; with no other object of confidence or desire, it dependsuponnonebutHim.AstheeyesofGodgotoandfrothroughoutthe
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Gods Strength For The Perfect In Heart

world,whereverHediscoverssuchaman,HedelightstoproveHimselfstrong tohim,toworkforhimorinhim,asthecasemaybe,accordingtotheriches ofthegloryofHispower. What precious lessons these words teach us for the Christian's life. To haveGodrevealHisstrengthinus,tohaveHimmakeusstrongforlifeor work,fordoingorforsuffering,ourheartmustbeperfectwithHim.Letus notshrinkfromacceptingthetruth.Letnopreconceivedopinionastothe impossibilityofperfectionkeepusfromallowingtheWordofGodtohave itsfulleffectuponus.HeshowsHimselfstrongtothosewhoseheartisperfect towardsHim.Beforeweattempttodefineexactly,letusfirstreceivethetruth thatthereissuchathingaswhatGodcallsaperfectheart,andsayitshallbe ours.Letusrestcontentedwithnothingshortofknowingthattheeyesofthe LordhaveseenthatwearewholeheartedwithHim.Letusnotbeafraidto say,"Withmywholeheart,IhavesoughtThee." WesawhowthechiefmarkofthisperfectheartisrelianceuponGod. GodlooksformenwhotrustHimfully;inthemHewillshowHispower. GodisaBeingofInfiniteandIncomprehensibleGloryandPower.Ourmind canformnorightconceptionofwhatHecandoforus.Evenwhenwehave Hiswordandpromises,ourhumanthoughtsofwhatHemeansarealways defective.BynothingdowedishonorGodmorethanbylimitingHim.By nothingdowelimitHimmorethanbyallowingourhumanideasofwhatHe purposestobethemeasureofourexpectations.Therelianceofaheartperfect towardsHimissimplythis:ityieldstoHimasGod,itrestsuponHim,it allowsHim,asGod,todoinHisownwaywhatHehaspromised.Theheart isperfecttowardsHiminmeetingHimwithaperfectfaithforallthatHeis anddoesasGod.FaithexpectsfromGodwhatisbeyondallexpectation. TheFatherseekssuch.Oh!withwhatjoyHefindsthem.HowHedelights inthemasHiseyes,runningtoandfrothroughouttheworld,restsuponthem toshowHimselftheirstrongandmightyHelper!LetuswalkbeforethisGod withaperfectheart,relyinguponHimyettoworkinusaboveallthatwecan

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askorthink.Theonegreatneedofthespirituallifeistoknowhowentirely itisdependentuponGodworkinginus,andwhattheexceedinggreatnessof Hispowerisinuswhobelieve.Asthesoulknowsthis,andwithaperfect heartyieldstothisAlmightyGodtoletHimdoHisworkwithin,oh!how strongHewillshowHimselfinitsbehalf.

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Day 7 WITH THE PERFECT GOD SHOWS HIMSELF PERFECT

"IwasalsoperfectwithHim,andIkeptmyselffrommyiniquity." "Totheperfectman,YouwillshowYourselfperfect." "AsforGod,Hiswayisperfect." "HeisashieldtothemthattrustHim." "ItisGodwhoarmsmewithstrengthandmakesmywayperfect." Ps.18:23,25,30,32. "AsforGod,Hiswayisperfect."InallHedoes,andallHeisGodisthe perfectionofgoodnessandbeauty.Innatureandgrace,inheavenandon earth,inthegreatestandtheleast,everythingthatisinGodandofGod,down totheveryhemofHisgarment,isinfiniteperfection.Ifmenwhostudyand admiretheperfectionofHisworks,ifsaintswholoveandseektheperfection ofHisserviceandfellowship,butunderstoodit,theywouldseethathere aloneperfectioncanbetrulyknownandfoundinGodHimself.AsforGod thisisthehighestwecansayofHim,thoughwecancomprehendbutlittle ofitAsforGod,Hiswayis perfect. "He makes my way perfect." Of God's perfection this is the chief excellencethatHedoesnotkeepitforHimself:heavenandeartharefull ofHisglory.GodisLove;wholives,notforHimself,butintheenergyof aninfinitelife,makesHiscreatures,asfarastheycanpossiblyreceiveit, partakersofHisperfection.ItisHisdelighttoperfectallaroundHim.And especially the soul of man that rises up to Him. Between His servant and Himself,Godwouldhaveperfectharmony.TheFatherwantsthechildtobe
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Be Perfect

With The Perfect God Shows Himself Perfect

likeHimself.ThemoreIlearninadoringworshiptosay,"AsforGod,His wayisperfect,"thesoonerIwillhavefaithandgracewiththePsalmistto say,"Hemakesmywayperfect." Aswebelievethis,thatis,receivetheheavenlytruthinthesewordsinto ourinmostbeingandassimilateit,weshallnotwonderthatthesameman alsosaid,"IwasalsoperfectwithHim,andkeptmyselffrommyiniquity." "TheGodthatarmsmewithstrength,andmakesmywayperfect,"Hisalone isthepowerandthehonorandthegloryofwhatHehascreated.Thismakes theconfession,"IwasalsoperfectwithHim,"sofarfrombeingpresumption orselfrighteousness,nothingbutanascriptionofpraisetoHimtowhomit isdue. AndthenfollowthewordsinwhichtheperfectionofGodandthatofman areseenintheirwonderfulrelationshipandharmony:"Withtheperfectman, YouwillshowYourselfperfect."Aslittleastherecanbearayofthelight ofday,howeverdullandcloudeditbe,butwhatspeaksofthesun,solittle cantherebeanyperfectionbutwhatisofGod.Initsfeeblestbeginningsin asoul,initsdarkestandalmosthopelessstrugglings,itisallGod'sperfection wrestling with man to break through and get possession. As long as man refusestoconsent,GodcannotmakeHisperfectionknown,forGodmustbe touswhatwearetoHim:"Withthewarped,YoushowYourselftwisted." Butwhereman'swillconsents,andhisheartchoosesthisperfectionandthis perfectGodasitsportion,Godmeetsthesoulwitheverlargermanifestation ofhowperfectHeistowardsHisown."WiththeperfectmanYouwillshow Yourselfperfect." Christian!walkbeforeGodwithaperfectheart,andyouwillexperience howperfecttheheart,andthelove,andthewillofGodtobless,istowards you.OfaheartperfectlyyieldedtoHim,Godwilltakeperfectpossession. WalkbeforeGodinaperfectwayitisGodwhomakesmywayperfect andyoureyesandheartwillbeopenedtosee,inadoringwonder,howperfect God'swayiswithyouandforyou.Dotakemightilyholdofthiswordasthe

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Be Perfect

With The Perfect God Shows Himself Perfect

lawofGod'srevelationofHimself:"Withtheperfectman,Youwillshow Yourselfperfect."ToasoulperfectlydevotedtoHim,Godwillwonderfully revealHimself.Turnwithyourwholeheartandlife,yourwholetrustand obedience,towardsGodwalkbeforeHimwithaperfectheartandHe willshowHimselfperfecttoyou,theGodwhosewayisperfectandmakes yourwayperfect,theGodwhoperfectsyouineverygoodthing.MeetGod withyour,"WithmywholeheartIhavesoughtYou";Hewillansweryou withHis,"Yes,Iwillrejoiceoveryoutodoyougood,withmywholeheart andwithmywholesoul."Oh!sayitinfaith,andhope,andjoy,"Withthe perfectmanYouwillshowYourselfperfect."

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Day 8 PERFECT IN HEART LEADS TO PERFECT IN THE WAY

"Blessedaretheythatareperfectintheway,whowalkinthelawofthe Lord.BlessedaretheythatkeepHistestimonies,thatseekHimwiththe wholeheart."Ps.119:1,2. "LetmyheartbeperfectinThytestimonies."Ps.119:80. "Iwillbehavemyselfwiselyinaperfectway.Oh!whenwillYoucometo me?Iwillwalkwithinmyhousewithaperfectheart."Ps.101:2. WehaveseenwhatScripturesaysoftheperfectheart:hereitspeaksofthe perfectwalk."Blessedaretheperfectintheway,whowalkinthelawofthe Lord."Thesearetheopeningwordsofthebeautifulpsalm,inwhichthereis given to us the picture, from the witness of personal experience, of the wonderfulblessednessofalifeinthelawandthewillofGod.Ashelooks backuponthepast,thePsalmistdoesnothesitatetoclaimthathehaskept thatlaw:"IhavekeptYourtestimonies;""IhaveconformedtoYourlaw;" "IdidnotdesertYourstandards;""IhavenotstrayedfromYourjudgments;" "I have done judgment and justice;" "I have not swerved from Your testimonies;""IhavedoneYourcommandments;""Mysoulhasconformed toYourdeclarations."OfatruthmaythemanwhocanlookuptoGodand, in simplicity of soul, speak thus, say, "How blessed are the perfect in the way!" Whatismeantbythisbeing"perfectintheway"becomesplainaswe studythepsalm.Perfectionincludestwoelements.Theoneistheperfection ofheart,theearnestnessofpurpose,withwhichamangiveshimselfupto
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Be Perfect

Perfect In Heart Leads To Perfect In The Way

seekGodandHiswill.Theother,theperfectionofobedience,inwhicha manseeks,notonlytodosome,butallthecommandmentsofhisGod,and restscontentwithnothinglessthantheNewTestamentprivilegeof"standing perfect in all the will of God." Of both, the Psalmist speaks with great confidence. Hear how he testifies of the former in words such as these: "BlessedaretheythatseekHimwiththewholeheart;""Withmywholeheart IhavesoughtYou;""Withmywholeheart,IwillconformtoYourlaw;""I will keep Your standards with my whole heart;" "Your standards are my delight;" "O, how I love Your standards!" "Consider how I love Your standards;" "I love them exceedingly." This is indeed the perfect heart of whichwehavealreadyheard.Thewholepsalmisaprayer,andanappealto GodHimselftoconsiderandseehowHisservantinwholeheartedsimplicity haschosenGodandHisstandardashisonlyportion. Wehavemorethanoncesaidthatinthiswholeheartedness,intheperfect heart,wehavetherootofallperfection. Butitisonlytherootandbeginning:thereisanotherelementthatmay notbelacking.GodistobefoundinHiswill;hewhowouldtrulyfindand fullyenjoyGod,mustmeetHiminallHiswill.Thisisnotalwaysunderstood. AmanmayhavehisheartintentonservingGodperfectly,andyetmaybe unconscioushowveryimperfecthisknowledgeofGod'swillis.Thevery earnestnessofhispurpose,andhisconsciousnessofintegritytowardsGod, maydeceivehim.Asfarasheknows,hedoesGod'swill.Butheforgetshow muchthereisofthatblessedwillthathedoesnotyetknow.Hecanlearna veryblessedlessonfromthewriterofourpsalm. Hearhowhespeaks:"Ihaverefrainedmyfeetfromeveryevilway;""I hateeveryfalseway;""IesteemallYourstandardsconcerningallthingsto be right." It is this surrender to a life of entire and perfect obedience that explainsatoncetheneedhefeltofDivineteaching,andtheconfidencewith whichhepleadedforitandexpectedit:"LetmyheartbeperfectinYour testimonies."Thesoulthatlongsfornothinglessthantobeperfectinthe

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Be Perfect

Perfect In Heart Leads To Perfect In The Way

way,andindeepconsciousnessofitsneedofaDivineteachingpleadsforit, willnotbedisappointed. InournextmeditationwepassontotheNewTestament.IntheOldwe havethetimeofpreparation,theawakeningofthespiritofholyexpectancy, waitingGod'sfulfilmentofHispromises.IntheOldtheperfectheartwasthe receptacle,emptiedandcleansedforGod'sfilling.IntheNewwewillfind Christperfectedforevermore,perfectingus,andfittingustowalkperfectin Him. In the New the word that looks at the human side, perfect in heart, disappears,togiveplacetothatwhichrevealstheDivinefillingthatawaits thepreparedvessel:PerfectLove;God'sloveperfectedinus. "Blessedaretheperfectintheway!"Wehaveheardthetestimonyofan OldTestamentsaint,andisitnotwrittenofNewTestamenttimes,"Hethat isfeebleshallbeasDavid"?Surelynow,inthefulnessoftime,whenJesus ourHighPriestinthepowerofanendlesslifesavescompletely,andtheHoly SpirithascomeoutofGod'sheaventodwellwithinusandbeourlife,surely nowthereneednotbeonewordofthepsalmthatisnotmeanttobeliteral truthinthemouthofeverybeliever.Letusreaditoncemore.Speakingit word for word before God, as its writer did, we too shall begin to sing, "Blessedaretheperfectintheway,thatseekHimwiththeirwholeheart." "Iwillbehavemyselfwiselyinaperfectway.Oh!whenwillYoucome tome!Iwillwalkwithinmyhousewithaperfectheart."

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Day 9 PERFECT AS THE FATHER

"Forthisreasonyouwillbeperfect,asyourheavenlyFatherisperfect." Matt.5:48. Perfect before God, perfect with God, perfect towards God: these are the expressionswefindintheOldTestament.Theyallindicatearelationship: thechoiceorpurposeoftheheartsetuponGod,thewholehearteddesireto trustandobeyHim.ThefirstwordoftheNewTestamentatonceliftsusto averydifferentlevel,andopenstouswhatChristhasbroughtforus.Not onlyperfecttowardsGod,butperfectasGod;thisisthewonderfulprospect itholdsouttous.Itrevealstheinfinitefulnessofmeaningthewordperfect hasinGod'smind.Itgivesusatoncetheonlystandardwearetoaimatand tojudgeby.Itcastsdownallhopesofperfectionasahumanattainment;but awakenshopeinHimwho,asGod,hasthepower,asFatherhasthewill,to makeuslikeHimself. Ayoungchildmaybetheperfectimageofhisfather.Theremaybeagreat differenceinage,instature,inpower,andyettheresemblancemaybeso strikingthateveryonenoticesit.AndsoachildofGod,thoughinfinitely less, may yet bear the image of the Father so markedly, may have such a strikinglikenesstohisFather,thatinhiscreaturelylifehewillbeperfect,as the Father is in His Divine life. This is possible. It is what Jesus here commands. It is what each one should aim at. "Perfect as your Father in heavenisperfect,"mustbecomeoneofthefirstarticlesofourcreed,oneof theguidinglightsofourChristianlife.

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Be Perfect

Perfect As The Father

WhereinthisperfectionoftheFatherconsistsisevidentfromthecontext: "Loveyourenemies,thatyoumaybesonsofyourFatherwhichisinheaven; forHemakesHissuntoshineontheevilandthegood:Bethereforeperfect, asyourFatherinheavenisperfect."OrasitisinLuke6:36:"Bemerciful, evenasyourFatherismerciful."TheperfectionofGodisHislove;Hiswill tocommunicateHisownblessednesstoallaroundHim.Hiscompassionand mercyarethegloryofHisbeing.HecreatedusinHisimageandafterHis likeness,tofindourgloryinalifeofloveandmercyandbeneficence.Itis inlovewearetobeperfect,evenasourFatherisperfect. Thethoughtthatcomesupatonce,andthateverreturnsagain,isthis:But isitpossible?Andifso,how?Certainlynotasafruitofman'sefforts.But thewordsthemselvescontaintheanswer:"perfectasyourFatherisperfect." Itisbecausethelittlechildhasreceivedhislifefromhisfather,andbecause thefatherwatchesoverhistraininganddevelopment,thattherecanbesuch astrikingandeverincreasingresemblancebetweenhiminhisfeeblenessand hisfatherinhisstrength.ItisbecausethesonsofGodarepartakersofthe Divine nature, have God's life, and spirit, and love within them, that the command is reasonable, and its obedience in everincreasing measure possible:Beperfect,asyourFatheris.TheperfectionisourFather's:wehave itsseedinus;Hedelightstogivetheincrease.Thewordsthatfirstappearto castusdowninutterhelplessnessnowbecomeourhopeandstrength.Be perfect,asyourFatherisperfect.Claimyourchild'sheritage;giveupyourself tobewhollyasonofGod;yieldyourselftotheFathertodoinyouallHeis able. Andthen,remembertoo,whoitisgivesthismessagefromtheFather.It istheSon,whoHimselfwas,bytheFather,perfectedthroughsuffering;who learnedobedienceandwasmadeperfect;andwhohasperfectedusforever. Themessage,"Beperfect,"comestousfromHim,ourelderBrother,asa promiseofinfinitehope.WhatJesusasksofus,theFathergives.WhatJesus speaks,Hedoes.To"presenteverymanperfectinChristJesus,"istheone

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Be Perfect

Perfect As The Father

aim of Christ and His gospel. Let us accept the command from Him; in yieldingourselvestoobeyit,letusyieldourselvestoHim:letourexpectation befromHiminwhomwehavebeenperfected.ThroughfaithinHimwe receivetheHolyGhost,bywhomtheloveofGodisshedabroadinourhearts. ThroughfaithinHim,thatlovebecomesinusafountainoflovespringing upwithoutceasing.InunionwithHim,theloveofGodisperfectedinus, andweareperfectedinlove.Letusnotfeartoacceptandobeythecommand, "Beperfect,asyourFatherisperfect."

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Day 10 PERFECTED AS THE MASTER

"Bethereforemerciful,asyourFatheralsoismerciful....Thediscipleis notabovehismaster:buteveryonewhoisperfectedwillbeashismaster." Lk.6:36,40. InhisreportofpartoftheSermonontheMount,LukerecordsthatJesus says, not: "Be perfect," but, "Be merciful," as your Father is. He then introducesthewordperfectimmediatelyafter;not,however,inconnection withtheFather,buttheSon,astheMasterofHisdisciples.Thechangeis mostinstructive;itleadsustolooktoJesus,asHedweltintheflesh,asour model.Itmightbesaidthatourcircumstancesandpowersaresodifferent fromthoseofGodthatitisimpossibletoapplythestandardofHisinfinite perfectioninourlittleworld.ButherecomestheSon,inthelikenessofsinful flesh,temptedinallthingslikeasweare,andoffersHimselfasourMaster andLeader.HeliveswithusthatwemaylivewithHim;Heliveslikeusthat wemaylivelikeHim. TheDivinestandardisembodiedandmadevisible,isbroughtwithinour reach,inthehumanmodel.GrowingintoHislikeness,whoistheimageof theFather,weshallbearthelikenessoftheFathertoo:becominglikeHim, thefirstbornamongmanybrethren,weshallbecomeperfectastheFatheris. "ThediscipleisnotabovehisMaster:buteveryonewhoisperfectedshall beashisMaster." "ThediscipleisnotabovehisMaster."Thethoughtofthedisciplebeing astheMastersometimeshasreferencetooutwardhumiliation:liketheMaster he will be despised and persecuted (Matt. 10: 24, 25; John 15: 20). And

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Be Perfect

Perfected As The Master

sometimestoinwardhumility,thewillingnesstobeaservant(Luke22:27; John13:16).Bothinhisexternallifeandhisinnerdispositiontheperfected discipleknowsnothinghigherthantobeashisMaster. TotakeJesusasMaster,withthedistinctdesireandaimtobeandlive andactlikeHimthisistrueChristianity.Thisissomethingfarmorethan acceptingHimasaSaviorandHelper.Farmoreeventhanacknowledging HimasLordandMaster. Aservantmayobeythecommandsofhismastermostfaithfully,while hehaslittlethoughtofthroughthemrisingupintothemaster'slikenessand spirit.Thisaloneisfulldiscipleship,tolongineverythingtobeaslikethe Masteraspossible,tocountHislifeasthetrueexpressionofallthatisperfect, andtoaimatnothinglessthantheperfectionofbeingperfectasHewas. "EveryonewhoisperfectedshallbeashisMaster." Thewordssuggesttousverydistinctlythatindiscipleshipthereismore thanonestage.JustasintheOldTestamentitissaidonlyofsomethatthey servedtheLordwithaperfectheart,whileofotherswereadthattheirheart wasnotperfectwiththeLord(1Kings11:4,15:3;2Chron.25:2),soeven nowtherearegreatdifferencesbetweendisciples.Sometherearetowhom thethoughtofaimingattheperfectlikenessoftheMasterhasnevercome: theyonlylooktoChristasaSavior.Andsometherearewhoseheartindeed longsforfullconformitytotheirLord,"tobeastheMaster,"butwhohave neverunderstood,thoughtheyhavereadthewords,thatthereissuchathing as"aperfectheart"andalife"perfectedinlove." Buttherearethose,too,towhomithasbeengiventoacceptthesewords intheirDivinemeaningandtruth,andwhodoknowinblessedexperience whatitistosaywithHezekiah,"IhavewalkedbeforeTheewithaperfect heart,"andwithJohn,"asHeis,evensoareweinthisworld." AswegooninourstudyofwhatScripturesaysofperfection,letushold fasttheprinciplewehavelearnthere.LikenesstoJesusinHishumiliation andhumility:thechoice,likeHim,oftheformofaservant,thespiritthat

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Be Perfect

Perfected As The Master

doesnotexerciselordshipandwouldnotbeministeredunto,butgirdsitself toministerandtogiveitslifeforothers,thisisthesecretoftrueperfection. "ThediscipleisnotabovehisMaster,buteveryonewhoisperfectedshall beashisMaster."WiththeperfectloveofGodasourstandard,withthatlove revealedinChrist'shumanityandhumilityasourmodelandguide,withthe HolySpirittostrengthenuswithmight,thatthisChristmayliveinus,we shalllearntoknowwhatitisthateveryonewhoisperfectedshallbeashis Master.

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Day 11 THE PERFECT SELLING ALL TO FOLLOW CHRIST

"Jesussaiduntohim,'Ifyoudesiretobeperfect,goselleverything,and givetothepoor,andyouwillhavetreasureinheaven;andcome,follow Me.'"Matt.19:21. Totherichyoungrulerpovertywastobethepathtoperfection."Thedisciple isnotabovehisMaster,buteveryonewhoisperfectedshallbeashisMaster." PovertywaspartoftheMaster'sperfection,partofthatmysteriousdiscipline ofselfdenialandsufferingthroughwhichitbecameGodtoperfectHim: whileHewasonearth,povertywastobethemarkofallthosewhowould bealwayswith,andwhollyas,theMaster. Whatdoesthismean?JesuswasLordofall.Hemighthavelivedhereon earthincircumstancesofcomfortandwithmoderatepossessions.Hemight havetaughtushowtoown,andtouse,andtosanctifyproperty.Hemightin thishavebecomelikeus,walkinginthepathinwhichmostmenhaveto walk.ButHechosepoverty.Itslifeofselfsacrificeanddirectdependence onGod,itshumiliation,itstrialsandtemptations,weretobeelementsofthat highestperfectionHewastoexhibit. InthediscipleswhomHechosetobewithHim,povertywastobethe markoftheirfellowshipwithHim,thetrainingschoolforperfectconformity to His image, the secret of power for victory over the world, for the full possessionoftheheavenlytreasure,andthefullexhibitionoftheheavenly spirit.Andeveninhim,who,whenthehumiliationwaspast,hadhiscalling

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Be Perfect

The Perfect Selling All To Follow Christ

fromthethrone,inPaul,povertywasstillthechosenandmuchprizedvehicle ofperfectfellowshipwithhisLord. Whatdoesthismean?Thecommand,"Beperfect,"comestotherichas wellasthepoor.Scripturehasnowherespokenofthepossessionofproperty asasin.Whileitwarnsagainstthedangerrichesbring,anddenouncestheir abuse,ithasnowherepromulgatedalawforbiddingriches.Andyetitspeaks ofpovertyashavingaveryhighplaceinthelifeofperfection. Tounderstandthiswemustrememberthatperfectionisarelativeterm. Wearenotunderalaw,withitsexternalcommandsastodutyandconduct, thattakesnoaccountofdiversityofcharacterorcircumstance.Intheperfect lawoflibertyinwhichwearecalledtolive,thereisroomforinfinitevariety in the manifestation of our devotion to God and Christ. According to the diversityofgifts,andcircumstances,andcalling,thesamespiritmaybeseen inapparentlyconflictingpathsoflife.Thereisaperfectionwhichissought intherightpossessionanduseofearthlygoodsastheMaster'ssteward;there isalsoaperfectionwhichseekseveninexternalthingstobeastheMaster Himselfwas,andinpovertytobearitswitnesstotherealityandsufficiency ofheavenlythings. IntheearlyagesoftheChurchthistruth,thatpovertyisforsomethepath of perfection, exercised a mighty and a blessed influence. Men felt that poverty,asoneofthetraitsoftheholylifeofJesusandHisapostles,was sacredandblessed.AstheinnerlifeoftheChurchgrewfeeble,thespiritual truthwaslostinexternalobservances,andthefellowshipofthepovertyof Jesuswasscarcetobeseen.Initsprotestagainsttheselfrighteousnessand thesuperficialityoftheRomishsystem,theProtestantChurchhasnotyet beenabletogivetopovertytheplaceitoughttohaveeitherintheportraiture oftheMaster'simageorthedisciple'sstudyofperfectconformitytoHim. Andyetitisatruthmanyareseekingafter.IfourLordfoundpovertythe bestschoolforHisownstrengtheningintheartofperfection,andthesurest waytoriseabovetheworldandwinmen'sheartsfortheUnseen,itsurely

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Be Perfect

The Perfect Selling All To Follow Christ

need not surprise us if those who feel drawn to seek the closest possible conformitytotheirLordeveninexternalthings,andwholongforthehighest possiblepowerinwitnessingfortheInvisible,shouldbeirresistiblydrawn tocountthiswordasspokentothemtoo:"Ifyoudesiretobeperfect,sell everything,andfollowMe." Whenthiscallisnotfelt,thereisalargerlessonofuniversalapplication: Noperfectionwithoutthesacrificeofall.TobeperfectedhereonearthChrist gaveupall:tobecomelikeHim,tobeperfectedastheMaster,meansgiving upall.Theworldandselfmustberenounced."Ifyoudesiretobeperfect, sellall,andgivetothepoor;andcome,followMe."

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Day 12 THE PERFECT MAN A SPIRITUAL MAN

"Howbeitwespeakwisdomamongtheperfect."1Cor:2:6. "AndI,brethren,couldnotspeaktoyouastospiritual,butastocarnal,as tobabesinChrist.Forwhereasthereisamongyoujealousyandstrife,are younotyetcarnal?"1Cor.3:1,3. AmongtheCorinthiansthereweremightyandabundantoperationsofthe HolySpirit.Paulcouldsaytothem(1:5),"Ineverythingyouwereenriched inChrist,sothatyoucomebehindinnogift."Andyetinthesanctifyinggrace oftheHolySpirittherewasmuchthatwaswanting.Hehadtosay,"There arecontentionsamongyou;Ibeseechyouthattherebenodivisionsamong you,butthatyoumaybeperfectedtogetherinthesamemind."Thespiritof humility,andgentleness,andunitywaswanting;withoutthesetheycould notbeperfected,eitherindividuallyorasabody.Theyneededtheinjunction, "Aboveallthesethingsputonlove,whichisthebondofperfectness." The Corinthians were as yet carnal; the gifts of the Spirit were among theminpower;butHisgrace,renewing,sweetening,sanctifyingeverytemper intothelikenessofJesus,inthistheywerelackingmuch.ThewisdomPaul preachedwasaheavenly,spiritualwisdom,God'swisdominamystery,even thehiddenwisdom,whichneededaspiritual,heavenlymindtoapprehendit. "Wespeakwisdomamongtheperfect;"hecouldnotspeaktothem"asunto spiritual,butasuntocarnal."Spiritualthingsmustbespirituallydiscerned; thewisdomamongtheperfectcouldonlybereceivedbythosewhowerenot carnal,butspiritual.TheperfectofwhomPaulspeaksarethespiritual.

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Be Perfect

The Perfect Man A Spiritual Man

Andwhoarethespiritual?Thoseinwhomnotonlythegifts,butthegraces oftheSpirithaveobtainedsupremacyandaremademanifest.God'sloveis His perfection (Matt. 5: 4046); Christ's humility is His perfection. The selfsacrificingloveofChrist,Hishumility,andmeekness,andgentleness, manifestedindailylife,arethemostperfectfruitoftheSpirit,thetrueproof thatamanisspiritual.AmanmayhavegreatzealinGod'sservice,hemay beusedtoinfluencemanyforgood,andyet,whenweighedinthebalanceof love, be found sadly wanting. In the heat of controversy, or under unjust criticism,hasteoftemper,slownesstoforgiveandforget,quickwordsand sharpjudgments,oftenrevealaneasilywoundedsensitiveness,whichproves howlittletheSpiritofChristhasfullpossessionorrealmastery.Thespiritual manisthemanwhoisclothedwiththespiritofthesuffering,crucifiedJesus. Anditisonlythespiritualmanwhocanunderstand"thewisdomamong theperfect,""eventhemysterywhichnowhasbeenmanifestedtotheholy ones,towhomGodwaspleasedtomakeknownwhatistherichesofthe gloryofthismystery,whichisChristinyou."AChristianteachermaybea manofwonderfulsagacityandinsight,mayhavethepowerofopeningthe truth,ofmightilystimulatingandhelpingothers,andmayyethavesomuch ofthecarnalthatthedeepermysteryofChristinusremainshidden.Itisonly asweyieldourselveswhollytothepowerofGod'sHolySpirit,asthequestion ofbeingmadefreefromallthatiscarnal,ofattainingtheutmostpossible likenesstoJesusinHishumiliation,ofbeingfilledwiththeSpirit,rulesheart andlife,thattheChristian,behescholarorteacher,canfullyenterintothe wisdomamongtheperfect. ToknowthemindofGodwemusthavethemindofChrist.Andthemind ofChrististhis,thatHeemptiedandhumbledHimself,andbecameobedient to death. This His humility was His capacity, His fitness for rising to the throneofGod.ThismindmustbeinusifthehiddenwisdomofGodistobe revealedtousinitspower.Itisthisthatisthemarkofthespiritual,theperfect man.

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Be Perfect

The Perfect Man A Spiritual Man

MayGodincreasethenumberoftheperfect.Andtothatendthenumber ofthosewhoknowtospeakwisdomamongtheperfect,evenGod'swisdom inamystery.Asthedistinctionbetweenthecarnalandthespiritual,thebabes andtheperfect,comestorecognitionintheChurch,theconnectionbetween a spiritual life and spiritual insight will become clearer, and the call to perfectionwillgainnewforceandmeaning.Anditwillonceagainbecounted justcauseofreproofandofshamenottobeamongtheperfect.

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Day 13 PERFECTING HOLINESS

"Havingthereforethesepromises,beloved,letuscleanseourselvesfromall defilementoffleshandspirit,perfectingholinessinthefearofGod."2 Cor.7:1. Thesewordsgiveusaninsightintooneofthechiefaspectsofperfection, andananswertothequestion:Whereinisitwearetobeperfect?Wemust beperfectinholiness.Wemustbeperfectlyholy.Suchistheexpositionof theFather'smessage,Beperfect. Weknowwhatholinessis.Godaloneisholy,andholinessisthatwhich GodcommunicatesofHimself.Separationandcleansingandconsecration arenotholiness,butonlythepreliminarystepsonthewaytoit.Thetemple washolybecauseGoddweltinit.NotthatwhichisgiventoGodisholy,but thatwhichGodacceptsandappropriates,thatwhichHetakespossessionof, takesupintoHisownfellowshipandusethatisholy."IamtheLordwho makes you holy," was God's promise to His people of old, on which the commandwasbased,"Beholy."God'stakingthemforHisownmadethem aholypeople;theirenteringintothisholinessofGod,yieldingthemselves toHiswill,andfellowship,andservice,waswhatthecommand,"Beholy," calledthemto. EvensoitiswithusChristians.WearemadeholyinChrist;wearesaints orholyones.Thecallcomestoustofollowafterholiness,toperfectholiness, toyieldourselvestotheGodwhoisreadytosanctifyuswholly.Itisthe knowledge of what God has done in making us His holy ones, and has

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Be Perfect

Perfecting Holiness

promisedtodoinsanctifyinguswholly,thatwillgiveuscouragetoperfect holiness. "Havingthereforethesepromises,beloved,letusperfectholiness."Which promises?Theyhadjustbeenmentioned:"Iwilldwellinthem;Iwillbetheir God;Iwillreceiveyou;IwillbetoyouaFather."ItwasGod'sacceptingthe temple,anddwellingthereHimself,thatmadeitholy.ItisGod'sdwellingin usthatmakesusholy;thatgivesusnotonlythemotive,butthecourageand thepowertoperfectholiness,toyieldourselvesforHimtopossessperfectly andentirely.ItisGod'sbeingaFathertous,begettingHisownlife,Hisown Sonwithinus,formingChristinus,untiltheSonandtheFathermaketheir abodeinus,thatwillgiveusconfidencetobelievethatitispossibletoperfect holiness,andwillrevealtousthesecretofitsattainment."Havingtherefore thesepromises,beloved,"thatis,knowingthem,livingonthem,claiming andobtainingthem,letus"perfectholiness." Thisfaithisthesecretpowerofthegrowthoftheinnerlifeofperfect holiness.Buttherearehindrancesthatcheckandpreventthisgrowth.These mustbewatchedagainstandremoved."Havingthesepromises,letuscleanse ourselvesfromalldefilementoffleshandspirit,perfectingholinessinthe fear of the Lord." Every defilement, outward or inward, in conduct or inclination, in the physical or the spiritual life, must be cleansed and cast away.Cleansingintheblood,cleansingbytheword,cleansingbythepruning knifeorthefireinanywayorbyanymeansbutwemustbecleansed. In the fear of the Lord every sin must be cut off and cast out; everything doubtful or defiling must be put away; soul and body and spirit must be preservedentireandblameless.Thuscleansingourselvesfromalldefilement wewillperfectholiness:thespiritofholinesswillfillGod'stemplewithHis holypresenceandpower. Beloved,havingthesepromises,letusperfectholiness.Perfectlyholy! perfectinholinessletusyieldourselvestothesethoughts,tothesewishes, to these promises, of our God. Beginning with the perfect childlike heart,

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Be Perfect

Perfecting Holiness

pressing on in the perfect way, clinging to a perfect Savior, living in fellowshipwithaGodwhosewayandworkisperfect,letusnotbeafraidto cometoGodwithHisowncommandasourprayer:Perfectholiness,Omy Lord!HeknowswhatHemeansbyit,andwewillknowifwefollowonto know.Lord,Iamcalledtoperfectholiness:IcometoYouforit;makeme asperfectlyholyasaredeemedsinnercanbeonearth. Letthisbethespiritofourdailyprayer.IwouldwalkbeforeGodwitha perfectheart:perfectinChristJesus;inthepathofperfectholiness.Iwould this day come as near perfection as grace can make it possible for me. "Perfectingholiness"shall,inthepowerofHisSpirit,bemyaim.

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Day 14 WE PRAY FOR YOUR PERFECTING: BE PERFECTED

"Thiswealsoprayfor,evenyourperfecting....Finally,brethren,farewell. Beperfected,becomforted,beofthesamemind,liveinpeace;andthe Godofloveandpeacewillbewithyou."2Cor.13:9,11. The word here translated "perfect" means to bring a thing into its right condition,sothatitisasitshouldbe.Itisusedofmendingnets,restoring themtotheirrightstate,orofequippingaship:fittingitoutwithallitshould have.Itimpliesthustwothings:theremovalofallthatisstillwrong;the supplyofallthatisstilllacking. WithintwoversesPaulusesthewordtwice.First,astheexpressionofthe one thing which he asks of God for them, the summary of all grace and blessing:"Thisweprayfor,evenyourperfecting."Thatyoubeperfectlyfree fromallthatiswrongandcarnal,andthatyoushouldperfectlypossessand exhibitallthatGodwouldhaveyoube:weprayforyourperfecting.Nextas the summing up in a farewell word of what He would have them aim at. "Finally,brethren,farewell.Beperfected."Andthenfollowthreeotherverbs, whichshowhowthisone,whichtakesthelead,hasreferencetotheChristian's dailylife,andismeanttopointtowhatistobehisdailyaimandexperience. "Beperfected,becomforted,beofthesamemind,liveinpeace."Justasthe comfortoftheSpirit,andtheunityoflove,andthelifeofpeaceare,ifthe Godofloveandpeaceistobewithus,ourdutyandourprivilegeeveryhour, so,too,thebeingperfected.ThecloseofthetwoEpistlesgathersupallits teachinginthisoneinjunctionFarewellBePerfected.
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Be Perfect

We Pray For Your Perfecting: Be Perfect

Thetwotextstogethershowuswhattheprayerandthepreachingofevery ministerofthegospeloughttobe;whathisheart,aboveeverything,ought tobeseton.WejustlylookuponPaulasamodelwhomeveryministerought tocopyleteveryGospelministercopyhiminthis,sothathispeoplemay knowashegoesinandoutamongthemthathisheartbreathesheavenward forthemthisonewish:Yourperfecting!andmayfeelthatallhisteaching hasthisoneaim:Beperfected! IfministersaretoseekthisaboveeverythingintheirchargeoftheChurch ofGod,theyneedthemselvestofeeldeeplyandtoexposefaithfullythelow standard that prevails in the Church. Some have said that they have seen Perfectionismslayitsthousands.AllmustadmitthatImperfectionismhas slainitstensofthousands.Multitudesaresoothingthemselvesinalifeof worldlinessandsinwiththethoughtthatasnooneisperfect,imperfection cannotbesodangerous.NumbersoftrueChristiansaremakingnoprogress becausetheyhaveneverknownthatwecanserveGodwithaperfectheart, thattheperfectheartisthesecretofaperfectway,ofaworkgoingonunto perfection.God'scalltoustobeperfect,toperfectholinessinHisfear,to liveperfectinChristJesus,tostandperfectinallthewillofGod,mustbe preached,untilthefaithbeginstoliveagainintheChurchthatallteaching istobesummedupinthewords,andeachdayofourlifetobespentunder theirinspiration:BePerfected! Whenonceministersknowthemselvesandareknownasthemessengers ofthisGodwilledperfection,theywillfeeltheneedofnothinglessthanthe teachingoftheHolySpirittoguidemeninthispath.Theywillseeandpreach thatreligionmustindeedbeasurrenderofalltoGod.Becomingasconformed toHiswill,livingasentirelytoHisglory,beingasperfectlydevotedtoHis service,asgracecanenableustobe,andnoless,willbetheonlyruleofduty and measure of expectation. The message, Be Perfected! will demand the wholeheart,thewholelife,thewholestrength.Asthesoullearnseachday tosay,"Father!IdesiretobeperfectinheartwithYoutoday,Idesiretowalk

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Be Perfect

We Pray For Your Perfecting: Be Perfect

beforeYouandbeperfect,"theneedandthemeaningofabidinginChrist willbebetterunderstood,ChristHimselfwithHispowerandlovewillhave newpreciousness,andGodwillprovewhatHecandoforsouls,foraChurch whollygivenuptoHim. OyouministersofChrist,youmessengersofHissalvation,saytothe ChurchesoverwhichtheHolySpirithasmadeyouoverseers:Thisalsowe prayforevenyourperfecting!Finally,brethren,Beperfected!

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Day 15 NOT PERFECTED, YET PERFECT

"NotthatIhavealreadyobtained,oramalreadyperfected;butIpresson.. ..OnethingIdo,Ipressontowardsthegoal.Letustherefore,asmanyas beperfect,bethusminded."Phil.3:1215. Inperfectiontherearedegrees.Wehaveperfect,moreperfect,mostperfect. Wehaveperfect,waitingtobeperfected.SoitwaswithourLordJesus.In HebrewswereadthriceofHimthatHewasperfectedormadeperfect.Of sinfulimperfectiontherewasnotthefaintestshadowinHim.Ateachmoment ofHislifeHewasperfectjustwhatHeshouldbe.AndyetHeneeded,and itbecameGodtoperfectHimthroughsufferingandtheobedienceHelearned init.AsHeconqueredtemptation,andmaintainedHisallegiancetoGod,and amidstrongcryingandtearsgaveupHiswilltoGod'swill,Hishumannature wasperfected,andHebecameHighPriest,"theSonperfectedforevermore." JesusduringHislifeonearthwasperfect,butnotyetperfected. TheperfecteddiscipleshallbeashisMaster.WhatistrueofHimistrue, inourmeasure,ofustoo.PaulwrotetotheCorinthiansofspeakingwisdom amongtheperfect,awisdomcarnalChristianscouldnotunderstand.Herein ourtextheclasseshimselfwiththeperfect,andexpectsandenjoinsthemto beofthesamemindwithhimself.Heseesnodifficultyeitherinspeakingof himselfandothersasperfect,orinregardingtheperfectasneedingtobeyet furtherandfullyperfected. Andwhatisnowthisperfectionwhichhasyettobeperfected?Andwho are these perfect ones? The man who has made the highest perfection his choice,andwhohasgivenhiswholeheartandlifetoattaintoit,iscounted

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Be Perfect

Not Perfected, Yet Perfect

byGodaperfectman."Thekingdomofheavenislikeaseed."WhereGod seesintheheartthesinglepurposetobeallthatGodwills,Heseesthedivine seedofallperfection.AndasHecountsfaithforrighteousness,soHecounts thiswholeheartedpurposetobeperfectasincipientperfection.Themanwith aperfectheartisacceptedbyGod,amidallimperfectionofattainment,asa perfectman.PaulcouldlookupontheChurchandunhesitatinglysay,"As manyofusasbeperfect,letusbethusminded." WeknowhowamongtheCorinthianshedescribestwoclasses.Theone, thelargemajority,carnalandcontenttoliveinstrife;theother,thespiritual, theperfect.IntheChurchofourdayitistobefearedthatthegreatmajority ofbelievershavenoconceptionoftheircallingtobeperfect.Theyhavenot theslightestideathatitistheirdutynotonlytobereligious,buttobeas eminentlyreligious,asfullofgraceandholiness,asitispossibleforGodto make them. Even where there is some measure of earnest purpose in the pursuitofholiness,thereissuchawantoffaithintheearnestnessofGod's purposewhenHespeaks:"Beperfect,"andinthesufficiencyofHisgraceto meetthedemand,thattheappealmeetswithnoresponse.Innorealsensedo theyunderstandoracceptPaul'sinvitation:"Letus,asmanyasbeperfect, bethusminded." But,thankGod!itisnotsowithall.Thereisaneverincreasingnumber who cannot forget that God means what He says when He speaks: "Be perfect,"andwhoregardthemselvesasunderthemostsolemnobligationto obeythecommand.ThewordsofChrist:"Beperfect,"aretothemarevelation ofwhatChristiscometogiveandtowork,apromiseoftheblessingtowhich His teaching and leading will bring them. They have joined the band of likemindedoneswhomPaulwouldassociatewithhimself;theyseekGod withtheirwholeheart;theyserveHimwithaperfectheart;theironeaimin lifeistobemadeperfect,evenastheMaster. Myreader!asinthepresenceofGod,whohassaidtoyou:"Beperfect!" andofChristJesus,whogaveHimselfthatyoumightobeythiscommandof

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Be Perfect

Not Perfected, Yet Perfect

yourGod,IchargeyouthatyoudonotrefusethecallofGod'sservant,but enrolyourselfamongthosewhoacceptit:"Letus,asmanyasbeperfect,be thusminded."FearnottotakeyourplacebeforeGodwithPaulamongthe perfectinheart.Sofarwillitbefromcausingselfcomplacency,thatyouwill learnfromhimhowtheperfecthasyettobeperfected,andhowtheonemark oftheperfectisthathecountsallthingslossashepressesonuntotheprize ofthehighcallingofGodinJesusChrist.

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Day 16 PERFECT, AND YET TO BE PERFECTED

"NotthatIhavealreadyobtained,oramalreadyperfected,butIpresson.. ..OnethingIdo,Ipressontowardthegoal.Letustherefore,asmanyas beperfect,bethusminded.Brethren,beyeimitatorstogetherofme."Phil. 3:1217. Themarkoftheperfect,assetbeforeusinPaulandallwhoarethusminded, isthepassionatedesiretobeyetmadeperfect.Thislookslikeaparadox.And yet what we see in our Master proves the truth of what we say: the consciousness of being perfect is in entire harmony with the readiness to sacrificelifeitselfforthesakeofbeingyetmadeperfect.Itwasthuswith Christ.ItwasthuswithPaul.Itwillbethuswithus,asweopenourhearts fullyandgiveGod'swordsroomandtimetodotheirwork.Manythinkthat themoreimperfectoneisthemorehewillfeelhisneedofperfection.All experience,ineverydepartmentoflife,teachesustheveryopposite.Itis those who are nearest perfection who most know their need of being yet perfected,andaremostreadytomakeanysacrificetoattaintoit.Tocount everythinglossforperfectioninpractice,isthesurestproofthatperfection inprinciplehaspossessionoftheheart.Themorehonestlyandearnestlythe believerclaimsthatheseeksGodwithaperfectheart,themorereadywill he be with Paul to say: "Not that I have already obtained, or am already perfected." AndwhereinwasitnowthatPaullongedtobemadeperfect?Readthe wonderfulpassagewithcare,andwithoutprejudiceorpreconceivedideas, andIthinkyouwillseethathegivesherenoindicationofitsbeingsinor

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Be Perfect

Perfect, And Yet To Be Perfected

sinfulimperfectionfromwhichhewasseekingtobeperfectlyfree.Whatever hiswritingsteachelsewhere,thethoughtisnotinhismindhere.Theperfected discipleisashisMaster.Paulisspeakinghereofhislifeandlifework,and feelsthatitisnotperfecteduntilhehasreachedthegoalandobtainedthe prize.Tothisheispressingon.Hethatrunsinaracemay,asfarashehas gone,havedoneeverythingperfectly;allmaypronouncehiscourseperfect asfarasithasgone.Stillithastobeperfected.Thecontrastisnotwithfailure orshortcoming,butwithwhatisasyetunfinished,andwaitingforitsfull end.AndsoPaulusesexpressionswhichalltellushowwhathealreadyhad ofChristwasbutapart.HedidknowChrist,hehadgainedChrist,hewas foundinHim,hehadapprehendedinwonderfulmeasurethatforwhichChrist hadapprehendedhim.AndyetofallthesethingsofknowingChrist,of gainingHim,ofbeingfoundinHim,ofapprehendingthatforwhichhewas apprehendedhespeaksasofwhathewasstrivingafterwithallhismight: "IfbyanymeansImayattaintotheresurrectionofthedead;""Ipressonto thegoal,untotheprize."'Itisofallthishesays:"NotthatIamalreadymade perfect.Letasmanyasareperfectbethusminded." PaulhadknownChristformanyyears,butheknewtherewereinHim richesandtreasuresgreaterthanhehadknownyet,andnothingcouldsatisfy him but the full and final and eternal possession of what the resurrection wouldbringhim.Forthishecountedallthingsbutloss;forthisheforgotthe thingsthatwerebehind;forthishepressedontothegoal,untotheprize.He teachesusthespiritoftrueperfection.Amanwhoknowsheisperfectwith God;amanwhoknowshemustyetbeperfected;amanwhoknowsthathe hascountedallthingslosstoattainthisfinalperfection;suchistheperfect man. Christian,learnherethepriceofperfection,aswellasthemarkofthe perfectones.TheMastergaveHislifetobemadeperfectforever.Pauldid thesame.Itisasolemnthingtoprofessthepursuitofperfection.Theprice ofthe"pearlofgreatprice"ishigh:allthingsmustbecountedloss.Ihave

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Be Perfect

Perfect, And Yet To Be Perfected

urgedyoutoputdownyournamesintheclasslistoftheperfect;toaskthe MastertoputitdownandgiveyoutheblessedwitnessoftheSpirittoaperfect heart. I urge you now, if, like Paul, you claim to be perfect, single and wholeheartedinyoursurrendertoGod,tolivethelifeoftheperfect,withall thingslossforJesusasitswatchwordanditsstrength,anditsonedesireto possessHimwholly,tobepossessedofHim,andtobemadeperfectevenas Hewas. OourFather!bepleasedtoopentheeyesofYourchildren,thattheymay seewhattheperfectionofheartisthatYounowaskofthem,andwhatthe perfectioninChrististhatYoudesireforthemtoseekatanycost.

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Day 17 PERFECT IN CHRIST

"Christinyou,thehopeofglory:whomweproclaim,admonishingevery man,andteachingeverymaninallwisdom;thatwemaypresentevery manperfectinChrist:whereuntoIlaboralso,strivingaccordingtoHis workingwhichworksinmemightily."Col.1:2729. PerfectinChrist:inourinquiryintotheteachingoftheWordastoperfection, wehavehereanewwordopeninguptousthehope,givingustheassurance, ofwhatwehaveseentobeourduty.ItlinksallthatwehaveseenofGod's callandclaim,withallthatweknowofChristinHisgraceandpower.Perfect inChrist:hereistheopengatewayintotheperfectlife.Hetowhomitisgiven toseefullywhatitmeans,findsthroughitanabundantentranceintothelife ofChristianperfectness. Therearethreeaspectsinwhichweneedtolookatthetruthofourbeing perfectinChrist.Thereis,first,ourperfectnessinChrist,asitispreparedfor usinHim,ourHead.AsthesecondAdam,Christcameandwroughtouta new nature for all the members of His body. This nature is His own life, perfectedthroughsufferingandobedience.InthusbeingperfectedHimself, Heperfectedforeverthemthataresanctified.Hisperfection,Hisperfectlife, isours.Andthatnotonlyjudicially,orbyimputation,butasanactualspiritual reality,invirtueofourrealandlivingunionwithHim.Paulsaysinthesame Epistle,"Youarecomplete,madefullinHim";allthatyouaretobeisalready fulfilled,andsoyouarefulfilledinHim:circumcisedinHim,buriedwith Him,raisedwithHim,quickenedtogetherwithHim.AllChrist'smembers areinHim,fulfilledinHim.

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Be Perfect

Perfect In Christ

ThenthereisourperfectioninChrist,asimpartedtousbytheHolySpirit inunitingustoHim.Thelifewhichisimplantedinusatthenewbirth,planted intothemidstofamassofsinandflesh,isaperfectlife.Astheseedcontains initselfthewholelifeofthetree,sotheseedofGodwithinusistheperfect lifeofChrist,withitspowertogrow,andfillourlife,andbringforthfruitto perfection. AndthenthereisalsoourperfectioninChrist,aswroughtinusbythe HolySpirit,appropriatedbyusintheobedienceoffaith,andmademanifest inourlifeandconduct.Asourfaithgraspsandfeedsuponthetruthinthe twoformeraspects,andyieldsitselftoGodtohavethatperfectlifemaster andpervadethewholeofourdailylifeinitsordinaryactions;perfectinChrist willbecomeeachmomentapresentpracticalrealityandexperience.Allthat theWordhastaughtoftheperfectheart,andtheperfectway,ofbeingperfect astheFather,andperfectastheMaster,shineswithnewmeaningandwith thelightofanewlife.Christ,thelivingChrist,isourPerfection;He,Himself, liveseachdayandhourtoimpartit.ThemeasurelessloveofJesus,andthe poweroftheendlesslifeinwhichHislifeworks,becomethemeasureofour expectation.Inthelifeinwhichwenowliveintheflesh,withitsdailyduties inrelationshipwithmenandmoney,withcareandtemptation,wearetogive theproofthatPerfectinChristisnomereideal,butinthepowerofAlmighty God,simpleandliteraltruth. ItisinthelastofthesethreeaspectsthatPaulhasusedtheexpressionin ourtext.Hespeaksofadmonishingeveryman,andteachingeveryman,in allwisdom,thathemaypresenteverymanperfectinChristJesus.Itistothe perfectnessindailylifeandwalkthattheadmonishingandteachinghave reference.Inprinciple,ChristianswereperfectinChrist:inpracticetheywere tobecomeperfect.TheaimoftheGospelMinistryamongbelieverswasto presenteverymanperfectinChristJesus,toteachmenhowtheymightput ontheLordJesus,haveHislifecoverthemandhaveHislifeinthem.

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Be Perfect

Perfect In Christ

Whatatask!Whatahopelesstasktotheminister,ashelooksuponthe stateoftheChurch!Whatataskofinfinitehopefulness,ifhedoeshiswork asPauldid,"Whereunto,"nothinglessthanpresentingeverymanperfectin Christ: "Whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily." The aim is high, but the power is Divine. Let the minister,infullpurposeofheart,makePaul'saimhisown:topresentevery manperfectinChristJesus.HemaycountuponPaul'sstrength:"Hisworking whichworksinmemightily."

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Day 18 PERFECT IN ALL THE WILL OF GOD

"Epaphras,whoisoneofyou,aservantofJesusChrist,salutesyou,always strivingforyouinhisprayers,thatyoumaystandperfectandfullyassured inallthewillofGod."Col.4:12. Inthis,asinsomeoftheotherEpistles,thereissetbeforeusthelifeofthe believerashelivesitinheaveninChrist,andthenashelivesithereonearth withmen.TheteachingofScriptureisintenselyspiritualandsupernatural, but,atthesametime,intenselyhumanandpractical.Thiscomesoutvery beautifullyinthetwoexpressionsofourEpistle.PaulhadtoldtheColossians what he labored for; he now tells them what another minister, Epaphras, prayed on their behalf. Paul's striving was in his labor that they might be perfectinChristJesus.ThestrivingofEpaphraswasintheprayerthatthey mightbeperfectinallthewillofGod. Firstwehave"PerfectinChristJesus."Thethoughtissounearthlyand Divine,thatitsfullmeaningeludesourgrasp.ItliftsuptolifeinChristand heaven.Thenwehave"PerfectinallthewillofGod."Thiswordbringsus down to earth and daily life, placing all under the rule of God's will, and callingusineveryactionanddispositiontoliveinthewillofGod. "ThatyoumaystandperfectinallthewillofGod.""Theperfectionofthe creatureconsistsinnothingbutwillingthewilloftheCreator."Thewillof GodistheexpressionoftheDivineperfection.Naturehasitsbeautyandglory inbeingtheexpressionoftheDivinewill.Theangelshavetheirplaceand blissinheavenindoingGod'swill.TheSonofGodwasperfectedinlearning obedience,ingivingHimselfupuntothewillofGod.Hisredemptionhas

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Be Perfect

Perfect In All The Will Of God

butoneobject,tobringmanintothatonlyplaceofrestandblessednessthe willofGod.TheprayerofEpaphrasshowshowtrulyhehadenteredintothe spiritofhisMaster.Hepraysforhispeople,thattheymaystandinthewill ofGod;andthatinallthewillofGodnothingintheirlifeexcepted,in whichtheywerenotinGod'swill.Andthatagain,perfectinallthewillof God;ateachmoment,withaperfectheartwalkinginaperfectway.Perfect inallthewillofGod,iseverhisonethoughtofwhatoughttobeaskedand couldbefoundinprayer. Paul prayed for the Colossians, "that they might be filled with the knowledgeofGod'swillinallwisdomandspiritualunderstanding."These twoservantsofGodwereofonemind,thatyoungconvertsmustbereminded thattheirknowledgeofGod'swillisverydefective,thattheyneedtopray foraDivineteachingtoknowthatWill,andthattheironeaimshouldbeto standperfectinallthatwill. Let all seekers after perfection, let all who would be likeminded with Paul,notewellthelesson.InthejoyofaconsecrationsealedbytheHoly Spirit,intheconsciousnessofawholeheartedpurpose,andofservingGod withaperfectheart,thebelieverisoftentemptedtoforgethowmuchthere maybeinwhichhedoesnotyetseeGod'swill.Theremaybegravedefects in his character, serious shortcomings from the law of perfect love in his conduct,whichotherscanobserve.Theconsciousnessofactinguptothefull lightofwhatweknowtoberightisamostblessedthing,oneofthemarks oftheperfectheart.Butitmusteverbeaccompaniedwiththeremembrance ofhowmuchtheremaybethathasnotyetbeenrevealedtous.Thissenseof ignoranceastomuchofGod'swill,thisconvictionthatthereisstillmuchin usthatneedstobechanged,andsanctified,andperfected,willmakeusvery humble and tender, very watchful and hopeful in prayer. So far from interferingwithourconsciousnessthatweserveGodwithaperfectheart,it willgiveitnewstrength,whileitcultivatesthathumilitywhichisthegreatest beauty of perfection. Without it, the appeal to the consciousness of our

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Be Perfect

Perfect In All The Will Of God

uprightnessbecomessuperficialanddangerous,andthedoctrineofperfection astumblingblockandasnare. PerfectinallthewillofGod.Letthisbeourunceasingaimandprayer. Strikingitsrootsdeepinthehumilitywhichcomesfromtheconvictionof howmuchthereisyettoberevealedtous;strengthenedbytheconsciousness thatwehavegivenourselvestoserveHimwithaperfectheart;fullofthe gladpurposetobecontentwithnothinglessthanstandingperfectinallthe willofGod;rejoicingintheconfidenceofwhatGodwilldoforthosewho arebeforeHimperfectinChristJesus:letourfaithclaimthefullblessing. GodwillrevealtoushowperfectinChristJesus,andperfectinallthewill ofGod,areoneinHisthought,andmaybesoinourexperience. PaulprayedfortheColossians"withoutceasing,"thattheymightbefilled with the knowledge of God's will. Epaphras was "always striving in his prayers"forthem,thattheymightstandperfectinallthewillofGod.Itisby prayer,byunceasingstrivinginprayer,thatthisgracemustbesoughtforthe Church.Itisbeforethethrone,itisinthepresenceofGod,thatthelifeof perfection must be found and lived. It is by the operation of the mighty quickeningpowerofGodHimself,waitedforandreceivedinprayer,that believerscanindeedstandperfectinallthewillofGod.Godgiveusgrace sotoseekandsotofindit.

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Day 19 CHRIST MADE PERFECT THROUGH SUFFERING

"ItbecameHimtomaketheLeaderoftheirsalvationperfectthrough sufferings."Heb.2:10."ThoughHewasaSon,yetHelearnedobedience bythethingswhichHesuffered;andhavingbeenperfected,Hebecame, forallthemthatobeyHim,theAuthorofeternalsalvation."Heb.5:8,9. "ButthewordoftheoathappointethaSon,perfectedforevermore."Heb. 7:28. WehaveherethreepassagesinwhichwearetaughtthatJesusChristHimself, thoughHewastheSonofGod,hadtobeperfected.Thefirsttellsusthatit wasastheLeaderofoursalvationthatHewasperfected;thatitwasGod's worktoperfectHim;thattherewasaneedbeforit;"itbecameGod"todo it;andthatitwasthroughsufferingtheworkwasaccomplished.Thesecond, whatthepowerofsufferingtoperfectwas,thatinitHelearnedobedienceto God'swill;andthat,beingthusperfected,HebecametheAuthorofeternal salvationtoallwhoobeyHim.Thethird,thatitisastheSonperfectedfor evermorethatHeisappointedHighPriestintheheavens. The words open to us the inmost secret of Christian perfection. The ChristianhasnootherperfectionthantheperfectionofChrist.Thedeeper hisinsightintothecharacterofhisLord,ashavingbeenmadeperfectby being brought into perfect union with God's will through suffering and obedience,themoreclearlywillheapprehendwhereinthatredemptionwhich Christcametobringreallyconsists,andwhatthepathistoitsfullenjoyment.

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InChristtherewasnothingofsinfuldefectorshortcoming.Hewasfrom His birth the perfect One. And yet He needed to be perfected. There was somethinginHishumannaturewhichneededtogrow,tobestrengthened anddeveloped,andwhichcouldonlythusbeperfected.Hehadtofollowon, as, step by step, the will of God opened up to Him, and in the midst of temptationandsufferingtolearnandprovewhatitwasatanycosttodothat willalone.ItisthisChristwhoisourLeaderandForerunner,ourHighPriest andRedeemer. And it is as this perfection of His, this being made perfect through obediencetoGod'swill,isrevealedtous,thatwewillknowfullywhatthe redemptionisthatHebrings. WelearntotakeHimasourexample.LikeHimwesay,"Iamcome,not todomyownwill,butthewillofHimthatsentme."Weacceptthewillof Godastheonethingwehavetoliveforandtolivein.Ineverycircumstance and trial we see and bow to the will of God. We meet every providential appointment,ineveryordinarydutyofdailylife,asGod'swill.Weprayto befilledwiththeknowledgeofHiswill,thatwemayenterintoitinitsfulness, thatwemaystandcompleteinallthewillofGod.Whetherwesufferorobey God'swill,weseektobeperfectedastheMasterwas. WenotonlytakeChristasourexampleandlawinthepathofperfection, butasthepromiseandpledgeofwhatwearetobe.AllthatChristwasand didasSubstitute,Representative,HeadandSavior,isforus.AllHedoesis inthepoweroftheendlesslife.ThisperfectionofHisistheperfectionofHis life,Hiswayofliving;thislifeofHis,perfectedinobedience,isnowours. HegivesusHisownSpirittobreathe,toworkitinus.HeistheVine;weare the branches; the very mind and disposition that was in Him on earth is communicatedtous. Yes,more;itisnotonlyChristinheavenwhoimpartstoussomewhatof HisSpirit;ChristHimselfcomestodwellinourheart:theChristwhowas madeperfectthroughlearningobedience.ItisinthischaracterthatHereigns

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inheaven:"Hebecameobedientuntodeath;thereforeGodhighlyexalted Him."ItisinthischaracterthatHedwellsandrulesintheheart.Thereal character,theessentialattributeofthelifeChristlivedonearth,andwhich Hemaintainsinus,isthis:awillperfectwithGod,andreadyatanycostto beperfectedinallHiswill.ItisthischaracterHeimpartstoHisown:the perfectionwithwhichHewasperfectedinlearningobedience.Asthosewho areperfectinChrist,whoareperfectofhearttowardsGod,andarepressing ontobemadeperfect,letusliveinthewillofGod,ouronedesiretobeeven asHewas,todoGod'swill,tostandperfectinallthewillofGod.

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Day 20 LET US PRESS ON TO PERFECTION

"Butsolidfoodisfortheperfect,eventhosewhobyreasonofusehave theirsensesexercisedtodiscerngoadandevil.Forthisreason,letuscease tospeakofthefirstprinciplesofChrist,andpressonuntoperfection."Heb. 5:14;6:1. ThewriterhadcriticizedtheHebrewsforbeingdullofhearing;forhaving madenoprogressintheChristianlife;forstillbeingaslittlechildrenwho neededmilk.Theycouldnotbearsolidfood,thedeeperandmorespiritual teachinginregardtotheheavenlystateoflifeintowhichChristhadentered, andintowhichHegivesadmissiontothosewhoarereadyforit.Suchour writercallstheperfect,matureorfullgrownmenofthehouseofGod.We mustnotconnecttheideaofmatureorfullgrownwithtime.IntheChristian lifeitisnotasinnature:abelieverofthreeyearsoldmaybecountedamong thematureorperfect,whileoneoftwentyyears'standingmaybebutababe, unskilledinthewordofrighteousness.Normustweconnectitwithpower ofintellectormaturityofjudgment.Thesemaybefoundwithoutthatinsight intospiritualtruth,andthatlongingafterthehighestattainableperfectionin characterandfellowshipwithGod,ofwhichthewriterisspeaking. Wearetoldwhatthedistinguishingcharacteristicoftheperfectis:"even thosewhobyreasonofusehavetheirsensesexercisedtodiscerngoodand evil"'Itisthedesireafterholiness,thetenderconsciencethatlongsabove everythingtodiscerngoodandevil,theheartthatseeksonly,andalways, andfullytoknowanddothewillofGod,thatmarkstheperfect.Theman whohassethisheartuponbeingholy,andinthepursuitafterthehighest

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Let Us Press On To Perfection

moralandspiritualperfectionexerciseshissensesineverythingtodiscern goodandevil,iscountedtheperfectman. TheEpistlehasspokenofthetwostagesoftheChristianlife.Itnowcalls upontheHebrewstobenolongerbabes,nolongertoremaincontentwith the first principles, the mere elements of the doctrine of Christ. With the exhortation,"Letuspressontoperfection";itinvitesthemtocomeandlearn howJesusisaPriestinthepowerofanendlesslife,whocansavecompletely; howHeistheMediatorofabettercovenant,liftingusintoabetterlifeby writingthelawinourheart;howtheHoliestofallhasbeensetopenforus toenterin,andtheretoservethelivingGod."Letusgoontoperfection"is thelandmarkpointingalltothatheavenlylifeinGod'spresencewhichcan be lived even here on earth, to which the full knowledge of Jesus as our heavenlyHighPriestleadsus. "LetuspressontoPerfection."Itisnotthefirsttimewehavetheword in the Epistle. We read of God's perfecting Christ through suffering. PerfectionisthatperfectunionwithGod'swill,thatblessedmeeknessand surrender to God's will, which the Father wrought in Christ through His suffering.WereadofChrist'slearningobedience,andsobeingmadeperfect. Thisisthetruematurityorperfection,thetruewisdomamongtheperfect, theknowinganddoingGod'swill.Wereadofstrongfoodfortheperfect, whobyreasonofpractice,havetheirsensesexercisedtodiscerngoodand evil. Here again perfection is, even as with Christ, the disposition, the character that is formed when a man makes conformity to God's will, fellowship with God in His holiness, the one aim of His life, to which everythingelse,evenlifeitself,istobesacrificed. It is to this that Jesus, our High Priest, and the further teaching of the Epistle,wouldleaduson.TheknowledgeofthemysteriesofGod,ofthe highestspiritualtruth,cannotprofitus,becausewehavenoinwardcapacity forreceivingthem,unlessourinmostlifeisgivenuptoreceiveasoursthe perfectionwithwhichJesuswasperfected.Whenthisdispositionisfound,

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theHolySpiritwillrevealtoushowChristhasperfectedforever,inthepower of an endless life, those who are sanctified. He has prepared a life, a disposition,withwhichHeclothesthem.Andwewillunderstandthat,"Let usgoontoperfection,"justmeansthis,"LetusgoontoknowChristperfectly, toliveentirelybyHisheavenlylifenowthatHeisperfected,tofollowwholly Hisearthlylife,andthepathinwhichHereachedperfection."Unionwith Christ in heaven will mean likeness to Christ on earth in that lamblike meekness and humility in which He suffered, in that Sonlike obedience throughwhichHeenteredintoglory. Brethren,leavingthefirstprinciples,letusgoontoPerfection.

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Day 21 NO PERFECTION BY THE LAW

"Now,iftherewasperfectionthroughtheLeviticalpriesthood(forunderit thepeoplehadreceivedthelaw),whatfurtherneedthatanotherpriest shouldariseaftertheorderofMelchisedek?...whohasbeenmade,not afterthelawofacarnalcommandment,butafterthepowerofanendless life....Forthereisadisannullingofaformercommandment,becauseof itsweaknessandunprofitableness,forthelawmadenothingperfect."Heb. 7:1119.Giftsandsacrificesareoffered,whichcannot,astouchingthe conscience,maketheworshiperperfect."Heb.9:9."Forthelaw,havinga shadowofthegoodthingstocome,cannevermakeperfectthemthatdraw nigh."Heb.10:1."Thatapartfromustheyshouldnotbemadeperfect." Heb.11:40. Of the Epistles of the New Testament there is none in which the word "Perfect"isusedsooftenasthattotheHebrews.Thereisnonethatwillhelp usmoretoseewhatChristianperfectionis,andthewaytoitsattainment.The wordisusedthriceofourLordJesus,andHisbeingmadeperfectHimself. Twiceofoursubjectiveperfection.Fivetimesoftheperfectionofwhichthe law was the shadow, but which could not be until Jesus came. Thrice of Christ'sworkinperfectingus.AndonceoftheworkofGodinperfectingus. Thesefivethoughtswilleachgiveusasubjectofmeditation.Ofthefirsttwo wehavespokenalready. Acarefulperusaloftheversesplacedabove,willshowthatthewriter thoughtitofgreatimportancetomakeitclearthatthelawcouldperfectno personorthing.Itwasallthemoreofconsequencetopressthis,bothbecause

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No Perfection By The Law

ofthecloseconnectioninwhichthelawstoodtothetrueperfection,asits promiseandpreparation,andofthenaturaltendencyofthehumanheartto seekperfectionbythelaw.ItwasnotonlytheHebrewswhogreatlyneeded thisteaching:amongChristiansinourdaysthegreatesthindranceinaccepting theperfectionthegospelasksandoffers,isthattheymakethelawitsstandard, andthenourimpotencetofulfilthelaw,theexcusefornotattaining,fornot evenseekingit.Theyhaveneverunderstoodthatthelawisbutapreparation forsomethingbetter;andthatwhenthatwhichisperfectiscome,thatwhich isinpartisdoneaway. TheLawdemands;theLawcallstoeffort;theLawmeansself.Itputsself upondoingitsutmost.Butitmakesnothingperfect,neithertheconscience northeworshiper.ThisiswhatChristcametobring.Theveryperfection whichthelawcouldnotgiveHedoesgive.TheEpistletellsusthatHewas madeaPriest,notasAaron,afterthelawandinconnectionwiththeservice of a carnal commandment, which had to be disannulled because of its weaknessandunprofitableness,butafterthepowerofanendlesslife.What Christ,asPriest,haswroughtandnowworks,isallinthepowerofaninward birth,ofanewlife,oftheeternallife.Whatisbornintome,whatisasaspirit andlifewithinme,hasitsownpowerofgrowthandaction.Christ'sbeing madeperfectHimselfthroughsufferingandobedience;Hishavingperfected us by that sacrifice by which He was perfected Himself; and His communicationofthatperfectiontous,isallinthepowerofanendlesslife. Itworksinusasalifepower;innootherwaycouldwebecomepartakersof it. Perfectionisnotthroughthelaw;letuslistentotheblessedlesson.Let ustakethewarning.Thelawissocloselyconnectedwithperfection,wasso longitsonlyrepresentativeandforerunner,thatwecanhardlyrealize:the law makes nothing perfect. Let us take the encouragement: What the law could not do, God, sending His Son, has done. The Son, perfected for evermore,hasperfectedusforever.ItisinJesuswehaveourperfection.It

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isinlivingunionwithHim,itiswhenHeiswithinus,notonlyasaseedor alittlechild,butformedwithinus,dwellingwithinus,thatweshallknow how far He can make us perfect. It is faith that leads us in the path of perfection.Itisthefaiththatsees,thatreceives,thatlivesinJesusthePerfect One,thatwillbearusontotheperfectionGodwouldhave.

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Day 22 CHRIST HAS PERFECTED US

"ButChrist,throughthegreaterandmoreperfecttabernacle,throughHis ownblood,enteredonceforallintotheholyplace."Heb.9:11,12. "ByoneofferingHehasperfectedforeverthemthataresanctified."Heb. 10:14. InChrist'swork,assetbeforeusintheEpistletotheHebrews,therearetwo parts.Incontrastwiththeworldlysanctuary,Heistheministerofthetrue tabernacle.TheHoliestofallisnowopentous:Christhasopenedtheway throughamoreperfecttabernacleintothepresenceofGod.Hehasprepared andopenedupforusaplaceofperfectfellowshipwithGod,ofaccess,ina lifeoffaith,whichmeansalifeinfullunionwithChrist,intoGod'simmediate presence. Theremustbeharmonybetweentheplaceofworshipandtheworshiper. AsHehaspreparedtheperfectsanctuary,theHoliestofall,forus,Hehas preparedusforittoo."ByoneofferingHehasperfectedforeverthemthat aresanctified."Forthesanctuarythesanctifiedones;fortheHoliestofalla holypriesthood;fortheperfecttabernacletheperfectedworshiper. "ByonesacrificeHehasperfectedforeverthemthataresanctified."The wordperfectedcannotmeanhereanythingdifferentfromwhatitmeantin thethreepassageswhereithasbeenpreviouslyusedofHim(Heb.2:11,5: 9,7:28).Theyallpointtothatwhichconstitutedtherealvalue,theinnermost nature,ofHissacrifice.HewasHimselfperfectedforoursakes,sothatHe mightperfectuswiththesameperfectionwithwhichGodhadperfectedHim.

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Christ Has Perfected Us

WhatisthisperfectionwithwhichGodperfectedHimthroughsuffering,in whichHewasperfectedthroughobedience,inwhichastheSon,perfected forevermore,HewasmadeourHighPriest? TheansweristobefoundinwhattheobjectwasofChrist'sredeeming work.Theperfectionofmanascreatedconsistedinthis,thathehadawill withpowertowillasGodwilled,andsotoenterintoinnerunionwiththe Divinelifeandholinessandglory.HisfallwasaturningfromthewillofGod todothewillofself.Andsothisselfandselfwillbecamethesourceandthe curseofsin.TheworkofChristwastobringmanbacktothatwillofGodin whichaloneislifeandblessedness.ThereforeitbecameGod,itwasproper andneedfulifHewastobetheLeaderofoursalvation,thatGodshouldmake Himperfectthroughsuffering.InHisownpersonHewastoconquersin,to developandbringtoperfectionarealhumanlife,sacrificingeverythingthat menholddear,willingtogiveupevenlifeitself,insurrendertoGod'swill; provingthatitisthemeat,theverylifeofman'sspirit,todoGod'swill.This wastheperfectionwithwhichChristwasperfectedasourHighPriest,who bringsusbacktoGod.ThiswasthemeaningandthevalueofHissacrifice, that "one sacrifice"' by which "He has perfected forever them that are sanctified."InthesamesacrificeinwhichHewasperfected,Heperfectedus. AsthesecondAdam,HemadeuspartakersofHisownperfection.Justas Adaminhisdeathcorruptedusandournatureforevermore,soChrist,inHis death,inwhichHe,Himself,wasperfected,perfectedusandournaturefor evermore.Hehascreatedforusanewperfectnature,anewlife.WithHim wediedtosin;inHimweliveforGod. AndhowdowebecomepartakersofthisperfectionwithwhichChristhas perfectedus?Firstofalltheconscienceisperfectedsothatwehavenomore conscienceofsin,andenterboldlyintotheHoliest,thePresenceofGod.The consciousnessofaperfectredemptionpossessesandfillsthesoul.Andthen, asweabideinthis,GodHimselfperfectsusineverygoodthing,todoHis will,workinginusthatwhichispleasinginHissight,throughJesusChrist.

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Be Perfect

Christ Has Perfected Us

ThroughChrist,theHighPriestinthepoweroftheendlesslife,therecomes tousinaconstantstreamfromonhigh,thepoweroftheheavenlylife.So thatdaybydaywemaypresentourselvesperfectinChristJesus. AsoulthatseekstodwellintheDivineperfectionofwhichtheEpistle speaks;thatholdsfellowshipwithHimwhoinsuchintensehumanreality wasperfectedthroughsufferingandobedience;thatinfaithturnstoHimwho hasperfectedus,andnowholdsourperfectioninHimselftobecommunicated asalifeinusdaybyday,forustopracticeandputitintoexerciseinwalking inHisfootsteps;maycountmostsurelythatHeHimselfwillleaditintothe promisedinheritance.

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Day 23 GOD PERFECT YOU IN EVERY GOOD THING

"NowtheGodofpeace,whobroughtagainfromthedeadtheGreat Shepherdofthesheep,bythebloodoftheeternalcovenant,evenourLord Jesus,makeyouperfectineverygoodthingtodoHiswill,workinginus thatwhichiswellpleasinginHissight,throughJesusChrist;towhombe thegloryforeverandever.Amen."Heb.13:20,21. ThesetwoversescontainasummaryofthewholeEpistleintheformofa prayer.Intheformerofthetwowehavethesubstanceofwhatwastaughtin thefirstordoctrinalhalfwhatGodhasdoneforusintheredemptionin Christ Jesus. In the second of the two verses we have a revelation and a promiseofwhatthisGodofredemptionwilldoforus;weseehowGod'sone aimanddesireistomakeusperfect.Wehavesaidbefore,theword"perfect" hereimpliestheremovalofallthatiswrong,andthesupplyofallthatis lacking.ThisiswhatGodwaitstodoinus."Godmakeyouperfectinevery goodthing." Weneedalargefaithtoclaimthispromise.Sothatourfaithmaybefull andstrong,weareremindedofwhatGodhasdoneforus;thisistheassurance ofwhatHewillyetdoinus.LetuslooktoHimastheGodofpeace,who hasmadepeaceintheentireputtingawayofsin;whonowproclaimspeace; whogivesperfectpeace.LetuslooktoJesusChrist,theGreatShepherdof thesheep,ourHighPriestandKing,wholovestocareforandkeepus.Let usrememberthebloodoftheeternalcovenant,inthepowerofwhichGod raised Him and He entered heaven; that blood is God's pledge that the covenantwithitspromiseswillbefulfilledinourhearts.LetusthinkofGod's

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God Perfect You In Every Good Thing

bringingHimagainfromthedead,thatourfaithandhopemightbeinGod; thepowerthatraisedJesusisthepowerthatworksinus.Yes,letuslook, andworship,andadorethisGodofpeace,whohasdoneitall,whoraised Christthroughthebloodofthecovenant,thatwemightknowandtrustHim. Andletusbelievethemessagethattellsus:ThisGodofpeace,Hewill perfectyouineverygoodthing.TheGodwhoperfectedChristwillperfect youtoo.TheGodwhohasworkedoutsuchaperfectsalvationforus,will perfectitinus.ThemorewegazeuponHimwhohasdonesuchwondrous thingsforus,willwetrustHimforthiswondrousthingHepromisestodoin us,toperfectusineverygoodthing.WhatGoddidinChrististhemeasure ofwhatHewilldoinustomakeusperfect.ThesameOmnipotencethat workedinChristtoperfectHim,waitsforourfaithtotrustitsworkinginus day by day to perfect us in the doing of God's will. And on our part, the surrendertobemadeperfectwillbethemeasureofourcapacitytoexperience whatGodhasdoneinChrist. AndnowhearwhatthisperfectioniswhichthisGodpromisestoworkin us.ItistrulyDivine,asDivineastheworkofredemption:theGodofpeace, whobroughtagainChristfromthedead,perfectyou.Itisintenselypractical: ineverygoodthing,todoHiswill.Itisuniversal,withnothingexcluded fromitsoperation:ineverygoodthing.Itistrulyhumanandpersonal:God perfectsus,sothatwedoHiswill.Itisinward:Godworkinginusthatwhich ispleasinginHissight.Anditismostblessed,givingustheconsciousness thatourlifepleasesHim,becauseitisHisownwork:Heworksinusthat whichispleasinginHissight. "God perfect you to do His will:" this is the conclusion of the whole Epistle."TodoHiswill:"thisistheblessednessoftheangelsinheaven.For thistheSonbecameman:bythisHewasperfected:inthis,"inthewhich will,"asdonebyHim,"wearesanctified."Itis"TODOHisWILL"thatGod perfectsus;thatGodworksinusthatwhichispleasinginHissight.

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God Perfect You In Every Good Thing

Believer,letGod'saimbeyouraimalso.SaytoGodthatyoudodesire thisaboveeverything.Giveyourself,atonce,entirely,absolutely,tothis,and saywiththeSon,"IcometodoYourwill,OmyGod."Thiswillgiveyouan insightintothemeaning,andtheneed,andthepreciousnessofthepromise, "GodperfectyoutodoHiswill."ThiswillfixyourheartuponGodinthe wondrouslightofthetruth:HewhoperfectedChristisperfectingmetoo. Thiswillgiveyouconfidence,inthefulnessoffaith,toclaimthisGodas yourGod,theGodwhoperfectsineverygoodthing. TheperfectingofthebelieverbyGod,restoringhimtohisrightcondition to fit him for doing His will, may be instantaneous. A valuable piece of machinerymaybeoutoforder.Theownerhasspenttimeandtroubleinvain toputitright.Themakercomes:itcostshimbutamomenttoseeandremove thehindrance.Andsothesoulthathasforyearswearieditselfintheeffort to do God's will, may often in one moment be delivered from some misapprehension as to what God demands or promises, and find itself restored,perfectedforeverygoodthing.Andwhatwasdoneinamoment becomesthesecretofthecontinuouslife,asfaitheachdayclaimstheGod thatperfects,todothatwhichiswellpleasinginHissight. Yes,thesoulthatdaressaytoGodthatityieldsitselfineverythingtodo His will, and through all the humiliation which comes from the sense of emptinessandimpotence,abidesbyitsvowinsimpletrust,willbemade strongtoriseandtoappropriateandexperienceinfullmeasurewhatGodhas offeredinthispreciousword:"TheGodofpeaceperfectyou,ineverygood thing, to do His will, working in you that which is pleasing in His sight, throughJesusChrist." And it will sing with new meaning, and in fulness of joy, the song of adoringlove:"ToHimbegloryforeverandever.Amen."

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Day 24 PERFECT PATIENCE MAKES A PERFECT MAN

"Andletpatiencehaveitsperfectwork,thatyoumaybeperfectandentire, lackinginnothing."Jas.1:4. Perfectionisaseed.Thelife,giveninregeneration,isaperfectlife.Through ignoranceandunbeliefthesoulmaynevergetbeyondknowingthatithas life,andremainunconsciousofwhatawonderful,perfectlifeithas. Perfectionisaseed.Itisablessedhourwhenthesoulwakensuptoknow this,andwithaperfectheartyieldsitselftoappropriateallthatGodhasgiven. Theperfectionoftheperfectheart,aheartwhollyyieldedtoseekGodwith allitsstrength,isagainaseed,withinfinitepowerofgrowthandincrease. Perfectionisagrowth.AstheChristianawakenstotheconsciousnessof whatGodasksandgives,andmaintainsthevowofawholeheartedsurrender, hegrowsinhissenseofneedandhistrustinthepromiseofaDivinelifeand strength,untilallthepromisesofgracecometoafocusintheoneassurance, "TheGodofallgracewillHimselfperfectyou";thatfaithwhichwasthefruit ofpreviousgrowth,becomesthenewseedoffurthergrowth.Perfectionnow developsintosomethingriperandmellower.TheovershadowingPresence ofHimwhoperfects,restscontinuallyonthespirit,andthewholecharacter bearstheimpressionofheavenlinessandfellowshipwiththeUnseen.The soulmakeswayforGod,andgivesHimtimetodoHiswork;theGodof Peace,perfectingineverygoodthing,getsentirepossession.Thesoulrests intherestofGod. Thisisnottheworkofaday.Perfectionisagrowth."Youhaveneedof patience,thathavingdonethewillofGod,youmayinheritthepromise.""Be

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Be Perfect

Perfect Patience Makes A Perfect Man

imitatorsofthemwhothroughfaithandpatienceinheritthepromises."Man isthecreatureoftime,andisunderthelawofdevelopment.Inthekingdom ofheavenitisasinnature,fromtheseedfirsttheblade,thentheear,then thefullcornintheear.Thereisnothingattimesthatappearsmoremysterious tothebelieverthantheslownessofGod.Itisasifourprayersarenotheard, asifHispromisesarenotfulfilled,asifourfaithisvain.Andallthetime GodishasteningonHisworkwithallspeed.HewillavengeHisownelect speedily,thoughHebearlongwiththem. "Let patience have its perfect work." We are so often impatient with ourselves,notcontenttotrustGodtodoHiswork,andsohinderingjustwhen wewanttohurryonHiswork.WeareimpatientwithGod;insteadofthe adoringtrustofHim,theGodofpeace,whoisperfectingus,wefretourselves becausewedonotseewhatwehadthoughtoutforourselves."Restinthe Lord,andwaitpatientlyforHim,"isthelawoffaith,notonlyintimesof wellbeing,butespeciallyinthepathofperfection.Faithisthelawofthe Christianlifetoanextentthatveryfewrealize.Theassurancethatrestsin the unseen power that is working out its Holy Purpose will never be disappointed. As it has been said of an elderly saint, "She was sure that, howeverlonganysoulmighthavetocontinueinthepathofhumiliation,with selfemptying,theend,withallwhowerefaithful,wouldonedaybeafilling tooverflowingofalltheirinwardbeingwiththepresenceoftheHolyOne." "Letpatiencehaveitsperfectwork."Thisisthecommand.Tothosewho obeyit,thepotentialofferediscertain,"thatyoumaybeperfectandentire, lackinginnothing."Howwordsareheapeduptomakeusappreciatewhat the aim and expectation of the believer ought to be! Perfect, something finished,thatsatisfiesitspurpose;entire,thatinwhicheverypartisinits place; and lacking in nothing, just all that the Father expects: such is the ChristiancharacterasGod'sSpiritsetsitbeforeus.Thereisaperfectionwhich theChristianistoregardashisdutyandhislife.Wherepatiencehasitsperfect workitwillbringforthwhatthehusbandmanlongsfor,fruituntoperfection.

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Perfect Patience Makes A Perfect Man

"God'sworkinmanistheman.IfGod'steachingbypatiencehaveaperfect workinyou,youareperfect." Butwherethereistobethisperfectfruit,theremustfirstbetheperfect seed.Andthatseedistheperfectheart.Withoutthis,whencecouldpatience haveitsperfectwork?Withthis,everytrial,everydifficulty,everyfailure even,isacceptedasGod'strainingschool,andGodistrustedastheFaithful One,whoisperfectingHisownwork.Lettherebefirsttheperfectheart thatwillleadtoperfectpatience,andthatagaintothefullyperfectedman. JesusChristwasHimselfnotperfectedinoneday:ittooktime;inHim patiencehaditsperfectwork.Truefaithrecognizestheneedoftime,andrests inGod.Andtimetousmeansdaysandyears.Letuslearneachdaytorenew thevow:"ThisdayIintendtoliveforGodasperfectlyasHisgracewill enableme.ThisdayIintend,inthepatienceofhope,totrusttheGodofall grace,whoHimselfisperfectingme.ThisdayIintendtobeperfectandentire, lackingnothing."Withsuchavowreneweddaybyday,withfaithinChrist who has perfected us, and God who is perfecting us, patience will do its perfectwork.Andwewillbeperfectandentire,lackingnothing.

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Day 25 THE PERFECT TONGUE MARKS THE PERFECT MAN

"Inmanythingsweallstumble.Ifanyonedoesnotstumbleinword,the sameisaperfectman,abletobridlethewholebodyalso."Jas.3:2. Therecanbenoperfectioninartorsciencewithoutattentiontolittlethings. Oneofthetruestmarksofgeniusisthepower,inpresenceofthehighest ideal,toattendtoeventheleastdetails.Nochainisstrongerthanitsfeeblest link.TheweakestpointinthecharacterofaChristianisthemeasureofhis nearnesstoperfection.Itisinthelittlethingsofdailylifethatperfectionis attainedandproved. Thetongueisalittlemember.Awordofthetongueis,oh!suchalittle thingintheeyesofmany.Andyetwearetoldbynonelessthanourblessed Lord:"Byyourwordsyouwillbejustified."WhentheSonofmancomesin thegloryofHisFathertorepaytoeverymanaccordingtohisdeeds,every wordwillbetakenintoaccount.InthelightofthegreatdayofGod,ifany manstumblenotinword,thesameisaperfectman.Thisisthefullgrown man,whohasattainedmaturity,whohasreacheduntothemeasureofthe statureofthefulnessofChrist. Butisitpossibleforanymantobethusperfect,andnottostumbleina singleword?HasnotJamesjustsaid,"Inmanythingsweallstumble?"Just thinkofallthefoolishwordsonehearsamongChristians,thesharpwords, thehasty,thoughtless,unlovingwords,thewordsthatareonlyhalfhonest andnotspokenfromtheheart.Thinkofallthesinsofthetongueagainstthe lawofperfectloveandperfecttruth,andwemustadmittheterribleforceof
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Be Perfect

The Perfect Tongue Marks The Perfect Man

James'statement:"Inmanythingsweallstumble."Whenheadds,"Ifany stumblenotinword,thesameisaperfectman,"canhereallymeanthatGod expectsthatweshouldliveso,andthatwemustseekandexpectittoo? Let us think. With what objective does he use these words? In the beginningofhisEpistlehehadspokenofpatiencehavingitsperfectwork, thatwemaybeperfectandentire,lackinginnothing.There,entireperfection, withnothinglacking,issetbeforeusasadefinitepromisetothosewholet patiencehaveitsperfectwork.HisEpistleiswritten,asalltheEpistlesare, underthepainfulimpressionofhowfarordinaryChristianexperienceisfrom suchperfection,butinthefaiththatitisnotahopelesstasktoteachGod's peoplethattheyoughttobe,thattheycanbe,perfectandentire,lackingin nothing.Wherehebeginstospeakofthetongue,thetwosidesofthetruth againriseupbeforehim.Theordinaryexperienceheexpressesinthegeneral statement:"Inmanythingsweallstumble."ThewillofGodandthepower ofgracehesetsforthintheblessedandnotimpossibleidealofallwhoseek tobeperfectandentire:"Ifanymanstumblenotinword,thesameisaperfect man."Jamesspeaksofitinallsimplicityasaconditionasactualastheother conditionofeveryonestumbling. Thequestionisagainasked:Butisitreallyapossibleideal?DoesGod expectitofus?Isgracepromisedforit?LetuscallinPeterasawitness,and listentowhatGod'sSpiritsaysthroughhim,astothatterriblenecessityof alwaysstumblingwhichsomeholdfast,astotheblessedpossibilityofbeing keptfromstumbling."Givethemorediligence,"hewrites,"tomakeyour callingandelectionsure;forifyoudothesethings,youwillneverstumble." "Never"thatincludes,noteveninword.LetushearwhatJudesays,"Now untoHim,whoisabletoguardyoufromstumblingthroughJesusChristour Lord,beglory,majesty,dominion,andpower,beforealltime,andnow,and forevermore.Amen."ItisthesoulthatknowsandwithoutceasingtrustsGod asaGodwhoguardsfromstumbling,asaGodwhowatchesandkeepsus

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everymomentthroughJesusChrist,thatwillwithoutceasingsingthissong ofpraise. Thethreetextson"stumbling"aretheonlyonesintheNewTestamentin whichthewordoccursinreferencetotheChristianlife.ThetextinJamesis heardquotedahundredtimesforeverytimethetextsinPeterandJudeare cited.AndChristhassaid,"Accordingtoyourfaithbeituntoyou."Ifour faithfeedsonlyandalwayson,"Inmanythingsweallstumble,"nowonder that we do stumble. If with that "stumble" we take the "stumble not" that follows,"Ifanymanstumblenotinword,thesameisaperfectman,"andthe "not stumble" of Peter and Jude, the faith that embraces the promise will obtainit:God'spowerwilltranslateitintoourexperience,andourlifewill bealivingEpistleintowhichGod'swordshavebeentranscribed.Outofthe abundanceoftheheartthemouthspeaks:outofaheartthatisperfecttowards God,inwhichtheloveofGodisshedabroad,inwhichChristdwells,the tonguewillbringforthwordsoftruthanduprightness,ofloveandgentleness, fullofbeautyandofblessing.Godwillsit:Godworksit:letusclaimit.

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Day 26 GOD WILL HIMSELF PERFECT YOU

"TheGodofallgrace,whocalledyouuntoHiseternalgloryinChrist,after youhavesufferedawhile,willHimselfperfect,establish,andstrengthen you.ToHimbethedominionforeverandever.Amen."1Pet.5:10,11. Throughsufferingtoglory:thisisthekeynoteoftheFirstEpistleofPeter. Theword"suffer"occurssixteentimes,theword"glory"fourteentimes.In itsclosingwordsthereadersareremindedofallitsteaching,ashewritesto them:"TheGodofallgrace,whohascalledyoutoHiseternalglory,after youhavesufferedalittlewhile."InnoEpistleoftheNewTestamentarethe twoaspectsofChrist'sdeath:thatHesufferedforus,andthatwearetosuffer withHimandlikeHim,soclearlyandcloselylinkedtogether.Fellowship withChrist,likenesstoChrist,manifestedinsuffering,isthepointofview fromwhichPeterwouldhaveuslookonlifeasthepathtoglory.Tobea partakerofthesufferingsandthegloryofChrististheChristian'sprivilege. HewasperfectedthroughsufferingbyGod:thesameGodperfectsusfor sufferingandglorifyingHiminit. "GodwillHimselfperfectyou!"InGodaloneisperfection.InHimisall perfection. And all perfection comes from Him. When we consider the wondrous perfection there is in the sun, in the laws it obeys, and in the blessingsitdispenses,andrememberthatitowesalltothewilloftheCreator, weacknowledgethatitsperfectionisfromGod.Andso,throughthewhole ofnature,tothetiniestinsectthatfloatsinthesunbeam,andthehumblest littleflowerthatbasksinitslight,everythingowesitsbeautytoGodalone. AllHisworkspraiseHim.Hisworkisperfect.

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God Himself Will Perfect You

AndhavewenothereinnaturetheopensecretofChristianperfection?It isGodwhomustperfectus!"GodwillHimselfperfectyou."Whatisrevealed innature,isthepledgeofwhatissecuredtousingrace."ItsuitedHim,for whomareallthings,andofwhomareallthings,inleadingmanysonsunto glory,tomaketheLeaderoftheirsalvationperfectthroughsuffering."Itwas befittingthatGodshouldshowthatHeistheGodwhoworksoutperfection amidtheweaknessandsufferingofahumanlife.Thisiswhatconstitutesthe veryessenceofsalvation,tobeperfectedbyGod;toyieldoneselftotheGod, forwhom,andofwhomareallthings,Himselftoperfectus. Godhasplanteddeepintheheartofmanthedesireforperfection.Isit notthisthatstirsthespiritoftheartistandthepoet,ofthediscovererandthe artificer?Isitnotthenearestpossibleapproachtothisthatwakensadmiration andenthusiasm?Andisitonlyingracethatallthoughtandalljoyofpresent perfectionistobebanished?Certainlynot,ifGod'swordbetrue.Thepromise issureandbrightforthisourearthlylife:"GodwillHimselfperfectyou." Joinedwiththewords,"establish,andstrengthenyou,"the"Himselfperfect you,"canrefertonothingbutthepresentdailylife.GodshallHimselfput youintotherightposition,andinthatpositionthenestablishandstrengthen you,soastofityouperfectlyforthelifeyouhavetolive,andtheworkyou havetodo. Wefinditsohardtobelievethis,becausewedonotknowwhatitmeans. "Youarenotunderthelaw,butundergrace."Thelawdemandswhatwe cannotgiveordo.Graceneveraskswhatitdoesnotgive;andsotheFather neveraskswhatwecannotdo.HeHimself,whoraisedJesusfromthedead, isalwaysready,inthatsameresurrectionpower,toperfectustodoHiswill. Letusbelieve,andbestill,untiloursoulisfilledwiththeblessedtruth,and weknowthatitwillbedonetous. Omysoul,learntoknowthisGod,andclaimHim,inthisHischaracter, asyours:"GodwillHimselfperfectyou!"WorshipandadoreHimhere,until your faith is filled with the assurance: My God Himself is perfecting me.

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God Himself Will Perfect You

RegardyourselfastheclayinthehandsoftheGreatArtist,spendingallHis thoughtandtimeandlovetomakeyouperfect.Yieldyourselfinvoluntary, lovingobediencetoHiswillandHisSpirit.Yieldyourselfinfullconfidence intoHisveryhands,andletthewordringthroughyourwholebeing:GOD SHALLHIMSELFPERFECTYOU;perfectlyfityouforallHeintendsyou tobeordo.Leteveryperfectbudorfloweryouseewhisperitsmessage:Only let God work; only wait upon God; GOD SHALL HIMSELF PERFECT YOU. Believer!haveyoudesiredthis?Oclaimit,claimitnow.Orrather,claim nowinverydeedthisGodasyourGod.JustasthewritertotheHebrews, andPeterinthisEpistle,gatherupalltheirvariedteachingintothisonecentral promise,"GodshallHimselfperfectyou,"sotheremaycomeinthelifeof thebelieveramomentwhenhegathersupallhisdesiresandefforts,allhis knowledgeofGod'struth,andallhisfaithinGod'spromises,concentrates theminonesimpleactofsurrenderandtrust,and,yieldinghimselfwholly todoHiswill,darestoclaimGodastheGodthatperfectshim.Andhislife becomesonedoxologyofadoringlove:ToHimbethedominionforeverand ever.Amen.

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Day 27 PERFECT LOVE IS KEEPING CHRIST'S WORD

"WhosoeverkeepsHiswords,inhimtrulyhastheloveofGodbeen perfected."John2:5. TaulersaysoftheApostleJohn: "Inthreeways,dearchildren,didthebelovedLordattracttoHimselfthe heartofJohn.First,didtheLordJesuscallhimoutoftheworldtomakehim anapostle.Next,didHegranttohimtorestuponHislovingbreast.Thirdly, andthiswasthegreatestandmostperfectnearness,whenontheholydayof PentecostHegavetohimtheHolyGhost,andopenedtohimthedoorthrough whichheshouldpassintotheheavenlyplaces.Thus,children,doestheLord firstcallyoufromtheworldandmakeyoutobethemessengersofGod.And next,HedrawsyouclosetoHimself,thatyoumaylearntoknowHisholy gentleness and lowliness, and His deep and burning love, and His perfect unshrinkingobedience.Andyetthisisnotall.Manyhavebeendrawnthus far,andaresatisfiedtogonofurther.Andyettheyarefarfromtheperfect nearnesswhichtheheartofJesusdesires.St.Johnlayatonemomentonthe breastoftheLordJesus,andthenheforsookHimandfled.Ifyouhavebeen broughtsofarastorestonthebreastofChrist,itiswell.Butyettherewas to John a nearness still to come, one moment of which would be worth a hundredyearsofallthathadgonebefore.TheHolyGhostwasgiventohim thedoorwasopened.Thereisanearnessinwhichweloseourselves,and Godisallinall.Thismaycometousinoneswiftmoment,orwemaywait foritwithlonginghearts,andlearntoknowitatlast.ItwasofthisthatSt. Paulspokewhenhesaidthatthethingwhichthehearthasnotconceived,

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Perfect Love Is Keeping Christs Word

GodhasnowrevealedtousbyHisHolySpirit.Thesoulisdrawnwithinthe innerchamber,andtherearethewondersandtherichesrevealed.''(Three FriendsofGod,byMrs.Bevan.) Tounderstandawriteritisoftenneedfultoknowhischaracterandhistory. WhenJohnwrotetheEpistlehehadforfiftyyearsbeenlivinginthatinmost nearnessofwhichTaulerspeaks,intheinnerchamberwithintheveil.While onearthJesushadfoundinhimacongenialspirit,receptiveofHishighest spiritualteaching,onetowhomHefeltdrawninspeciallove.Fiftyyearsof communing with the Son in the glory of the Father, and experiencing the poweroftheHolySpirittomaketheeternallife,theheavenlylifeofJesus infellowshipwiththeFather,aneverydayreality,nowonderthatwhen Johntestifiesofitasalifeofperfectlove,theChurchthatisnotlivingon thislevelcanonlyspeakofitasanideal,inthislifeunattainable.Toonewho thinksofwhatJohnwasandknewofhisLord,andwhataChurchunderhis teaching would be, the words are simply descriptive of characters he saw aroundhim;mentowhomhecouldwrite:"Beloved,ifourheartscondemn us not, we have boldness toward God . . . because we keep His commandments,anddothethingsthatarepleasinginHissight.""Whosoever keepsHisword,inhimtrulyhastheloveofGodbeenperfected." JohnisthedisciplewhomJesusloved!ThewordsJesusspokeaboutthe loveofGodhadaspecialattractionforhim;thelovewithwhichJesusloved himexerciseditsmightyinfluence;theHolySpiritthatcamefromtheheart oftheglorifiedJesusintensifiedandspiritualizeditall;andJohnbecamethe ApostleofLove,who,gazingintotheverydepthsoftheDivineGloryand Being,foundtherethatGODISLOVE.Withthisword,"Love,"asthesum ofhistheology,helinkstothewordhefoundintheOldTestamentandin thewritingsofhisbrotherapostles,theword"Perfect,"andtellsusthatthis is perfection, this the highest type of Christian character, the highest attainmentoftheChristianlifeforamantohaveGod'sloveperfectedin him.

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TheconditionandthemarkofthisbeingperfectedinloveJesushadtaught him:"Ifamanlovesme,hewillkeepmyword,andmyFatherwilllovehim; andwewillcometohim,andmakeourabodewithhim."KeepingHisword: thisisthelinkbetweentheloveofthediscipleandtheloveoftheFather, leadingtothatwondrousunioninwhichtheFather'slovedrawsHimtocome anddwellinthelovingheart."Ifyoukeepmycommandments,"Jesussaid, "youshallabideinmylove:evenasIhavekeptmyFather'scommandments, andabideinHislove."AndJohnconfirmsfromhisownexperiencewhatthe Masterspoke:"WhosoeverkeepsHisword,inhimhastheloveofGodbeen perfected." ThankGod!thisisalifetobefoundonearth:God'slovecanbeperfected inus.LetnotwhatweseeintheChurcharoundusmakeusdoubtGod'sword. WhenJohnspokeofPerfectLove,andPauloftheloveofGodshedabroad inourheartsbytheHolyGhost,theytestifiedfrompersonalexperienceof whattheyhadreceivedindirectcommunicationfromthethroneofglory. The words were to them the expression of a life of which we have little conception;toustheyconveynomoretruththanourlowexperiencecanput intothem.Oh!thatourheartsmightberousedtobelieveintheirheavenly, supernatural,fulnessofmeaning,andnottorestuntilweknowthatthelove thatpassesknowledge,thelovethatGodis,theloveofChrist,dwellswithin usasafountainspringingupuntoeverlastinglife:"THELOVEOFGOD PERFECTEDINUS"theprospectissuretoeveryonewhowillallowthe loveofGodinChristtohavethemastery,andtoprovewhatGodcandofor themthatloveHim.

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Day 28 PERFECT LOVE IS LOVING THE BRETHREN

"Beloved!ifGodsolovedus,weoughtalsotoloveoneanother.Noman hasbeheldGodatanytime.Ifweloveoneanother,Godabidesinus,and Hisloveisperfectedinus."1John4:11,12. ThefirstmarkofasoulinwhomtheloveofGodistobeperfectedis:keeping Hisword.Thepathofobedience,thelovingobedienceoftheperfectheart, theobedienceofalifewhollygivenuptoGod'swill,isthepaththeSon openedupintothepresenceandtheloveoftheFather.Itistheonlypaththat leadsintoperfectlove. ThecommandmentsofChristareallincludedintheoneword"Love," because "Love is the fulfilling of the law." "A new commandment I have givenyou,thatyeloveoneanother,evenasIhavelovedyou."ThisisChrist's word: he that keeps this word, keeps all the commandments. Love to the brethrenisthesecondmarkofasoulseekingtoenterthelifeofperfectlove. Intheverynatureofthingsitcannotbeotherwise."Loveseeksnother own:"lovelosesitselfingoingouttoliveinothers.Loveisthedeathofself: whereselfstilllivestherecanbenothoughtofperfectlove.Loveisthevery beingandgloryofGod;itisHisnatureandpropertyasGodtogiveofHis own life to all His creatures, to communicate His own goodness and blessedness.ThegiftofHisSonisthegiftofHimselftobethelifeandjoy ofman.WhenthatloveofGodenterstheheartitimpartsitsownnature thedesiretogiveitselftotheverydeathforothers.Whentheheartwholly yieldsitselftobetransformedintothisnatureandlikeness,thenLovetakes possession;theretheloveofGodisperfected.

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Perfect Love Is Loving The Brethren

ThequestionisoftenaskedwhetheritbetheloveofGodtous,orour lovetoGod,thatismeantbyperfectlove.Thewordincludesboth,because itimpliesagreatdealmore.TheloveofGodisOne,asGodisOne:HisLife, HisveryBeing.WherethatLovedescendsandenters,itretainsitsnature;it isevertheDivineLifeandLovewithinus.God'slovetous,andourloveto GodandChrist,ourlovetothebrethrenandtoallmenallthesearebut aspectsofoneandthesamelove.JustasthereisoneHolySpiritinGodand inus,soitisoneDivineLove,theLoveoftheSpirit,thatdwellsinGodand inus. Toknowthis,isawonderfulhelptofaith.ItteachesusthattoloveGod, orthebrethren,orourenemies,isnotathingoureffortscanattainWecan onlydoit,becausetheDivineLoveisdwellinginus;onlyasfarasweyield ourselvestotheDivineLoveasaLivingPowerwithin,asalifethathasbeen bornintous,andthattheHolySpiritstrengthensintoaction.Ourpartisfirst ofalltorest,toceasefromeffort,toknowthatHeisinus,andtogiveway tothelovethatdwellsandworksinusinapowerthatisfromabove. HowwellJohnrememberedthenightwhenJesusspokesowonderfully ofloveinHispartingwords!Howimpossibleitappearedtothedisciples indeedtoloveasHehadloved!Howmuchtherehadbeenamongthemof pride, and envy, and selfishness; anything but love like His! How it had brokenoutamongthemthatverynightatthesuppertable!Theynevercould loveliketheMasteritwasimpossible. ButwhatachangewaswroughtwhentheRisenOnebreathedonthem, andsaid,"ReceivetheHolyGhost!"Andhowthatchangewasconsummated when the Holy Spirit came down from heaven, and out of that wonderful LovewhichthereflowedinholyinterchangebetweentheFatherandtheSon, whentheymetagainintheglory,shedabroadintheirheartsTHELOVEOF GOD!IntheloveofthedayofPentecost,thePerfectLovecelebrateditsfirst greattriumphintheheartsofmen.

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Perfect Love Is Loving The Brethren

The Love of God still reigns. The Spirit of God still waits to take possessionofheartswhereHehashithertohadtooscantyroom.Hehadbeen inthedisciplesallthetime,buttheyhadnotknownofwhatmannerofspirit they were. He had come upon them on that evening when the Risen One breathed upon them. But it was on Pentecost He filled them so that Love Divineprevailedandoverflowed,andtheywereperfectedinLove.Letevery effortwemaketolove,andeveryexperienceofhowfeebleourloveis,lead usanddrawusontoJesusontheThrone.InHimtheLoveofGodisrevealed andglorified,andrenderedaccessibletous.LetusbelievethattheLoveof Godcancomedownasafirethatwillconsumeanddestroyself,andmake lovetooneanother,ferventperfectlove,theonemarkofdiscipleship.Letus believethatthisLoveofGod,PerfectLove,canbeshedabroadinourhearts, in measure to us hitherto unknown, by the Holy Ghost given to us. Our tongues and lives, our homes and Churches, will then prove to sinful, perishingfellowmenthattherestillarechildrenofGodinwhomtheLove ofGodisperfected. EvenasthewholeChristianlife,solovetoohasitstwostages.Thereis loveseeking,struggling,anddoingitsbesttoobey,andeverfailing.And thereislovefinding,resting,rejoicing,andevertriumphing.Thistakesplace whenselfanditseffortshavebeengivenintothegraveofJesus,andHisLife andlovehavetakentheirplace.Whenthebirthofheavenlyloveinthesoul hascome;inthepoweroftheheavenlylife,lovingisnaturalandeasy;Christ dwellsintheheart,nowwearerootedandgroundedinlove,andknowthe lovethattranscendsknowledge.

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Day 29 PERFECT LOVE: GOD ABIDING IN US

"NomanhasseenGodatanytime:ifweloveoneanother,Godabidesin us,andHisloveisperfectedinus.BythisweknowthatweabideinHim, andHeinus,becauseHehasgivenusofHisSpirit."1John4:12,13. "NomanhasseenGodatanytime:"thevisionofGodwemaynotyethave. Theallconsuming,allabsorbingfireofitsglory,bringingdeathtoallthat isofnature,isnotconsistentwiththisourearthlystate.Butthereisgivento us in its stead an equivalent, that can prepare and train us for the beatific vision,andalsosatisfythesoulwithallthatitcancontainofGod.Wecannot behold God, but we can have GOD ABIDING IN US, and HIS LOVE PERFECTEDINUS.ThoughthebrightnessofGod'sgloryisnotnowtobe seen,thepresenceofwhatistheveryessenceofthatgloryHisLovemay nowbeknown.God'sloveperfectedinus,GodHimselfabidinginus:this istheheavenwecanhaveonearth. And the way to this blessedness? "God abides in us, and His love is perfectedinus,ifweloveoneanother."WemaynotseeGod;butweseeour brother,and,lo!inhimwehaveanobjectthatwillrepayusforthelossof thevisionofGod.AnobjectthatwillawakenandcallforththeDivinelove withinus;willexerciseandstrengthenanddevelopit;willopenthewayfor theDivinelovetodoitsbelovedworkthroughus,andsotoperfectusin Love;willawakentheDivinecomplacencyanddrawitdowntocomeand takeupitsabodewithinus.InmybrotherIhaveanobjectonwhichGodbids meproveallmylovetohim.Inlovinghim,howeverunlovelyhemaybe, love proves that self no longer lives; that it is a flame of that fire which

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consumedtheLambofGod;thatitisGod'slovebeingperfectedinus;that itisGodHimselflivingandlovingwithinus. "Ifweloveoneanother,Godabidesinus.Bythisweknowthatweabide inHim,andHeinus,becauseHehasgivenusofHisSpirit."Thewondrous knowledgethatGodabidesinus,andHisloveisperfectedinus,isnoresult ofreflection,adeductionfromwhatweseeinourselves.No,Divinethings, DivineLove,theDivineindwelling,areonlyseeninaDivinelight."Bythis weknowthem,becauseHehasgivenusofHisSpirit."Johnremembershow littlethedisciplesunderstoodorexperiencedofthewordsofJesusuntilthat nevertobeforgottendaywhen,inthelightofthefirethatcamefromheaven, allbecameluminousandreal.ItistheHolySpiritalone,notinHisordinary graciousworkings,suchasthedisciplesalsohadbeforethatday,butinHis specialbestowment,directfromthethroneoftheexaltedJesus,tomakeHim personally and permanently present to the soul that will rest content with nothinglessitistheHolySpiritalone,bywhomweknowthatGoddwells inus,andweinHim,andthatHisloveisperfectedinus. ItisintheChristianlifenowstill,evenasitwasthen.Itisthespecialwork oftheHolySpirittorevealtheindwellingGodandtoperfectusinlove.By slow steps we have to master now one side of truth and then another; to practisenowonegraceandthentheveryopposite.Foratimeourwholeheart goesoutintheaimtoknowanddoHiswill.Then,again,itisasifthereis butonethingtodotoloveandwefeelasifinourownhome,inallour dealingswithmen,inouroutlookintheChurchandtheworld,weneeded buttopractiselove.Afteratimewefeelhowwefail,andweturntotheword thatcallsustofaith,toceasefromselfandtotrustinHimwhoworksboth towillandtodo.Hereoncemorewecomeshort,andwefeelthatthisalone canmeetourneedashareinthePentecostalgifttheSpiritgiveninpower asnotbefore.Letnonefaintnorbediscouraged.Letusseektoobey,andto love,andtotrustwithaperfectheart.Inthatwhereuntowehaveattainedlet usbefaithful.Butsoletuspressontoperfection:letusconfidentlyexpect

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thatthisportionalsoofthewordwillbemadeallourown:"Ifweloveone another,Godabidesinus,andtheloveofGodisperfectedinus.Bythiswe knowit,becauseHehasgivenusofHisSpirit." Itisonlyinthepathofloveloveinpracticalexerciseseekingtobe perfectlovethatthiswondrousblessingcanbefound:Godabidinginus, andweinHim.AnditisonlybytheHolyGhostthatwecanknowthatwe haveit.Godabidinginus,andHisloveperfectedinus:GodisLove;how sureitisthatHelongstoabidewithus!GodisLove,whosendsforththe SpiritofHisSontofilltheheartsthatareopentoHim:howsureitisthatwe canbeperfectedinlove.Aperfectheartcancountuponbeingfilledwitha perfectlove:letnothinglessthanperfectlovebeouraim,thatwemayhave Godabidinginus,andHisloveperfectedinus;weshallknowitbytheSpirit whichHehasgivenus.

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Day 30 PERFECT LOVE: AS HE IS, EVEN SO ARE WE

"Hereinislovemadeperfectinus,thatwemayhaveboldnessinthedayof judgment:becauseasHeis,evensoareweinthisworld."1John4:17. Letuslookbackonthestepsinthelifeofperfectedlovethathavebeenset beforeasthusfar.TheDivineloveenteringtheheart,manifestsitselffirstin lovingobediencetoChrist.Ofthatobedience,lovetothebrethreninactive exercisebecomesthechiefmarkandmanifestation.Inthisobedientloveand lovingobedience,theprincipleoffellowshipwithGod,Godabidinginus, isdevelopedandstrengthened.OfthisfellowshiptheHolySpiritgivesthe evidence and abiding consciousness. Such is the path in which love is perfected.ObediencetoChrist:lovetothebrethren;theindwellingofGod inus,andusinHim;thecommunicationandrevelationofallthisbytheHoly Spirit:allthesearecorrelatedideastheyimplyandconditioneachother. Togethertheymakeuptheblessedlifeofperfectlove. TheperfectheartbeganbyseekingGodwhollyandalone.ItfoundHim intheperfectway,ofobedientlovetotheLord,ministeringandlovingtothe brethren.SoitcameinChristtotheFather,andfellowshipwithHim.Soit was prepared and opened for that special illumination of the Spirit which revealedGod'sindwelling:theFathercametotakeupHisabode.Whatwas atfirstbutalittleseedtheperfecthearthasgrownupandbornefruit; theperfectheartisnowaheartinwhichtheloveofGodisperfected.Love hastakenfullpossession,andreignsthroughoutthewholebeing. Hastheapostlenowanythingmorethathecansayofperfectlove?Yes; twothings.Hetellswhatisitshighestblessing:"Hereinislovemadeperfect

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inus,thatwemayhaveboldnessinthedayofjudgment."Andwhatisits deepestgroundorreason?"BecauseasHeis,evensoareweintheworld." Theformerofthesetwothoughtswefindagaininthenextverse.Letushere considerthelatter. "BecauseasHeis,evensoareweintheworld."ItisinChristweare perfect.ItiswiththesameperfectionwithwhichChristwasperfectedHimself thatHemadeusperfect,thatGodnowperfectsus.OurplaceinChristimplies perfectunityoflifeandspirit,ofdispositionandcharacter.Johngathersup alltheelementsoftheperfectlovehehasmentioned,andinviewoftheday ofjudgment,andtheboldnessperfectlovewillgiveus,combinestheminto thisone,"BecauseasHeis,evensoareweintheworld." "AsHeis,soarewe."Inchapter2hehadsaid,"Hethatsaysheabidesin Him,oughthimselfalsotowalkevenasHewalked."LikenesstoChristin Hiswalkofobedienceonearthisthemarkofperfectlove. Inchapter3weread,"EveryonethathasthishopesetonHim(thehope ofbeinglikeHim,whenwewillseeHimasHeis),perfectshimself,evenas Heispure."LikenesstoChristinHisheavenlypurityisthemarkofperfect love. Inchapter3wereadfurther,"Herebyknowwelove,becauseHelaiddown Hislifeforus;andweoughttolaydownourlivesforthebrethren."Likeness toChristinHislovetousisthemarkofperfectlove. InthelastnightJesusprayed,"Thattheymaybeone,evenasweareone; Iinthem,andYouinMe,thattheymaybemadeperfectinone."Likeness toChristinHisfellowshipwiththeFather,GodinusandweinHim,isthe markofperfectlove.GodgaveChristtosaveus,bybecomingourlife,by takingusupintounionwithHimself.Godcouldhavenohigheraim,could bestownohigherblessingthanthatHeshouldseeChristinus,thatwemay haveboldnessinthedayofjudgment.Hereinislovemadeperfect,"because asHeis,evensoareweintheworld."

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"Thatwemayhaveboldnessinthedayofjudgment,"Godhascommitted judgmentuntotheSon,astheperfectedSonofman.Hisjudgmentwillbea spiritualone:Himselfwillbeitsstandard;likenesstoHimthefitnesstopass inandreignwithHim.Perfectloveisperfectunionandperfectlikeness;we haveboldnesseveninthedayofjudgment:becauseasHeis,evensoarewe inthisworld.Oyeseekersafterperfection!itisinChristitistobefound.In HimisGod'sloverevealed;inHimandHislifeyouenterintoit,anditenters intoyou;inHimlovetakespossession,andtransformsyouintoHislikeness; inHimGodcomestomakeHisabodeinyou;inHimloveisperfected.The prayerisfulfilled,"ThatthelovewherewithYouloveMemaybeinthem, andIinthem."TheloveofGodisperfectedinus;weareperfectedinlove; wehaveboldnessinthedayofjudgment:becauseasHeis,evensoarewe. TheLoveofGod,asafirefromthealtarbeforetheThrone,asthePresence oftheGodofloveHimselflivinginus,makesitselffeltinitsHeavenlypower, sothattheworldmayknowthatGodhaslovedus,asHelovedHisSon.The LovethatflowsfromGodtoChristrestsonusalso,andmakesusonewith Him.AsHe,theSon,is,inheaven,evensoarewe,intheworld,livinginthe FatherandinHislove.

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Day 31 PERFECT LOVE: CASTING OUT FEAR

"Thereisnofearinlove;butperfectlovecastsoutfear:becausefearhas punishment.Andhethatfearsisnotmadeperfectinlove."1John4:18. Bengelsaysthatinthereligiouslifetherearefoursteps:servingGodwithout fearorlove;withfearwithoutlove;withfearandlove;withlovewithout fear.AndAugustine:Fearpreparesthewayforlove:wherethereisnofear, thereisnoopeningforlovetoenter.Fearisthemedicine,lovethehealing. Fearleadstolove;whenloveisperfectedfearisdone.Perfectlovecastsout fear. Herein is love perfected, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment:becauseasHeis,evensoareweinthisworld. Thedayofjudgment!Whatadaythatwillbe!Manyhavenofearofthat day,becausetheytrustthattheyhavebeenjustified.Theyimaginethatthe samegracewhichjustifiedtheungodlywillgivethepassageintoheaven. This is not what Scripture teaches. The reality of our having obtained forgivenesswillbetestedinthatdaybyourhavingbestowedforgivenesson others.Ourfitnessforenteringthekingdom,bythewayinwhichwehave served Jesus in the ministry of love to the sick and the hungry. In our justificationallthishadnopart:inthejudgmentitwillbetheallimportant element.IfwearetoseeHimasHeis,andtobelikeHim,wemusthave purifiedourselvesasHeispure.Itisperfectlove,itistobeinthisworldeven asHeis,thatcastsoutfear,andgivesusboldnessinthedayofjudgment.He thatfearsisnotmadeperfectinlove. Thedayofjudgment!Whataday!Whatablessedthingtohaveboldness inthatday!Tomeettheburning,fieryfurnaceofGod'sholiness,tobeready

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Be Perfect

Perfect Love: Casting Out Fear

tobejudgedbyourconformitytoChrist'slikenessandimage,andtohave no fear, what blessedness! It is this that makes what Scripture reveals of perfectionandofloveperfectedinusofsuchimmediateandvitalinterestto eachoneofus. WehavecometothecloseofourmeditationsonwhatScriptureteaches oftheperfectionattainableinthislife.Webeganwiththeperfectheart,the heartwhollysetuponGod,asthemarkofthemanwhomGodcountsaperfect man.Wesawtheperfectmanwalkinginaperfectway,"walkinginallthe commandmentsandordinancesoftheLordblameless."Wefoundwiththe NewTestamentthestandardatonceinfinitelyraised.PerfectastheFather, thechild'sstandard;perfectedastheMaster,thedisciple'smodel;perfectin allthewillofGod,theChristian'saimandhope.Andthentomeetthishigh demand, the word came to us: perfect in Christ, perfected by Christ, God Himself perfecting us in every good thing. And now John, the beloved disciple,hassummedupalltheteachingofthewordwithhisperfectlove. KeepingChrist'sword,lovingthebrethren,abidinginGod,filledwiththe Spirit,beingevenasChristis,wecanliveperfectedinlove.Withaheartthat doesnotcondemnus,wehaveboldnessbeforeGod,becausewekeepHis commandments,anddothethingsthatarepleasinginHissight.WithGod's loveperfectedinuswehaveboldnessinthedayofjudgment. BelovedfellowChristian!TohavetheloveofGodperfectedinus;tobe perfectedinlove;perfectlove:theseallareaDivinepossibility,aDivine reality,theripenedfruitoftheperfectlife.Weknownowthetreeonwhich thisfruitgrows.ItsrootisaheartperfectwithGod,walkingbeforeHimand beingperfect.LetusbeperfectinoursurrendertoHiminobedienceand trust.LetdeepdependenceonHim,letfaithinHim,letapatientwaiting, havingourexpectationfromHimalone,bethespiritofourdailylife.Itis God,Himself,whomustgiveit.LetuscountuponHimfornothinglessthan tobeperfectedinloveandtohaveGodabidinginus.ThisiswhatHelongs todoforus.

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Be Perfect

Perfect Love: Casting Out Fear

ThetreethatgrowsonthisrootisalifeinunionwithChrist,aimingat perfectconformitytoHim.PerfectinChrist,perfectedbyChrist,perfected byGodlikeChristandthroughChrist:whenthesewords,pregnantwiththe willandloveofGodandthemysteryofredemption,becomethedailylifeof thesoul,theperfectheartrulesthelife,andthebelieverlearnstostandperfect inallthewillofGod.Thetreebringsforthfruitabundantly. Evenuntoperfection.Obedienceandbrotherlylove,fellowshipwithGod andlikenesstoChrist,andtheunhinderedflowandruleoftheHolySpirit, leadthesoulintoalifeofperfectlove.TheGodoflovegetsHisheart'sdesire; theloveofGodcelebratesitstriumph;thedaysofheavenarebegunonearth; thesoulisperfectedinlove. "Finally, brethren, farewell! Be perfected." Be perfect with God. Let nothing less be your aim. God will show Himself perfect with you, will perfectlyrevealHimself,willperfectlypossessyou.Believethis.Godwill Himselfperfectyoudaybyday,witheachnewmorningyoumayclaimit. Live in surrender to this His work, and accept it. And fear not, nor be discouraged.GodHimselfwillgrantittoyoutoknowwhatitis:Goddwells inus,andHisloveisperfectedinus. ClosingPrayer: OmyFather!Idesiretowalkinyourpresencethisday,andbeperfect. You have commanded it; and You give the enabling grace. I desire to be perfectwiththeLordmyGod.IdesiretoserveYouwithaperfectheart.I desiretobeperfect,astheFatherisperfect. TheseareYourownwords,OmyGod!Iresolvetoacceptandobeythem inchildlikesimplicityandtrust. IthankYoufortheunspeakablegift,YourbelovedSon,whowasHimself perfectedthroughsufferingandobedienceinHissacrificeonthecross,and bythatsacrificehasperfectedusalso.IthankYouthatthroughHimYou nowperfectmeineverygoodthing,Yourselfworkinginmethatwhichis

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Be Perfect

Perfect Love: Casting Out Fear

pleasinginYoursight.YouwillshowYourselfstrongtothemthatareofa perfectheart. IthankYou,OmyFather,fortheblessedexpectationYourwordholds outofbeingperfectedinlovehereonearth;fortheblessedwitnessofthe beloveddiscipletoitstruthinhimandaroundhim;forthepowerandlight oftheHolySpiritthatshedsabroadYourloveinourhearts,andmakesitall arealityandaconsciousness.TheLordwillperfectthatwhichconcernsme: toHimbetheglory.Amen.

Andrew Murray 1828 - 1917

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