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Perfection of Character |
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| By nature, what is the condition of all men? |
| "For all men have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23. Read also verses 10-12. |
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| How may one's nature be changed? |
"Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Cor. 5:17. |
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| What is it to be in Christ? |
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:1. |
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| What are the works of the flesh? |
| "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like." Gal. 5:19-21. |
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| And what is the fruit of the Spirit? |
| "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Gal. 5:22, 23. |
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| How are those denominated who are led by the Spirit? |
| "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Rom. 8:14. |
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| What assurance is given to the sons of God? |
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." l John 3:2. |
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| If one has this hope, what will he surely do? |
"And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He [Christ] is pure." 1 John 3:3. |
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| Is the doctrine of perfection taught in the Bible? |
| "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting [lacking] nothing." James 1:4. |
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| Is one perfected when he receives the principles of Christ? |
"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection." Heb. 6:1. |
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| In order to accomplish this, what must be done? |
| "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18. |
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| How may one grow in grace? |
| "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity." 2 Peter 1:5-7. |
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| In requiring so much of His followers, what is the design of Christ? |
| "That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Eph. 5:27. |
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| What will cause the Christian to grow? |
| "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2. |
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| In order to grow by the word of God, what must one do with it? |
| "Thy work have I hid in mine heart." Ps. 119:11. |
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| And what must that word become to the heart? |
| "Thy words were found, and I did eat them: and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart; for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts." Jer. 15:16. |
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| In building up the character, what else is necessary? |
| "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost." Jude 20. |
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| What advantage will prayer be to one engaged in such work? |
| If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5. |
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| On what occasions is it proper to ask God for help? |
| "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Phil. 4:6. |
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| If we fulfill the conditions of the Bible, how perfect may we expect God's care for us to be? |
| "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." l Thess. 5:23. |
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| Return to Christian Growth |
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