Perfected in Holiness: A Heart Fully His
Morning: Genesis 15-17
Evening: Matthew 5:27-48
In Genesis 17:1, God says to Abram, “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” This divine call to perfection wasn’t for a distant future but a present expectation—a life of complete obedience and consecration to God. Similarly, in Matthew 5:48, Jesus commands, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
This perfection is not about intelligence, physical strength, or human flawlessness. Instead, it is about holiness—a heart fully surrendered to God and a life that consistently chooses obedience over sin. God’s desire is for His children to reflect His character now, living lives above sin by the power of His Spirit.
The call to perfection is possible because God provides the grace and strength to walk in holiness. Just as Abraham responded in faith and obedience, we too are invited to live lives set apart for God, choosing holiness daily.
Key Insights
- Faith is the foundation of righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Holiness begins with trusting God’s promises.
- God’s promises are unconditional (Genesis 15:18-21). Even when humans falter, God’s faithfulness remains steadfast. This assurance invites us to live obediently, knowing He will fulfill His word.
- God transforms our identity for His purpose (Genesis 17:5). Abram became Abraham, signifying a new destiny. In Christ, we are called to live as new creations, reflecting His holiness.
- Holiness requires total consecration (Genesis 17:9-14). God’s covenant with Abraham included the act of circumcision, a physical sign of spiritual dedication. Today, our consecration is a matter of the heart.
- God calls us to walk in immediate obedience (Genesis 17:1). “Walk before me, and be thou perfect” is a command to live a life fully aligned with God now, not later.
- Sin begins in the heart (Matthew 5:27-28). Jesus teaches that lustful thoughts are equivalent to adultery, emphasizing that holiness starts internally.
- Radical love is the essence of holiness (Matthew 5:43-48). Loving enemies and praying for persecutors reflect God’s perfect love, setting us apart from the world.
- Forgiveness and grace break the cycle of retaliation (Matthew 5:38-42). Jesus challenges us to turn the other cheek and give freely, mirroring God’s grace to us.
- God’s covenant includes blessings and responsibilities (Genesis 17:4-8). Abraham’s covenant promised descendants and land, but it also required faithfulness, illustrating the balance of grace and obedience.
- Holiness fulfills the Law (Matthew 5:17-20). Jesus’ teachings deepen the meaning of God’s commandments, calling us to embody their true spirit in every aspect of life.
- Perfect obedience flows from love for God (Matthew 5:48). Being perfect as the Father is perfect means living in complete devotion and alignment with His will.
Connection to Other Scripture
- 1 John 3:6-9: “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” This highlights the call to live above sin as evidence of abiding in Christ.
- Ezekiel 36:26-27: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you… and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” This connects to God’s promise to transform us inwardly and empower us to obey Him.
- Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” God’s grace equips us to reject sin and live holy lives today.
- Romans 6:14: “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Through grace, we are freed from sin’s control and empowered to walk in holiness.
- Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” True worship involves consecrating our lives completely to God.
- John 14:15: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Obedience is the natural expression of genuine love for God.
- Philippians 2:13: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” God enables and empowers us to desire and do His will.
- 1 Peter 1:16: “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Holiness is not optional but a direct reflection of God’s character in us.
- Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Our holy lives glorify God and serve as a witness to others.
- 2 Corinthians 4:16: “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” Daily renewal through God’s Spirit strengthens us to live faithfully in holiness.
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean for you personally to “walk before God, and be thou perfect” today?
- Are there areas of your life where you need to surrender fully to God’s will?
- How can you practically live above sin through the power of God’s grace?
- What changes can you make to reflect God’s holiness in your daily interactions?
- How does embracing God’s present call to perfection challenge your understanding of obedience and consecration?
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to walk before You and be perfect, just as You are perfect. We acknowledge that we cannot achieve this in our strength, but through Your grace and the power of Your Spirit, we are able to live lives above sin and fully surrendered to Your will. Transform our hearts and renew our minds daily so that we may reflect Your holiness in every thought, word, and action. Help us to choose obedience, love, and consecration in every moment. Be glorified in our lives today and always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.