Our Spiritual Objective
Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of pursuing spiritual maturity and understanding perfection as a goal rather than a state of sinlessness.
Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of moving towards maturity, fulfillment, and completion in our spiritual journey, rather than being stagnant in our faith. He highlights the misconception of sinless perfection and the negative impact of hypocritical attitudes on the pursuit of spiritual growth. Prince encourages believers to have a spiritual objective and to continue progressing in their salvation, avoiding turning back from the path of righteousness.
Text
Let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:1-2)
We seek to go on to perfection. Unfortunately, as I previously noted, the word perfection has an unattractive sound for most Christians because of some doctrine of sinless perfection that they've been exposed to. In most cases, those who claim to have achieved perfection demonstrate just the opposite by their words, behavior, and lifestyles. This hypocritical attitude has turned people away from the pursuit of perfection.
I would like to remind you of three alternative translations of the word perfection that make better sense: "maturity," "fulfillment," and "completion." The Greek word translated "perfection" comes from a noun that means "end." Therefore, it suggests a goal or objective toward which we are moving. I think we would all agree that having a spiritual objective is desirable. Having entered into the way of righteousness by faith, we can go on, or we can go back. God will have no pleasure in anyone who turns back, so we belong to those who are moving on into the full salvation of their souls. (See Hebrews 10:38-39.)
There are two things: the actual and the ideal. To be mature is to see the ideal and live with the actual. To fail is to accept the actual and reject the ideal; and to accept only that which is ideal and refuse the actual is to be immature. Do not criticize the actual because you have seen the ideal; Do not reject the ideal because you see the actual. Maturity is to live with the actual but hold on to the ideal.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding Perfection
- {'A': 'Definition of perfection in a spiritual context', 'B': 'Common misconceptions about sinless perfection', 'C': 'Alternative translations: maturity, fulfillment, completion'}
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II
- The Spiritual Objective
- {'A': 'The importance of having a spiritual goal', 'B': 'Moving forward in faith versus turning back', 'C': 'God's pleasure in our progress'}
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III
- Maturity in Faith
- {'A': 'Balancing the actual and the ideal', 'B': 'The dangers of rejecting either the actual or the ideal', 'C': 'Living with both perspectives for spiritual growth'}
Key Quotes
“Let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works...” — Derek Prince
“Having entered into the way of righteousness by faith, we can go on, or we can go back.” — Derek Prince
“Maturity is to live with the actual but hold on to the ideal.” — Derek Prince
Application Points
- Strive for spiritual maturity by setting clear objectives in your faith journey.
- Recognize and accept your current reality while aspiring to the ideal God has for you.
- Avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy by embracing both the actual and the ideal in your spiritual life.