Spiritual Perfection
Spiritual perfection in the Bible refers to the process of achieving completeness and maturity in one's relationship with God. This concept is often associated with the idea of holiness and sanctification, where believers strive to become more like Christ. In Matthew 5:48, Jesus instructs His followers to "be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect," which indicates an aspiration toward moral and spiritual excellence. This perfection is not about sinless perfection but rather about growing in faith, love, and obedience to God's will.The New Testament further emphasizes spiritual perfection as a journey rather than a destination. In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul acknowledges that he has not yet attained perfection but presses on toward the goal of being conformed to Christ's image. Similarly, Hebrews 6:1 encourages believers to move beyond the elementary teachings of Christ and advance toward maturity. Thus, spiritual perfection encompasses the believer’s pursuit of a deeper relationship with God, characterized by ongoing growth, transformation, and a commitment to live according to His commands. It reflects a heart aligned with God's purposes, demonstrating love for others and a desire to reflect Christ in all aspects of life.
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(Steps Towards Spiritual Perfection) - Fulfills
By A.W. Tozer5.3K42:47In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and loving God for who He is, rather than seeking Him only for personal gain. He highlights the emptiness that exists in the hearts of mankind when they do not have a true relationship with God. The preacher suggests that the crises and problems in the world are a result of this emptiness and lack of knowledge of God. He encourages listeners to seek a deeper understanding of God and to recognize that worldly pursuits and knowledge alone cannot satisfy the longing in their souls.
Path Toward Spiritual Perfection
By A.W. Tozer3.6K44:32PSA 23:1In this sermon, the preacher tells a story based on the call of Solomon. The story revolves around a girl who is deeply in love with her shepherd. Despite her beauty, the man seems to have heard about her suffering and comes to see her, calling her to a higher level. The preacher interprets this story as a representation of Jesus, the rejected shepherd, and the world trying to ruin their love. The sermon emphasizes the need to empty oneself and make room for God to fill the void, emphasizing the importance of love and belief in entering the kingdom of God.
(Steps Towards Spiritual Perfection) - Beg to Be
By A.W. Tozer5.1K41:58In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the will of God. He addresses the fear that some young people may have towards God's will and encourages them to let go of their own desires. The preacher also highlights the common occurrence of people who claim to be perfect in their teachings but lack true faith and obedience in their actions. He then references the example of Jesus, who humbled himself and obediently went through suffering and death on the cross. The sermon concludes with a reminder of Christ's ultimate triumph and the need for believers to remember and follow his example.
Self-Will Shows Itself in Various Forms.
By F.B. Meyer0GAL 5:19F.B. Meyer addresses the various manifestations of self-will, emphasizing how the flesh can lead to sinful behaviors and misguided aspirations. He warns against the folly of trying to achieve spiritual perfection through human effort rather than relying on the Spirit. Meyer highlights the dangers of intellectualism that neglects submission to God's will and cautions against planning and scheming from a self-centered perspective. He encourages believers to examine their motivations and recognize the pervasive influence of the self-life in their actions. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a deeper awareness of how self-will can undermine genuine faith and obedience.
(Steps Towards Spiritual Perfection) - My Soul
By A.W. Tozer4.9K46:45GEN 22:14PSA 16:8ISA 55:11MAT 6:33ROM 8:311CO 2:9REV 22:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God. He highlights the tendency of people to rely on others for spiritual nourishment, but encourages individuals to seek God for themselves. The speaker uses the analogy of a hungry man seeking a teacher for knowledge, but still feeling empty in his heart. He emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from having a personal encounter with God and allowing Him to heal and satisfy the heart. The speaker concludes by referencing a biblical passage that speaks of God calling His beloved to rise up and experience the joy and beauty of His presence.
(Steps Towards Spiritual Perfection) - Intro
By A.W. Tozer3.7K55:45MAT 6:33PHP 3:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses four stages that a person may go through in their Christian journey. The first stage is the common Christian, which was previously preached about. The second stage is the singular Christian, and the third stage is the Christian who has reached a level of perfection. The preacher emphasizes that one does not need fancy gadgets or equipment to serve the Lord, but rather a sincere heart and a willingness to pray and worship. The sermon concludes with a reminder to strive for the highest calling of God through Jesus Christ.
(Steps Towards Spiritual Perfection) - Paul's Sel
By A.W. Tozer3.6K51:04JHN 3:161CO 4:151CO 5:32CO 4:7GAL 6:17JAS 1:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of self-distrust and the ways in which God teaches it to His people. He emphasizes that relying on our own goodness and virtues is dangerous because we are unstable. The preacher mentions four valid ways in which God teaches self-distrust: through whole inspiration, through violent temptation, through other means not understood by us, and through the work of God's hand. He uses the analogy of a moon thinking it shines on its own, when in reality it is the sun that shines. The sermon encourages listeners to recognize their need for God's guidance and to trust in His ways rather than their own.
(Steps Towards Spiritual Perfection) - to Do the Work
By A.W. Tozer5.0K2:11:00PSA 40:7PHP 3:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God's will and how it is often misunderstood. He emphasizes that God's will is not just something that will happen in the future, but something that is actively being done in the present. The speaker refers to Psalm 40:7-8 to highlight the importance of accepting God's will. He also talks about the need for suffering and sacrifice in order to experience resurrection and the power of God. The sermon concludes with the idea that following God's will may come at a cost, but it is worth it in the end.
Philippians
By A.W. Tozer6739:06PHP 3:9A.W. Tozer emphasizes the pursuit of knowing Christ and attaining spiritual perfection, urging believers to forget past failures and press forward towards the high calling of God. He highlights the importance of cleansing the intentions of our hearts through God's grace, enabling us to love and praise Him worthily. Tozer warns against complacency in the Christian life, advocating for a deeper, more committed relationship with God that transcends mere surface-level faith. He calls for a revolution in the church, encouraging believers to detach from worldly influences and strive for holiness and joy. Ultimately, Tozer's message is a passionate plea for spiritual awakening and a deeper understanding of our purpose in Christ.
(Steps Towards Spiritual Perfection) - I Press Towards
By A.W. Tozer3.7K42:33MAT 28:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and allowing Him to work in our lives. He encourages the audience to trust in God's plan and to actively work on themselves to grow spiritually. The speaker also highlights the power of the Word of God and the need to believe in its verbal inspiration. He warns against allowing fear and societal pressures to cloud our relationship with God. Ultimately, the message is about finding rest and freedom in God's presence and not letting anything hinder our connection with Him.