Message by Terry Wiens – January 5, 2025
Matthew 5:48 (NIV) Be perfect therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.
1. Best place to start to understand what perfection means:
Pharisees
Ourselves
Jesus
Matthew 5:17 (NIV) “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
Matthew 5:20 (NIV) “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
The audience of Jesus would have reacted in shock to this last statement.
2. Possible ways to interpret this shocking statement:
Jesus is saying that being righteous is impossible and the only way to reach this expectation is through the grace of God.
Our definition of righteousness or perfection isn’t right.
Matthew 5:21-22 (NIV) “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgement. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.“
Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV) “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
3. Do not murder: Take the initiative to make relationships right
Matthew 5:25 (NIV) “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.”
4. Do not murder: Be willing to pay a price for peace, even if the price is not yours to pay
Matthew 5:43-47 (NIV) “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
5. Love others, regardless of whether they deserve it
OUR 2025 PERFECT NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION:
Treat people with good, and with love, regardless of whether it is deserved or not
About Terry Wiens: Terry Wiens has been attending Westheights Church for over 20 years. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious studies. Terry works in the financial sector, enjoys technology and continues to study theology in his spare time. He is married to Jenn and they are proud parents of three wonderful adult children: Katie, Emylea and Griffin.
You can listen to the sermon on YouTube here.
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