Does God Accept Imperfection?
Introduction:
Have
we over simplified the concept of obedience in today’s church? We often look at
any law, teaching, or command from God, as, this
is what God wants – no exceptions. When we do this, we shift the
focus of spiritual commitment. This can set us up for constant disappointment
– because we never can do enough. Luke 17:10 – may we realize that
all the acts we do – even if we kept every one of God’s expectations
perfectly, would never be good enough to justify us. In everything, there needs
to be a provision for God’s grace and mercy.
I. 2 Chronicles 30 – King Hezekiah & Israel
A.
2 Chronicles 30
– contains the historical account of the reinstitution of the Passover.
B.
30:18-19
1.
Many ate the
Passover meals that were not qualified by law to do so.
2.
God accepted
everyone who had prepared his heart to seek God.
C.
Was it important
to observe the Passover correctly?
1.
See Exodus
12:43-49. No uncircumcised male could partake/observe.
II. What does all this mean?
A.
May we disregard
God’s commands? Absolutely not.
1.
Hebrews 5:8-9
– just as Jesus carried out the wishes of God, so should we.
2.
We must be like
our teacher. He carried out the will of His Father.
a.
John 5:19-20;
30; 6:38; 14:8-9, 15
B.
May we ignore
doing exactly what God wants us to do? Absolutely not.
1.
We must be
concerned with following God’s commands as closely as possible.
2.
Joshua 6 –
Jericho.
3.
1 Cor. 4:6
– do not go beyond what is written. 2 John 9 – abide in the
doctrine of Christ. Heb. 8:5 – make
all things according to the pattern…
C.
Obedience
involves more than physical acts.
1.
Even if the act
is correct and the heart is not involved, what occurs is not obedience. Amos 5:21-23; 1 Sam. 15:20-24
D.
Does 2
Chronicles 30 mean that the attitude of the heart can make the physical act of
obedience unnecessary? Absolutely
not.
1.
If our heart is
truly committed to God, to His wishes, wants, methods, then we will constant
look for ways to bring ourselves in line with that.
III. Does God Accept Imperfection?
A.
If He does not,
we are all lost! Romans 3:23.
1.
Eph. 4:22-24
– cast off the old man…put on the new. This is a process.
2.
Rom. 12:1-2
– a transformation that does not occur overnight.
B.
Individually
1.
Maybe there is
some part of your lifestyle that needs changing.
2.
We must make a
commitment grow in awareness of our flaws and move to correct them. 2 Peter
3:18
C.
Collectively - The
restoration movement is not over.
D.
Even with our
imperfections, we have a responsibility:
1.
Never defy God. 2
Peter 3:18 – grow in knowledge.
2.
Grow in
awareness of our flaws & misunderstandings.
3.
Make a
commitment to withstand weakness and temptation.
Conclusion:
A.
We must always
understand that God accepts imperfection, or none of us could belong to God. We
must include our heart in our obedience.