Matthew 5:43-48 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

Perfection.

Here is an attainable perfection, for it comes to us as a promise as well as a command. But what is it?

I. IT CANNOT BE THE ABSOLUTE PERFECTION OF GOD .

1 . There is an infinite difference between God and man in their being.

2 . There is an infinite difference in their presence.

3 . There is an infinite difference in their power.

4 . There is an infinite difference in their holiness.

II. IF THE PERFECTION BE NOT ABSOLUTE , THEN IT MUST BE RELATIVE . As God is perfect in his relations to us, so must we be perfect in our corresponding relations to him.

1 . Our Father is perfect in his relation to us as Creator.

2 . Our Father is perfect in his relation to its as King.

3 . Our Father is perfect in his relation to us as Saviour.

III. THE PERFECTION ENJOINED IS CHRISTIAN .

1 . This is set forth in the term "your Father. "

2 . The standard of Christian perfection is higher.

(a) Murder in the heart and lip ( Matthew 5:21-26 ).

(b) Adultery in the heart and eye ( Matthew 5:27-32 ). Profanity in Pharisaic sophisms ( Matthew 5:33-37 ).

(c) Revenge in resistance ( Matthew 5:38-42 ).

(d) Heathenism in conventional Judaism (text).

3 . Love is the badge of Christian discipleship.