1. Opening Scripture (30 seconds)
Read aloud:
Colossians 1:28 – “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”
Take a moment to let these words settle in. This verse reminds us of the ultimate goal: to be made perfect in Christ, a journey only possible through His work in us.
2. Personal Reflection (1 minute)
Take a moment to reflect:
- What makes you feel imperfect?
- How do your daily actions, words, or thoughts reveal your imperfection?
- Write down one specific example from your recent experience (e.g., an unkind word, impatience, or frustration).
Be honest—acknowledging imperfection is the first step to fully appreciating Christ’s grace.
3. Key Concepts – Three Stages of Perfection (2 minutes)
Let’s explore what it means to be “perfect in Christ” by considering three stages of perfection:
- Present Reality
- In yourself, you are imperfect. Every harsh word or wrong action reveals this.
- Yet, through Christ, you are already declared perfect in God’s sight.
- “But in this sad awareness of imperfection, here is comfort for you—you are perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Spurgeon)
- Position in Christ
- “Accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6) – God sees you through Christ’s righteousness.
- “Complete in Him” – Your standing before God isn’t based on your performance but on Jesus’ finished work.
- Future Glory
- One day, every stain of sin will be removed.
- You will stand faultless before God’s throne, “without spot or wrinkle” (Revelation 7:14).
- Spurgeon says, “As black as you are, you will be white one day; as unclean as you are, you will be pure.”
4. Scripture Connection (1.5 minutes)
Take turns reading these Scriptures:
- Ephesians 1:6– “To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”
- Revelation 7:14– “These are they who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Reflection:
- What does it mean to be “accepted in the Beloved”?
- How does Revelation 7:14’s picture of future glory fill you with hope?
5. Personal Application (1.5 minutes)
Take time to apply what you’ve learned:
- How does knowing you are “perfect in Christ” change how you view your daily struggles?
(For example: Instead of being crushed by guilt over a mistake, you can remind yourself that Christ’s righteousness covers you.) - What’s one specific situation in your life right now where you need to remember this truth?
(Perhaps it’s a relationship, a bad habit, or a discouraging thought about yourself.)
Write it down and commit to remembering:
“In Christ, I am accepted. In Christ, I will be made perfect.”
6. Closing Prayer (30 seconds)
Pray together or silently:
- Thank God for making you perfect in Christ right now.
- Praise Him for the promise of a day when all sin will be gone, and you will stand spotless before His throne.
- Ask Him to help you live in light of your identity in Christ today, even in the midst of your struggles.
Optional Follow-Up Challenge:
Throughout the day, whenever you feel discouraged or frustrated by your imperfections, repeat this truth to yourself:
“In Christ, I am accepted. In Christ, I will be made perfect.”