What do you think of when you hear the word “perfected?”  While there may be some variance in what we think of I think there is also some common ground.  Usually it revolves around the idea of working out the flaws or problems, as in “the actors perfected the play.”  Meaning by this that they had all the right lines and ques.
     In the Koiné Greek the word for “perfected” is a form of the word teleioo.  Consider some of the meanings given for this word.  “Make perfect,” “make genuine,” “complete,” “finish,” “succeed fully,” and “bring to fruition.”  I want us to consider three times this word is used in the New Testament.
     In John 17:23, Jesus says in His prayer to the Father, “that they (His followers – gs) may be perfected in unity...”  Jesus is speaking here of the oneness and unity that He and the Father have and that His disciples will have that type of unity.  This oneness will “perfect” the followers of Jesus. That means that unity will bring us to the complete result that Jesus wants for us.
     In our second passage James is writing about how Abraham’s faith was “perfected.”  Look at James 2:22. “...and as a result of the works, faith was perfected...”  Faith that doesn’t obey God is an incomplete faith.  James says that it is a dead faith in James 2:26.
     The final passage that I want us to consider is 1 John 2:5.  In the first part of this verse it says, “but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected.”  Many people like to go to and to quote John 3:16, but then they distort the meaning of it by saying that all you have to do is believe in Jesus and you will be saved.  John is showing here that God’s love is not complete, God’s love does not come to fruition in us until we “keep His word.”
     We encourage you to be perfected in God’s will by obeying the will of God for your life.  If we can assist you in any way, or you want to know more, please contact us.