Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 1
Paul says his “great conflict” and “striving” aim to “present every man perfect in Christ”; what does that reveal about what God is ultimately after in His people, and how does that pressure-test modern versions of Christianity that aim more at comfort, therapy, or mere forgiveness than perfection?
Another way to ask: Paul says he works hard to make every person “perfect in Christ.” What does that show God really wants for His people, and how does it challenge forms of Christianity that focus mostly on comfort, therapy, or just being forgiven?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, God’s goal is not merely that people feel helped or forgiven, but that they become “perfect and complete in Christ,” ready to stand before Him in a “perfect holy way.” That pressure-tests comfortable versions of Christianity because Paul’s language (“conflict,” “labor,” “striving”) assumes costly effort toward maturity, not a minimal or therapeutic faith.
- Paul’s stated aim: “warning every man and teaching every man…that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
- The speaker emphasizes Paul’s intensity: “great conflict,” “great burden,” “striving…make sure…they have everything they need to be perfect and complete in Christ.”
- He connects this to the end goal: “every man…every woman come before Christ in a perfect holy way so that they can live with him.”
- He stresses completeness: “A total understanding, not just partial of what it means to have Christ living in us.”
- The whole letter’s thrust is “to make Christ the preeminent one…supreme…the top,” not one helpful part of life.