Perfection vs. Excellence

 2 Timothy 4:7 fought the good fight. 

Philippians 3:12-16 KJV  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Thinking about your thoughts, the feedback loop of the Holy Spirit

Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

• Take every thought captive to the lordship of Christ
• Pray without ceasing
• Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind
• Let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus
• John 5:19 Jesus said "I don't do anything except what I see my father doing" 
• John 20:21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
• All the promises find their yes in Christ
• 1 Peter 1:4  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Partakers of the Divine Nature

2 Peter 1:3  His divine power has given us everything we nee thed for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His owna glory and excellence. 4.Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; 6. and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7. and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8. For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9. But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

10. Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, 11. and you Take receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.