An excerpt from Ptr. Keith Krell's article on Philippians 3.
In Philippians 3:15–16, Paul transitions from his own personal experience to apply an exhortation to the church. He writes, “Let us therefore, as many as are perfect [mature], have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.”
The “therefore” ties back into Philippians 3:10–14,
"I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." and emphasizes the theme of spiritual maturity.
Paul’s exhortation is:
In Philippians 3:15–16, Paul transitions from his own personal experience to apply an exhortation to the church. He writes, “Let us therefore, as many as are perfect [mature], have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.”
The “therefore” ties back into Philippians 3:10–14,"I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." and emphasizes the theme of spiritual maturity.
Paul’s exhortation is:
- Keep living to the same standard to which you have attained.
- Apply what you know.
- Persevere in your faith.
- Don’t worry about what you don’t know.
- Take a baby step this week.
- Just be obedient one day at a time.
As I reflected on these verses this past week, I was deeply challenged and convicted. The Lord revealed to me that I take too much responsibility for the responses of others. When people in our church sin and choose to ignore biblical confrontation, I am the one who typically feels badly. I can put a great deal of pressure on myself to “be used by God” to bring those who are wayward back to the Lord. Yet, often my best attempts end in failure. Fortunately, the Lord reminded me that He cares more about the sanctification of believers than I do. Indeed, I have a thimble’s worth of love and care for others compared to the Lord’s endless oceans of love and care. That is why I find so much comfort and encouragement in 3:15.
When believers’ minds are set on other pursuit and goals, God will reveal it to them. He will make it clear. I just need to learn to leave it in His hands. What a comfort to know that when believers get off track, God will point it out to them so that they can once again press on. Of course, certain believers may choose to ignore God and rebel against His authority, but He is capable of dealing with them. His love is eternal and constant.Paul wants you to remember to pursue God’s prize—intimacy with Jesus. When you focus on Jesus, He tends to grant you His grace in every area of your life. It’s all about putting first things first. Set your earthly goals on heavenly gains.
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