Philippians 3 Verses 12 to 16 Press On Making Every Effort to Know Christ March 7, 2021 Class

Philippians 3 Verses 12 to 16 Press On Making Every Effort to Know Christ March 7, 2021 Class Presentation Notes AA

Main Idea: Paul urges the church to pursue Christian maturity with humility, passion, and gospel-centeredness.

Thought to explore as we study: As Christians we can break the power of the past by living with resurrection power for the future.

Create Interest:

· The Apostle Paul’s famous declaration of his life’s desire was stated in the preceding verses: “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (vv. 10, 11).

· This passionate declaration meant that every day witnessed the apostle’s relentless pursuit of an ever-deepening, ever-widening personal knowledge of the Christ whom he had already known intimately for over thirty years. His growing knowledge of Christ involved his constant pursuit of “the power of his resurrection,” and part and parcel with that power was the longing for the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings because he knew that suffering for Christ is the sacred path to deeper knowledge of Him and the perfection of intimate fellowship with Him.

· There is nothing in Scripture quite like this explosion of spiritual longing. Paul’s passionate longing is meant to serve as an example for all Christians.

· We are called to make his passion for Christ our own.

o Do we dare ask for this? Will we pray for it?

o Those questions remain the great questions for every Christian.

Preaching the Word - Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon:

Lesson in Historical Context:

· Paul experienced that resurrection life first on the road to Damascus, but from that point on he wanted to have greater personal knowledge of the Risen Christ.

· Having described his passionate, all-consuming desire in verse 10—to know Christ—the apostle now tells the Philippians that he is not stagnating. He is not slowing down. He is still running hard after Christ. Kent Hughes says, “There is nothing in Scripture quite like this explosion of spiritual longing” (Liberating Ministry, 145).

· To explain what he means, Paul uses the illustration of athletic games. He was like a runner in a race. In races the winner's prize, the laurel wreath of the victor, was often placed at the finish line as an added incentive to the contestants. Since the Greek athletic games captured the imagination of all people in this area, Macedonia included, this illustration spoke vividly to Paul's readers.

· The content of Paul's goal revolved around his repetitive use of the verb "press on" (vv. 12, 14). Paul attaches two activities for attaining his goal.

o "Forgetting what is behind." This expresses Paul's future orientation. For him, every day was a new adventure.

o "Straining toward what is ahead." This captures the athletic metaphor of the Greek games. It is graphic, suggesting the straining muscles, clear focus, and complete dedication of the runner to his race to the prize. Both mental and physical discipline were necessary.

· There is another mark of the person who knows Christ. He shares in the sufferings of His Lord.

· Knowing Christ also means identifying with His death. Being united with Christ in His death was a spiritual reality but being conformed to His death was the daily process of living. Paul realized that conformity to Jesus' death made him a candidate for resurrection power. This helps explain the spiritual discipline Paul mentions in 3:12-16.

· As Paul explains this explosion of spiritual longing, he tells the Philippians that they should follow his example and take his perspective on spiritual progress. In verse 15 he says, “Therefore, all who are mature should think this way.” Every Christian, then, should take a close look at this passage becausePaul provides an inspiring and instructive path for growing in spiritual maturity.

· As you study this text, you should be provoked. You should not feel condemned if you’re a Christian, but you should be convicted.

o There is a huge difference between conviction and condemnation!

§ The Christian is free from judgment (Rom 8:1), but we should feel conviction.

§ When God convicts us, it is evidence of His love for us.

📷 It is evidence that He’s working in us (Phil 2:13).

📷 It is proof that He will bring our salvation to completion (1:6)[1]

Thoughts to Soak on Before digging into the Scriptures:

· Every sincere and honest Christian will admit at least two things.

o First, he or she will admit to past failures.

o Secondly, he or she will admit they are not satisfied to remain in their present spiritual condition.

· When a Christian is satisfied that he has arrived, he ceases to grow. Paul was not satisfied with his present spiritual condition. The victories or failures of the past were in the past. Paul's attitude was "This is a new day. There are new victories to be won." Paul was a man pressing for the prize that God had to offer him.

· Paul had many converts, established churches, and reached large cities with the Gospel. He made great progress, but there was still much ground to be covered. Here are the confessions of a truly godly man. They express the realization that he had not reached the highest mark of his calling. He was never fully satisfied with his accomplishments.

· No matter how much we grow in knowledge and holiness, there will always be room for further growth and development. Paul gives us a warning in 1 Corinthians 10:12.

o 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NASB) 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.

Treasures from the Scriptures - Treasures from Philippians.

Philippians 3:12-13 (NASB) (Philippians 3:12a,13a)

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of ityet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

Humbly Acknowledge That You Have Not Arrived.

· Twice Paul uses a negative to correctany misunderstanding that the Philippians might have regarding spiritual maturity in general or with Paul’s Christian life in particular. Some false teachers in Philippi had adopted a perfectionistic view of spirituality. Paul says that even though he has counted everything as loss for the sake of Christ, that does not mean he has arrived.

o He isn’t perfect. He hasn’t entered the resurrected state yet. He’s straining ahead for that day.

o Mature people humbly acknowledge that they haven’t arrived. Be careful of an attitude that makes you think otherwise. If Paul could have this mature attitude, how much more should we?

· The word mature is a form of the verb "made perfect" which Paul used in 3:12. He is not talking about "sinless perfection" or "super spirituality." The only kind of maturity possible to us is the recognition that we are not yet perfect and the commitment of our lives to running the race to the end. "Here the term means relative perfection, not the absolute perfection so pointedly denied in v. 12" (A. T. Robertson, WPNTIV, p. 455).

· To understand this passage clearly, we need to understand the word "perfect." It comes from the Greek word teleios. Paul is not talking about being a perfect person. The word teleios means "to reach the goal or fulfill a purpose."

o It is used of a full-grown man as opposed to an undeveloped youth.

o This word is used to mean "mature in mind" and therefore describes one who is qualified in a certain subject. When teleios was used to describe an offering, it meant the offering was without blemish and fit to be offered to God.

· When Paul used this word "perfect" in verse twelve, he was saying that he was not by any means a complete Christian but was forever pressing onward to be what God wanted him to be. Pursuing the prize of spiritual maturity begins with dissatisfaction over your present spiritual condition.

o If you are satisfied with your spiritual condition, you will not sense the need to further your growth. Paul was never satisfied and for this reason, he became an outstanding Christian warrior.

· The gospel humbled Paul. Look at the way Paul talks about his life here, compared to his pre-conversion experience in verse 6,where he said, “in the law, blameless.”

o He previously thought of himself as having arrived, but the gospel has a humbling effect. In telling the Philippians that he was not perfect, Paul not only corrected any misunderstandings that they might have had regarding legalism or perfectionism, but his words surely brought hope to them as well!

§ Paul was identifying with them as a fellow Christian. He did not want them to think that he was somehow superhuman and superior. He has made some remarkable statements about his life in the book of Philippians, but he was admitting that he had not arrived.

§ So you and I shouldn’t despair. Keep running like Paul!

· Paul wanted them to know that he was with them on the journey, and this is one of the marks of true Christian leadership.

o Leadership is not lordship, and it’s not about being superior. It is about following Jesus, becoming more like Him, and bringing others along on the journey.

o What happens when you humbly realize that you need to grow in Christlikeness? Your view of others will change. You will grow less smug and less critical of others because you will believe you need to grow as well. You will use your words differently. You will grow less self-righteous, and you will be quicker to identify evidence of grace in the lives of others.

o Also, your love for the Savior will grow because you will realize how much you need His grace!

Thoughts to Soak On:

· Evaluating ourselves can get us into big trouble because we can come to two key false conclusions.

o We can make ourselves better than we really are and become proud and apathetic concerning our need to get close to the Lord.

o We can conclude that we are worse than we really are and become defeated and discouraged.

§ The best thing we can do is do our best for Jesus Christ and keep pressing forward to be the best Christian we can be for the Lord.

§ Our desire should be the best friend we can be to Christ and to love Him dearly. When we focus on growing spiritually, these things will develop in our lives. There are several reasons why we must grow spiritually.

📷 It glorifies God.

📷 It provides genuine evidence we have been born again.

📷 It makes the truth of God visible to other people.

📷 It brings assurance of salvation.

📷 It protects the cause of Christ from reproach.

📷 It protects us from the suffering that comes from a backslidden life.

📷 It produces joy in our lives.

📷 It equips us for ministry to other Christians.

📷 It enhances our witness for Christ to the world. Treasures from the Scriptures -Philippians.

Philippians 3:12-14 (NASB

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what liesahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Passionately Pursue a Greater Knowledge of Christ.

· Many Christians can identify with the first point. We are not perfect. But many Christians use this point as an excuse to be complacent. That was not the case for the apostle Paul! Even though he knows he was not perfect, that did not mean he was not exerting passion to grow in his knowledge of the Savior.

· Paul used katalambanō in a “theological” sense of “to obtain, to grasp, to lay hold of, apprehend” perfection (Philippians 3:12). The love of Christ is impossible to “grasp” (Ephesians 3:18). Katalambanōappears twice in athletic metaphors of “seizing” the prize in the Great Race (Philippians 3:13; 1 Corinthians 9:24).

· Paul’s goal was that I may apprehend (grasp, take hold of) that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Apprehend and apprehended are the same Greek word; a word meaning “to lay hold of,” “seize,” or “possess.” However, the first use is an active verb with Paul being the actor. The second use is a passive, meaning someone else is the actor—in this case Christ Jesus, with Paul being the beneficiary of His action.

o The goal, therefore, was maturity in Christ as well as the fullness of the resurrection that is to come (v. 11).

o Paul desired to strive for spiritual maturity because that is why Christ Jesus had laid hold of him. “Paul was seeking to claim as his own that for which Christ had claimed him as His own.” Thus, he said, “I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own” (ESV).

· Obviously, Paul believed salvation as a relationship with Christ had had a beginning at a point in time past; however, salvation was more than that singular point in time. Salvation is a dynamic experience of ongoing growth and maturity moving forward from the initial moment of receiving Christ and being received by Christ and consummating in the glory of heaven. We sometimes apply the term sanctificationto the present ongoing spiritual experience that lies between regeneration and glorification.

· Paul says, "I press on."These words come from a Greek word dioko (dee-o'-ko) which means "to eagerly pursue." This same word is used in Philippians 3:6 where it is translated "persecuting" in reference to Paul's persecution of the church.

· “Dioko” (press on) used in the New Testament to express the quest of Christian values. Paul exhorted us to “follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another” (Romans 14:19); and to “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (1 Timothy 6:11). In this sense diōkōmeans “to aspire, to seek after something.” Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary, The - Delta-Epsilon.

· It is also used in Philippians 3:14 where it is translated "press forward" as Paul pressed for the mark of God's high calling. The word diokois a term used in connection with sporting events. It was especially used to describe a runner or sprinter who was pressing down the track with all his strength in order to reach the finish line first. The runner is not distracted by his competitors. His goal is his main objective.

o The tense of this word indicates that Paul was continuing to follow after spiritual maturity like a runner in a race. He wanted to finish his race or course for Christ.

Thoughts to Soak on:

· Be careful that you do not adopt a passive attitude about the Christian life. Growth in Christlikeness is not an impassive stroll. The New Testament uses disciplined athletic imagery elsewhere to describe the effort involved in growing in Christ. Consider just two of them:

o Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away. Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.(1 Cor 9:24-27)

o Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne. (Heb 12:1-2)

· Earning is not a good word for Christians because we can’t earn any acceptance before God, but effort is a good word for those who have already been made new creations in Christ. We must pursue holiness (Heb 12:14)in this life by God’s power.

· Every Christian is grasped by the Lord Jesus Christ for some purpose, therefore every man should press onward his entire life that he might lay hold of that purpose for which Jesus Christ grasped him.God lays hold of all believers for two key purposes: holiness and usefulness. These cannot be accomplished apart from a full surrender to Jesus.

o 1 Thessalonians 4:7—For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

o John 15:16—Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

· We are saved to glorify Christ and let Him live His life in and through us. Is your life counting for Christ? Not only should our prayer be, "Lord use me" but also "Lord, make me usable."

o There is no tragedy so great as a Christian, at the end of his life's journey, to have the bitter knowledge that he has failed to achieve that for which his Lord saved him.

o What shame there will be at the Judgment Seat of Christ for Christians who missed the mark and wasted their opportunities to serve our Savior.

o What glory there will be for men like Paul who pursued their course with enthusiasm and determination and finished what God wanted them to do. Paul finished his race for God.

§ 2 Timothy 4:7—I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Forgetting and Reaching-- Focusing on “One Thing”

· Philippians 3:13 (NASB) 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what liesahead,

· Paul continues and says, "But this one thing I do." This shows that Paul’s attitude was fixed on one absorbing, overmastering devotion. He was concentrating on one thing. Nothing was permitted to turn his heart from an all-out effort to know Christ and to make Him known to others. Let’s look at the “one things” in the Scriptures.

o The One Things of Scripture

§ The One thing of God's Loyalty to us

📷 Joshua 23:14 (NASB) 14 "Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed.

§ The One thing of Longing or Desire

📷 Psalm 27:4 (NASB) 4 One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORDall the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.

§ The One thing that is Lacking

📷 Mark 10:20-21 (NASB) 20 And he said to Him, "Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up." 21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

§ The One thing of the Length of God's Timetable

📷 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NASB) 8 But do not let this one factescape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

§ The One thing of Learning at Jesus Feet

📷 Luke 10:42 (NASB) 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Treasures from the Scriptures from Philippians.

· Consider Paul’s running image closely. This passionate run involves forgetting and reaching (v. 13).Both are essential for running a good race, and both are essential for spiritual maturity. Every good runner knows that you cannot look over your shoulder, or you will get distracted, stumble, or lose momentum.

· You must forget “what is behind.” O’Brien notes that epilanthanomai means “to forget” (Matt 16:5; Mark 8:14; Jas 1:24), or “to neglect, overlook, or care nothing about” (Luke 12:6; Heb 6:10; 13:2,16; Epistle, 428). What exactly is Paul to forget? O’Brien puts it succinctly and powerfully:

o He will not allow either the achievements of the past (which God has wrought) or, for that matter, his failures as a Christian to prevent his gaze from being fixed firmly on the finish line. In this sense he forgets as he runs. (Epistle, 429)

Thoughts to Soak On:

· Paul worked at forgetting the past. This is a verse that is of enormous help to believers who have failed God—miserably failed Him. Paul had so failed God, and he was always confessing how far short he came (cp. Romans 7:18-19; 2 Cor. 3:5; Ephes. 3:8). Paul faced what so many of us face:

o failure and shortcoming

o the struggle to forget it and to move on

· How does a person do this? In one focused act, we must forget the things that are past and reach forth to those things that are before us.

· The act involves two parts: both forgetting and reaching forth.

o The past cannot be forgotten without reaching forth to what lies ahead.

o A person cannot sit around moaning and regretting the past. To do so is to be concentrating upon the past.

o The things of the past are to be forgotten.

o The things of the future are to be the focus of the mind.

o The believer is to zero in on the things at hand and on the things that lie ahead. If we do this, there is no time to wallow around in the past and its failure.[2]

§ Luke 13:23-24 (NASB) 23 And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" And He said to them, 24 "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

§ 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB) 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

§ Galatians 6:9 (NASB) 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

§ Colossians 1:29 (NASB) 29 For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

§ 1 Peter 1:13 (NASB) 13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

§ Revelation 3:11 (NASB) 11 'I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

Philippians 3:12-14 (NASB) 12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what liesahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Never Lose the Wonder of the Gospel.

Philippians 3:12b,14b

· Paul mentions two phrases that highlight the wonder of the gospel. In verse 12 he says, “but I press on so that I may lay hold of that,” and then he says this wonderfully rich gospel phrase, “for which I also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.).

· In Verse 14 he also speaks of “of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”,

which is another beautiful statement about God’s grace in salvation.

o God is calling us heavenward.

· Paul pressed "toward the mark." The word "toward" is the word katawhich means "down." Paul was saying, "I continually bear down on the mark." This word "mark" is an interesting word. It comes from the Greek word skopos (skop-os') and forms our English word scope. The word means "the distant mark looked at, the goal or end one has in view." This meaning can be seen as Paul talks about our race for Christ.

Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary, The - Delta-Epsilon.

· Paul pressed on toward the goal, toward God’s purpose in Christ Jesus. What is God’s purpose for us in Christ Jesus? It is to be conformed to the image of Christ—to be perfect even as He is perfect. Once we are perfect …

o we shall be incorruptible and eternal…

o we shall live in honor and glory…

o we shall live in God’s perfect presence and power…

o we shall live in perfect righteousness and purity…

o we shall live worshipping and serving God eternally…

· Perfection means eternal life, a perfect life that never ends—that goes on and on doing the things that God created us to do. Perfection means the eternal life of Jesus Christ—being conformed to the perfection of Jesus Christ[3]

Thoughts to Soak On:

· Paul never lost the wonder of the gospel, and we should not either. Christian maturity involves going deeper into the gospel and never beyond the gospel.

· All our growth comes from the outflow of the gospel. What was Paul in awe of? It was the fact that Christ took hold of him. What a concise and accurate statement of Paul’s conversion.

· Jesus took hold of Paul. But that’s not just Paul’s story; that’s our story too! Christ has taken hold of us! How did this happen? It happened by grace! Paul mentions “God’s heavenly call” in verse 14. Christians are those who have responded in repentance and faith to the call of the gospel. God called us by grace. We heard the gospel as a gift of grace. We are sustained by grace. For all eternity, we will sing the praises of the God of all grace.

· As we grow in maturity, we must remember that it’s only because Christ Jesus has taken hold of us that we want to make every effort! It’s only because God has taken hold of us that we can make any effort! Revel in the good news of Jesus daily. Marvel at His redemption. Boast in His cross. Fill your affections with this: He seized you! [4]

What are some lasting lessons from Philippians 3:12-14?

· As believers, we are ever to be growing and moving forward in our relationship with Christ.

· We only possess Him because He has chosen to possess us.

· The sins of our past have been atoned for in Christ; thus, we are set free from them before God.

· Growing in Christ calls for spiritual determination and spiritual discipline.

· As dedicated Christians, we press forward toward the goal, but in the end, God gives us the prize.[5]

Philippians 3:15-16 (NASB) 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard (rule) to which we have attained.

Paul’s Encouragement to Other Believers

· Verses 15-16are connected to what has gone before by the phrase let us therefore.However, what does therefore represent?

o Perhaps Paul meant his personal story in verses 4-14. In that case, Paul told his story of the need to strive for spiritual maturity to prepare the Philippians for the exhortation that they too needed to do the same.

· “as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude”, refers to those who thought the same way Paul did. Other more modern translations are “All who are mature should think this way” (HCSB) and “Let those of us who are mature think this way” (ESV).

· Paul already declared none was perfect,complete, or mature. So about whom was he speaking? Spiritual maturity, like any kind of growth, is relative. In addition, Paul continued to strive to become all he could be in the Lord. That is what he desired for his Philippian friends.

o So should it be with us. In fact, at least one sign of maturity is realizing the need to mature.

· Paul apparently knew some would be otherwise minded, meaning that they would think differently from him on this matter.

· Just who these persons might have been is not clear. Some Bible interpreters think they were false teachers who opposed Paul, possibly even some in Philippi. Perhaps some of the Philippians had adopted a perfectionist attitude; thus, they did not believe they needed to learn or mature in Christ.

· Others think Paul’s comment is to be understood only in the context of their friendship. Yes, he wanted them to follow his example, but he also wanted to respect where they were in their own spiritual growth. After all, none of us is at the same place in our spiritual pilgrimage.

· In any case, whether blatant theological error or a simple difference of opinion, Paul trusted that God shall reveal even this unto them. Reveal means to “disclose, make known, uncover.” Gordon Fee remarked, “They may freely disagree with him at points—on many matters—and if any matter counts for something, Paul trusts God to bring them up to speed there as well.”

· Vs. 16: In Paul’s words, “however, let us keep living by that same standard (rule) to which we have attained” the word living means “to conform to” or “to live by.” Standard denotes a measuring rod or a device for keeping something straight. By extension, it came to refer to a set of principles or a standard of faith and practice. Therefore, Paul urged his friends, though they were not fully mature, to live according to what they had attained, or concluded. What he said in this letter was probably not anything new—not anything he had not spoken to them during earlier visits (3:1). Thus, they needed to keep doing just as they had been taught. For any who had grown slack, Paul’s words were a challenge to return to living out the truth made known to them. Believers may not know everything, but that is no excuse for failing to live by what they do know.

· To the question how this reference to a “rule” can be squared with Paul’s denial of any place for law in Christian life, let it be said that (1) this “rule” does not consist of regulations; it has rather the nature of guidelines or principles, and (2) over against “law” in the legal sense Paul sets “the law of Christ”—that is, the way of life exemplified by Christ and recorded for the imitation of his followers. The rule implied here, then, embraces the principles of living involved in “the law of Christ,” among which the carrying of one another’s burdens takes a leading place (Gal. 6:2). Paul encourages the Philippian Christians to continue to march forward as a united community, shoulder to shoulder, according to the teaching which they had received from him since first he brought them the gospel.[6]

Worthy of noting at this point:

· In Galatians 6:16 Paul used the term concerning the “standard” which the true believers follow. With kanōn he was explicitly referring to the gospel teachings which were set forth earlier in the epistle. The word should be understood in the same way in this verse.

· The term kanōn later became an important theological word as it came to be associated with the Scriptures deemed sacred and inspired. The Canon is thus made up of the 66 books of the Bible. “Extra-canonical” books are those outside the Canon. These are not regarded as inspired or authoritative; nevertheless, they should not be overlooked as valuable resources for study and history. Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary, The - Zeta-Kappa.

Paul's Encouragement to Other Believers (vv. 15–16)

· Paul's experience set a pattern for all believers. If they would understand it and join with him, they would avoid the influence of false teachers. Three movements occur in this command: a call to unity, a warning of misconduct, and an exhortation to continue:

o He called the Philippians to unity (v. 15). He called on those who are perfect or spiritually mature to “take such a view of things.” This is one word in the Greek text, meaning “be minded.” It includes thoughts, values, and intentions. Paul knew that everyone would not see things as he did, so he urged them to be open to God's view of the matter.

o He gave them an exhortation (v. 16). The believers were to remain steadfast. They were to remain true to what they had and with a collective discipline that was to characterize the entire church.

o This meant they were not to follow the false teachings of Paul's opponents.[7]

Thoughts to Soak On:

· In the Christian life there is no room for a person who desires to rest upon his laurels. He is also reaching out for the things which are in front. The word he uses for reaching out (epekteinomenos) is very vivid and is used of a racer going hard for the tape. It describes him with eyes for nothing but the goal. It describes the man who is going flat out for the finish. So Paul says that in the Christian life we must forget every past achievement and remember only the goal which lies ahead.

· There is no doubt that Paul is here speaking to the antinomians. They were those who denied that there was any law at all in the Christian life. They declared that they were within the grace of God and that, therefore, it did not matter what they did; God would forgive. No further discipline and no further effort were necessary. Paul is insisting that to the end of the day the Christian life is the life of an athlete pressing onwards to a goal which is always in front.

· In verse 15 he again uses teleios and says that this must be the attitude of those who are teleios. What he means is: “Anyone who has come to be mature in the faith and knows what Christianity is must recognize the discipline and the effort and the agony of the Christian life.” He may perhaps think differently, but, if he is an honest man, God will make it plain to him that he must never relax his effort or lower his standards but must press towards the goal, until the end.

o As Paul saw it, the Christian is the athlete of Christ.[8]

What are some lasting truths of Verses 15 and 16?

· Salvation is more than receiving insurance against eternal destruction; it is living in a deep and satisfying relationship with Jesus Christ.

· Christians are to live according to what they know and what they have been given in Jesus Christ.

· We are to live in such a way that others see Christ in us and would even desire to be like us[9].

· Having developed a proper awareness, effort, focus, motivation, and recognition, believers must consistently keep living by that same standard to which they have attained. Stoicheō (keep living) means “to line up,” or “to follow in line.” Believers must keep to the spiritual path that they have been following. To use the metaphor of a race, they must keep running in their lane.

· Finally, the need is to keep a high standard . . . together (3:16).Did you notice that Paul shifted the focus from himself as the example in 3:12-14 to include all believers in the journey in 3:15-16 by saying "let us"? Living the Christian life is a team effort, not a solo mission. As each of us maintains our own level of spiritual maturity, we also encourage others to do the same.

o We are to lock arms with our brothers and sisters in the family of God.

§ If we see one of our brothers slowing down in the race, we need to take him by the arm and encourage him to press on.

§ When we see a sister out of breath from the exasperating challenges of life, we need to remind her to look up and look forward, to press on toward maturity.[10]

Thoughts to Soak on in Parting:

· No doubt the greatest need among God’s people is to live up to what they already have in Christ. Most live far below their exalted position in Christ. Paul’s plea to the Philippians was that they live up to what they had already attained, namely a righteous position in Christ.[11]

· Four divinely provided resources help believers to consistently pursue the prize of Christlikeness.

o First is the Word of God. Peter wrote, “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).

o Second is prayer. Paul prayed that the Corinthians would “be made complete” (2 Cor. 13:9).

o Third is following a godly example. Paul exhorted the Corinthians, “Be imitators of me” (1 Cor. 4:16; cf. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:6; 2 Thess. 3:7, 9; 1 Tim. 4:12; Heb. 13:7; 1 Peter 5:3).

o Fourth, God uses trials to mold believers into the image of Jesus Christ:“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10; James 1:2–4).

· And finally, the risk is not all that great! For Paul does not expect us to achieve everything on our own. There is a God who is over all, whose irresistible purpose is to make us like his Son. As we obey the truth he has already given us, he will himself take charge of the process, and where we are still in error, deficient or weak, he will reveal that also.[12]

Questions for Introspection

· Are you living for the Lord, as you should?

· Are you living for the future, or are you stuck somewhere in the past?

· Are you pressing for the mark and reaching for the prize?

· What about the church?

o Are we on track?

§ Is all as it should be?

📷 Are we effectively doing the Lord’s work and will?[13]

· At the foot of one of the Swiss Alps is a marker honoring a man who fell to his death attempting the ascent. The marker gives his name and this brief epitaph: “He died climbing.” The epitaph of every Christian should be that they died climbing the upward path toward the prize of Christlikeness.[14]

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We believe the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. The 2000 statement of The Baptist Faith and Message is our doctrinal guideline.

How To Become A Christian

THE ABC’S OF SALVATION

Some people think a personal relationship with God is something only theologians can comprehend. Actually, God’s plan of salvation is simple enough for everyone to understand. Here are the ABC’s of salvation.

Admit

Admit to God that you are a sinner. All persons need salvation. Each of us has a problem the Bible calls sin. Sin is a refusal to acknowledge God’s authority over our lives. Everyone who does not live a life of perfect obedience to the Lord is guilty of sin. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Since none of us is perfect, all of us are sinners (Romans 3:10-18).

The result of sin is spiritual death (Romans 6:23). Spiritual death means eternal separation from God. By God’s perfect standard we are guilty of sin and therefore subject to the punishment for sin, which is separation from God. Admitting that you are a sinner and separated from God is the first step of repentance, which is turning from sin and self and turning toward God.

Believe

Believe in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and receive Jesus’ gift of forgiveness from sin. God loves each of us. God offers us salvation. Although we have done nothing to deserve His love and salvation, God wants to save us. In the death of Jesus on the cross, God provided salvation for all who would repent of their sins and believe in Jesus. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Confess

Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to others. After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, share your decision with another person. Tell your pastor or a Christian friend about your decision. Following Christ’s example, ask for baptism by immersion in your local church as a public expression of your faith. “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10)

Dedicated in honor of James T. Draper, Jr./ Pastor, author, denominational leader/President, LifeWay Christian Resources 1991-2006 Contents[15]

[1]Merida, T., Chan, F., Platt, D., Akin, D. L., & Merida, T. (2016). Exalting jesus in philippians. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference. [2]Leadership Ministries Worldwide. (1996). Galatians–Colossians (p. 302). Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide. [3]Leadership Ministries Worldwide. (1996). Galatians–Colossians (p. 303). Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide. [4]Merida, T., Chan, F., Platt, D., Akin, D. L., & Merida, T. (2016). Exalting Jesus in Philippians. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference. [5]Brown, R. K. (2019). Herschel Hobbs Commentary: Bible Studies for Life, Winter 2016-17 (p. 112). LifeWay Christian Resources. [6]Bruce, F. F. (2011). Philippians (pp. 125–126). Peabody, MA: Baker Books. [7]Gould, D. (1997). Shepherd’s notes: Philippians, Colossians & Philemon. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference. [8]Barclay, W. (Ed.). (1975). The letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (electronic ed., pp. 66–67). Philadelphia: The Westminster John Knox Press. [9] Brown, R. K. (2019). Herschel Hobbs Commentary: Bible Studies for Life, Winter 2016-17 (pp. 115–116). LifeWay Christian Resources. [10] Swindoll, C. R. (2017). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon(Vol. 9, p. 76). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. [11]Lightner, R. P. (1985). Philippians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 662). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. [12]Motyer, J. A. (1984). The message of Philippians (p. 182). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. [13]Carr, A. (2015). Three Looks that Every Church Needs to Take (Phil. 3:13–14). In The Sermon Notebook: New Testament (p. 3019). Lenoir, NC: Alan Carr. [14]MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2001). Philippians (p. 250). Chicago: Moody Press. [15]Dean, R. J. (2019). Herschel Hobbs Commentary: Family Bible Study, Summer 2006. LifeWay Christian Resources.