3:15
From time to time there are those who claim to be superior to other Christians. This claimed superiority can be based on some “special anointing” or some special knowledge, or whatever. The truth that Paul is expounding is that no one has made it. If we are truly mature in Christ then one of the things we know is our own sinfulness and frailty. We know that we have such a long way to go. It is like someone who has scored 4% in an exam boasting that he has got twice as many marks as someone with 2%. To do such a thing is nonsense, the truth is we all have a very long way to go. And if these supposedly superior people were truly listening to God, then they would become aware of this truth.
3:16
We are to live up to what we have attained so far. So what had they learned? They had come to Christ in repentance, trusting in His mercy, knowing their need of sanctification. Now there were some who were in danger of not continuing in that line, of instead becoming proud of their own abilities. If we do that we will lose what we have already gained.
3:17
Paul then urges them to follow his example. There were others who did this, and Paul encourages the Philippians to look to them as well. Those who boast proudly rarely have a lifestyle that matches up to their claims. But with those who humbly follow Christ there will be the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. Now see what Paul does. On the one hand he is warning against any who think they have made it, but at the same time he is not reluctant to tell people to follow his example. Paul had made progress, but he did so as one of them. If we think we have made it we are in big trouble, but it is equally in error to be happy with making no progress!
No comments:
Post a Comment