by Dr. Grant C. Richison
“Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained…”
“Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained”
“Nevertheless” has the idea of “just one more thing.” This brings out the main point of the maturity process under discussion. Every true Christian grows to some degree. To the extent to which we grow, we use that […]
“…let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.”
“let us walk by the same rule”
The word “walk” connotes the idea of walking in rows or ranks. The idea is to walk orderly, walk according to a rule or order. This word was used in the military sense of walking in […]
“Brethren, join in following my example…”
Dynamic spiritual growth to some is merely a fanciful ideal. They wonder if real people live vital lives like this. “Are there any real people out there who put flesh and blood on this kind of life?” Paul here gives himself as an example.
Paul never presents himself as some […]
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
In the first phrase Paul gave himself as an example to follow. Here he encourages the Philippians to follow those who follow Paul’s example.
and note those who so walk,
The word "note" is a military word meaning […]
“For many walk of whom I have told you often…”
Verses 18 and 19 discuss the enemies of the cross. The chapter closes like it began, “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation” (3:2). To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
“For many walk of whom I have told you often”
In verse 17 […]
“… and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ,”
“and now tell you even weeping”
Here is a man who could both take a strong stand and still exercise compassionate. That is a difficult balance to maintain. Either we are hard and immovable or weak and flexible. A mature […]
“Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.”
Paul sets forth a striking four-fold description of the “enemies of the cross of Christ.” It is difficult to determine whether these people are renegade believers or hostile unbelievers.
“Whose end is destruction”
The first portrait […]
“…and whose glory is in their shame–who set their mind on earthy things.”
The third and fourth characteristics of the haters of the cross show further belief systems.
“and whose glory is in their shame”
Some people brag about their shame. Their shame is their glory. They obtain popularity by their own disgrace. To glory in shame […]
“For our citizenship is in heaven…”
This verse is a contrast to those whose “end is destruction” (v.19). The Christian has hope. Hope is an encouraging word. Christians have a bright future no matter what misfortune they face in this life. The appropriation of hope brings blessing into the soul. Those who take little consciousness of […]
“…from which we also eagerly wait for the savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”
Anticipation is a component of hope. A student applies to what she believes is an ideal university. Day by day she runs to the mail box to see if she has been accepted in the university of her first choice. That is eager […]
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