Philippians 3:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.

NIV: All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.

NASB: Therefore, all who are mature, let’s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well;

CSB: Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you.

NLT: Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

In verses 12–14, Paul discussed how his life is a work in progress. Paul is not perfect, and he knows it. Rather than dwell on the past, he is committed to the future. Like a runner focused on the road ahead, Paul serves God intent on his ultimate goal, which is an eternity with Christ. Here, he transitions to the application of those teachings.

This perspective is the result of wisdom, maturity, and experience. Paul expects his readers to join him in pursuing Christ above all else. He believes so strongly that this is the correct approach that he leaves no room for excuses. Though Paul elsewhere speaks of room for disagreement among Christian believers (Romans 14), this is one point on which there is no room for alternate views. If anyone did not agree, Paul's hope was that God would change his or her mind.

These words are important for one primary reason. The goal of becoming more Christ-like does not apply only to Christian leaders. This is not a call only for "super-Christians," it is to be the goal of every believer. The path Paul provided was the expectation for every Christian, in the church at Philippi, as well as our own congregations today. As believers, we are taught to consider everything in life worthless in comparison with knowing Christ and becoming more like Him. There are a variety of gifts and callings, but there is only one attitude to have when it comes to growing spiritually: pursue Christ above all else.

Philippians 3:12—4:1 explains the proper attitude Christians ought to have on the process of ''sanctification.'' This is the gradual, lifelong path of becoming more and more like Jesus. Our place in eternity is secure from the moment we trust in Christ, but it takes time to see our actions and attitudes change to be like His. Paul notes that he is not perfect, but encourages Christians to mimic his singular focus on pursuing Jesus. Paul also weeps for those who reject the gospel, a choice that will result in their destruction.

Paul details his impressive Jewish resume. None of his critics or challengers could boast the pedigree carried by Paul. He mentions this only to emphasize how little such things mean, next to faith in Christ. Paul's language here is sharp and to the point. He then explains how a Christian's focus ought to be purely on Christ, just as a runner concentrates on their goal in order to run effectively. Rather than looking to the past, or to ourselves, we ought to look forward, to an eternity with the Lord.

In chapters 1 and 2, Paul explained how Christians should respond to hardships. Since Christ was willing to obey God, even to the point of death, we should do the same. Complaining and worry have no place in the life of a saved believer. Chapter 3 makes a bold contrast. Paul's credentials, according to Jewish tradition, were impeccable. And yet, for him, none of those accomplishments are worth anything next to fellowship with Christ. For this reason, Christ is to be the sole focus of the believer. This sets up Paul's final greetings and instructions in chapter 4.

Philippians is Paul's discussion of living the Christian life. In this letter to the church of Philippi, Paul highlights themes such as joy and glory. He also puts great emphasis on how a Christian's thinking—their attitude—affects the way they live out their faith. Paul is very thankful for the support of the Philippian church, but is also concerned about the influence of various false teachers. This letter is less theological than most of his other writings, and more practical.