Christian Maturity

Phil. 3:1-21

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).

Paul begins this chapter by mentioning two classes of persons. First, there are the unrighteous ones who persecute Christians. These he calls “dogs,” “evil workers,” and “false circumcision” (these pretenders claim to have earned righteousness by obeying the Law). Secondly, there are the righteous ones who are being persecuted, whom Paul calls “perfect” because they are growing in faith as the Lord expects them to do. Regarding the latter, Paul continues, “We are the true circumcision (heart circumcised Rom. 2:29), who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.” Then, in order to be an effective teacher, Paul gives his Jewish credentials and immediately denounces them as an example for other believes. “I count all things to be loss,” he says, “in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteous of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Paul knows that he is on the right road and that he has not yet reached his destination. He also has some sage advice for those of us who are trying to become mature Christians.

1. Live what you know and God will show you more. “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; however, let us keep living by the same standard to which we have attained” (vs. 15, 16).

2. Follow mature examples. “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us” (v. 17).

3. Be aware of the enemies of Christ and don’t let them influence you. “For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things” (v. 1, 19).

4. Remember that you are a citizen of heaven and Christ will come for you. “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 20).

5. Think often about what Christ will do for you when He comes. “(He) will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself” (v.21). “Behold, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is” (I John 3:2). “Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).

6. Rejoice in the Lord always. “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord (v. 1).

7. What Paul has written is a“safeguard” for us (v. 1).

Many Christians lament the fact that they are immature. Some try too hard to grow while others don’t try at all. Christian maturity doesn’t come by following rules any more than righteousness comes by obeying the Law. Study these statements and “think on these things;” see if they won’t help you to “press on toward the goal” and make this way of living your life style. This is the meaning of Christian maturity.