Philippians 3:15-19 Let us, therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
‘Perfect’ [Greek: teleios] mature; complete. Here it is used of full growth, as men, and not children, in Christian knowledge – thoroughly instructed and deeply experienced, as in 2Corinthians 2:6; 14:20; Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:28; James 1:4; 3:2; Hebrews 5:14; 1John 4:18, to be full of Christ who was perfect in all conduct.
‘Followers’ [Greek: summimetes] fellow-imitators.
‘Mark’ [Greek: skopeo] look out for. Be alert for those who cause divisions and have no religious fellowship with them so that the flock may be protected (3:17; Rom. 16:17). Also translated “look at” (2Cor. 4:18); “look on” (2:4); “take heed” (Luke 11:35); and “consider” (Gal. 6:1).
‘Ensample’ [Greek: tupos] example (3:17; 1Cor. 10:6, 11; 1Thess. 1:7; 2Thess. 3:9; 1Tim. 4:12; 1Pet. 5:3); pattern (Tit. 2:7; Heb. 8:5); manner (Acts 23:25); fashion (Acts 7:44); form (Rom. 6:17); figure (Acts 7:43; Rom. 5:14); and print (John 20:25).
‘Enemies of the cross of Christ’ – Anyone adding or taking away from God’s Word to suit their own purpose or to justify certain sin, are seen as false teachers of His Word. Five facts about false teachers: They are enemies of the cross (3:18). Their end is destruction (3:19; 2Cor. 11:14-15; Heb. 6:8; 2Pet. 2:20). Their god is their belly (3:19; Rom. 16:18; Isa. 56:10-12; Ezek. 13:19). Their glory is in their shame (3:19). They mind earthly things (3:19; Rom. 8:5-6; 2Pet. 3:3, 13-20; cp. Matt. 7:15).
Living the Word 