Category: Bible

Be Perfect

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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).

Forgetting Those Things

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Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

‘One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth into those things which are before.’ One thing Paul did – there are three parts to this one thing: He forgot the ground he had covered in the race (2Cor. 9:1-15). He knew, as should we, that one cannot waste time over the past (3:13). He reached forth to that which was before him in the race. He explained that he strained every nerve and muscle and use every ounce of his strength to win, thus putting in all effort to complete what he started in obeying God in writing the epistles and serving the congregations by setting Christ forth as the perfect example. He knew, as should we, that his future depended on it: we are running for our lives (3:13). He pressed toward the mark (3:14), that is, he pursued the white line in the stadium upon which all runners must keep their eyes fixed, lest we are disqualified for the prize (3:14; 2Cor.9:1-15). To be able to live godly lives as we are commanded to do (Matt. 5:48; 2Cor. 13:11; Col. 1:28; 4:12; Heb. 13:20-21; Jas. 1:4; 1Pet. 1:16; 5:10), we need to focus on what lies ahead and forget the this of the past that can bring only discouragement through past disappointments, rejections and failures. Failing to do so will lead to not reaching the high calling of God.

‘High calling of God’ – Heavenly calling; God calling us on high.

I Follow After

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Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 

‘Either were already perfect’ – two things Paul had not yet attained: [1] The resurrection or the prize (3:11-12, 14). This is another way of saying he had not finished his course and was not yet glorified (3:20-21). [2] Perfection. [Greek: teleioo] to make a full end; consummate (3:12). Translated perfect (3:12; Luke 13:32; John 17:23; 2Cor. 12:9; Heb. 2:10; 5:9; 7:19; 9:9; 10:1, 14; 11:40; 12:23; Jas. 2:22; 1Jn. 2:5; 4:12, 17-18); fulfill (Luke 2:43; John 19:28); and finish (John 4:34; 5:36; 17:4; Acts 20:24). This kind of perfection refers to the complete and glorified state. It does not imply that he was lacking in spiritual experience or that he was deficient in grace or that the body of sin was still cleaving to him or that he was yet struggling with an “old man” in him or that he was not yet sanctified.

‘Follow after’ [Greek: dioko] to pursue. Same as persecuting in Philippians 3:6 and press in verse 14. Translated elsewhere “persecute” 30 times (Matt. 5:10-12, 44; 10:23; etc.); “follow after” (3:12; Rom. 9:30-31; 14:19; 1Cor. 14:1; 1Tim. 6:11); “ensue” (1Pet. 3:11); “follow” (Luke 17:23; 1Thess. 5:15; 2Tim. 2:22; Heb. 12:14); and “given to” (Rom. 12:13). The idea here is, I follow after and press toward the prize that others have already gained (3:12-14).

‘Apprehend’ [Greek: katalambano] to seize upon; lay hold of; take possession of; bring to an end. Translated “apprehend” (3:12-13); overtake (1Thess. 5:4); “take” (Mark 9:18; John 8:3); “attain to” (Rom. 9:30); “obtain” (1Cor. 9:24); “come upon” (John 12:35); “comprehend” (John 1:5; Eph. 3:18); “perceive” (Acts 4:1-37; 10:34); and “find” (Acts 25:25). He had not yet laid hold upon the prize of resurrection, perfection, and glorification (3:12-14, 20-21). These will be accomplished at the time of the rapture of the saints 1Thess. 4:13-18; 1Jn. 3:2).

The Power of His Resurrection

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Philippians 3:10-11 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 

‘That I may know him’ – this is life eternal (John 17:3).

‘Power of his resurrection.’ He longed for the resurrection of the body (3:11, 21; 1Cor. 15:1-58; 2Cor. 5:1-21).

‘The fellowship of his sufferings’ – Not fellowship with Him in His vicarious sufferings, but in the offence of the cross and martyrdom for truth (2Cor. 1:5-7; Col. 1:24; 1Pet. 4:13).

‘Conformable’ [Greek: summorphoo] to be formed or fashioned like. Paul wanted to know Christ and the power which was in His resurrection, and to share in His sufferings, even to die as He died.

‘Resurrection of the dead’ – This is the 3rd New Testament prophecy in Philippians (3:11) and is unfulfilled until the coming resurrections.

‘Of the dead’ [Greek: ek and nekron] out from among the dead. This means that some of the dead will be resurrected from among the rest of the dead. It refers to the resurrection of the righteous from among the wicked dead (3:21; Luke 20:35; 21:36; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-54; 1Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 20:4-6).

Be Found in Him

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Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith

‘In him’ The so-called doctrine of interpenetration, that is, persons entering physical into each other, is false. The Bible does speak of the Corinthians and Philippians being in Paul’s heart (1:7; 2Cor. 7:3;); God being in Christ (2Cor. 5:19); Christ being in God (John 14:20); God and Christ being in each other (John 14:10-11); men being in both the Father and the Son (1Jn_2:24); men being in Christ (2Co_5:17); men and the Spirit being in each other (Rom. 8:9); Christ being in men (Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10); man and Christ being in each other (John 14:20); all creation being in God (Acts17:28) and satan entering into men (Luke 22:3; John 13:27). However, these passages refer to being in union with, being consecrated to the same end – one in mind, purpose, and life. They do not teach the physical entrance of one being into another. It may be best understood by a man and woman becoming one in life together, being in each other’s plans, life, etc. Therefore, because we do not know any man after the flesh, not even Christ, it is vain for any man to profess a relationship with Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in heart and life and dead in trespasses and sins.

‘Not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law.’ Man’s righteousness is not enough (Isa. 64:6; Luke 18:9-14; Rom. 10:1-13).

‘That which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.’ God’s righteousness comes through Christ (1Cor. 1:30) and by faith (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 3:22-26; 4:1-25; 9:30-31; 10:1-13).

The Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus

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Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ

‘Count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.’ I not only count all things a total loss to win Christ, but I depend upon Him to save my soul.

Twelve great practices of Paul as an example to other Christians: To worship God in Spirit (3:3; John 4:24). To rejoice in Christ alone (3:1, 3; 4:4). To have no confidence in the flesh (3:3-8). To count all things loss (3:7-8). To count all things but dung (3:8). To have no self-righteousness (3:9). I follow after knowledge (3:8, 12). I forget the past (3:13). I reach out for future things. I press toward the prize (3:14). I strive to be an example (3:15-19). I look for the Saviour (3:20).

‘That I may win Christ’ – Twelve great desires of Paul that should be shared by all Christians: That he may win Christ (3:8). That he may be found in Him (3:9). That he may have His righteousness. That he may know Him (3:10). That he may know His power. That he may fellowship of His sufferings. That he may be conformed to His death. That he may be in the first resurrection (3:11-12). That he may be perfect (3:12-13). That he may win the prize (3:14). That he may be one with all other believers (3:15-19). That he may be changed in the body (3:21).

Counted Loss for Christ

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Philippians 3:4-7 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church [congregations]; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 

‘Circumcised the eighth day’ – Part of the Abrahamic covenant all Hebrew males were to be circumcised at the age of eight days (Gen. 17:12; Lev. 12:3).

‘Stock of Israel’ We can read the history of Israel’s stock in Genesis 29:21-30 and 35:16-29.

‘Pharisee’ – a sect of self-righteous and zealous Jews who held to the letter of their interpretations of the law and their traditions, regardless of whether they nullified the Word of God or not. They were Christ’s bitterest enemies (3:4-6; Mat. 15:2; 23:1-33; Mark 7:8-13; Luke 11:42; Gal. 1:14).

‘Zeal’ – Paul zealously persecuted the congregations and Christians (Acts 7:58; 8:1-3; 9:1-2; Gal. 1:13).

‘Blameless’ – As to meeting every requirement of Judaism, being of pure stock, and of fanatical zeal he had no superior (3:4-6; Gal. 1:13-14; 2Cor. 11:22).

‘But what things were gain to me, I counted loss for Christ.’ All these advantages (of Philippians 3:4-6), the honour and respect which I held among the Jews, as well as my future with them, I counted loss for Christ.

‘Loss’ [Greek: zemia] loss as applied to trade, especially the voluntary loss incurred by casting wares overboard to lighten a sinking ship (3:8; Acts 27:10, 21).

Beware of…

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Philippians 3:1-3 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 

‘Rejoice in the Lord’ – Let your happiness be in the Lord (4:4; 1Thess. 5:16; 1Pet. 1:8) for the joy of the LORD is our strength (Neh. 8:10). When we live in thanksgiving and joy because of who the Lord is and what He has done for us, all complaining will cease. Through complaining we lose what we received, the enemy knows this and focus all his attacks on stealing our joy. We have a choice between allowing this or resisting him (Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:7-8; 1Jn. 5:18).

‘To write the same things to you.’ – he wrote the same doctrines that he had preached and written to others.

‘Dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.’ Jews are called three things here: Dogs – the very things they called others (Mat. 15:26-27); evil workers, Judaizing teachers; the concision, mutilators [Greek: katatome], but the verb katatemno occurs in the Septuagint of heathen mutilations (Lev. 21:5; 1Kin. 18:28). Paul regards circumcision as no better than heathen practices. False teachers lie in wait to catch ignorant souls by their fallacies there are ten marks of false teachers: They cause divisions among Christians. They cause offences against truth (Rom. 16:18). They do not serve God (Rom. 16:17-18). They serve their own bellies (3:19; Rom. 16:18;). They use slick tongues to deceive (Rom. 16:18). They are enemies of the cross (3:18). They walk contrary to the gospel (3:17). They glory in their shame (3:19). They mind earthly things (3:19). They bring in heresies (2Pet. 2:1).

The founders of false religions and human philosophies pamper the flesh and give their victims elated feelings of importance to make an appeal to them for their own benefit and popularity, making followers for themselves instead of for Christ.

‘For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.’ Four points about Christians here: The true circumcision – that of the heart (Rom. 2:29). Worshipers in spirit (John 4:24). Rejoice in Christ (3:1; 4:4; 1Pet. 1:1-25). Have no confidence in the flesh (3:3-4; 2Cor. 5:16).

God Had Mercy on Him

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Philippians 2:26-30 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that you had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. 

‘Full of heaviness’ [Greek: ademoneo] heavily burdened.

‘Sick’ – he had been sick. This proves that at the time of the writing of this epistle he was well again. For the work of the Lord, he had been “nigh unto death” (2:30). How could the work of God make him sick if not by overwork and improper rest? In such a case, it would be a physical breakdown rather than some disease. The Greek verb for “he had been sick” is astheneo, to be weak or frail in any sense. It is used 15 times of: Weak faith (Rom. 4:19; 14:1, 2, 21; 1Cor. 8:9-12); weak law (Rom. 8:3); weak (poor) people (Acts 20:35) and weak in boldness and power (2Cor. 11:21, 29; 12:10; 13:3, 4, 9).

It is used 17 times for physical sickness and 3 times for physical breakdowns because of overwork (2:26-27; 2Tim. 4:20). Thus, to conclude that the cases of Epaphroditus (here) and Trophimus (2Tim. 4:20) prove that Paul and the apostles had lost their power to heal, or that it was only occasionally that they had such power is concluding too much. Paul did have the power to do special miracles (Acts 19:11-12). He had the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ (Rom. 15:18-19, 29). He even had the power to impart gifts to others (Acts 19:1-7; Rom. 1:11; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). Gifts are not given so that bodies may be abused by overwork to bypass consequences. They are not to enable man to work beyond what is sensible and best for the body.

‘But God had mercy on him.’ This proves that God did miraculously restore the man and save him from death. Prayer will do wonders even in a physical breakdown, but it will never sustain a body that is not properly taken care of by rest and nourishment.

‘Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.’ This was the cause of his physical trouble – overwork. In such a case like this, and no doubt that of Trophimus, it was best to let them recuperate before going back into the work.

Be of Good Comfort

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Philippians 2:19-25 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But you know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he has served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 

‘Timotheus’ – this is Timothy who was converted by Paul on his first trip (Acts 14:6-7 with 1Tim. 1:2). Part Jew and Greek, uncircumcised, but a good Christian (Acts 16:1-3). A miracle worker like Paul (1Cor. 16:10). Paul’s companion from here on (2:19; Acts 16:1-3; 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; 1Cor. 4:17). On a mission (Heb. 13:23). It is believed by some that he was Paul’s scribe in writing Hebrews and Galatians. He had the gifts of the Spirit (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). He was a great student of Scripture (2Tim. 1:5; 2:15; 3:15).

‘Know the proof of him’ – This known proof of Timothy is stated in Acts 16:1-3; 17:14.

‘With the father’ – Timothy worked with Paul, not for him (1Cor. 16:10).

‘How it will go with me’ – He was confident of being liberated (2:24; 1:19, 25-26).

‘My brother, and companion in labour, fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.’ Seven facts regarding Epaphroditus: A brother in Christ (2:25); a companion in labour [Greek: sunergos] fellow-labourer in (4:3); fellow-soldier [Greek: sustratiotes]; your messenger [Greek: apostolos] apostle; Minister [Greek: leitourgos] public servant; had a physical breakdown because of overwork (2:26-30); was healed (2:27-29).