The apostle Paul had previously explained to the Philippians how... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Let us, as many as are mature (or: perfect, J.N.D.), have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
Philippians 3: 15.

The apostle Paul had previously explained to the Philippians how uncompromisingly he ran the race of faith, which has only one objective: "the prize of the upward call of God" in glory (v. 14).

All his human advantages, all that distinguished the one time Pharisee Saul, he now considered "loss" and "rubbish". It all belonged to the past. Nothing was to hinder him from "reaching forward to those things which are ahead"(v. 13).

What an example for us! We like to forget our former sins. But we are less likely to count our former merits, whether real or imagined, as an obstacle to "the knowledge of Christ Jesus" (v. 8).

In view of the apostle's uncompromising attitude the thought may arise that no-one can keep pace with him. Paul therefore has an encouraging word for all who have not progressed so far. Whoever can bring oneself to do so should imitate him. But God would assist whoever thought otherwise. Of that he confidently felt sure.

Still today there are degrees of spiritual growth, which lead to differing opinions. So long as false doctrine is not involved, the godly instruction of v. 16 applies: "To the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule."

Having a common goal before us (which the apostle also presumes for those who "think otherwise") we should follow this instruction.

Today‘s reading: 1 Kings 11: 1 - 13 · John 8: 31 - 47