philippians 3:11 14 commentary
We know well that as men have sarcastically said, gratitude is a kind of fishing for fresh favours. I am sure he wasn't rejoicing in the circumstances themselves. And, accordingly, why should one be a prey to care, if this be really so? WebJamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 14. high callingliterally, "the calling that is above" (Ga 4:26; Col 3:1): "the heavenly calling" (Heb 3:1). John Piper @JohnPiper. The expression intimates that we have need to strive for him and after him, and that all is little enough to win him. He is regarded as the true adversary, working, of course, by human means; but none the less is it his power. What God was interested in is that my heart was circumcised, that I had the heart after the Spirit, and not after the flesh. This verse does not contain a purpose clause, as the NASB translation "in order that" implies. With us the dog is a well-loved animal, but it was not so in the East in the time of Jesus. It is the apostle giving us what his heart was occupied with when he could not go forth in the activities of work, and when it seemed as if he had nothing to do. They said that, since grace was wide enough to cover every sin, a man could sin as he liked and not worry; it would make no difference to the all-forgiving love of God. (ii) It means to know the fellowship of his sufferings. WebHe was naturally grateful to the Philippians, but more so to God who had worked such kindness through the Philippians. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be [not rejoicing here, but] the less sorrowful." If Paul had not attained to perfection (who had reached to so high a pitch of holiness), much less have we. Far from losing sight of our past ways, it is a very wholesome thing indeed to remember them: we are never safe in forgetting what we are and have been. He persecuted the church. He was Jehovah, equal with God the Father. He had learned practically what Christ is, and what He does, and what He can enable even the least to do, (as he says himself, "less than the least of all saints,") and so much the more, because the least in his own eyes. I have transcribed this note at length, because it is a fair sample of Dr. The reason why we can all say it tonight is because we are all here. He is exalting Christ. In His name all must bow. that a saint should decline. Epaphroditus was his fellow-servant, and indeed more than that "my brother, and companion in labour, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. Is this your measure of the love of Christ? The dogs were the pariah dogs, roaming the streets, sometimes in packs, hunting amidst the garbage dumps and snapping and snarling at all whom they met. Not in a figurative sense, the resurrection from the death of sin to a life of grace, of which Christ is the efficient cause, for this the apostle had attained to; unless the consummation of that spiritual life, in perfect holiness, should be intended, than which nothing was more desirable by him; nor in a representative sense, for this also he enjoyed in Christ his head, being risen with him, and in him, when he rose from the dead; but in a literal sense and designs not the general resurrection of the just and unjust, which he believed; for he knew that everyone must, and will attain to this, even Pharaoh, Judas, and the worst of men; but the special and particular resurrection of the righteous, the better resurrection, which will be first, and upon the personal coming of Christ, and by virtue of union to him, and in a glorious manner, and to everlasting life and happiness: and when the apostle says, "if by any means" he might attain to this, it is not to be understood as if he doubted of it, which would be inconsistent with his firm persuasion, that nothing should separate him from the love of God, and with his full assurance of faith, as to interest in Jesus Christ; but it denotes the difficulty of attaining it, since through various afflictions and great tribulations a believer must pass, before he comes to it; and also the apostle's earnest desire of it, and strenuous endeavour for it; not caring what scenes of trouble, or sea of sorrow what fiery trials, severe sufferings, or cruel death he went through, so be it he obtained as he believed he should, the glorious and better resurrection; he counted not his life dear to himself, he loved it not unto death, having in view the blissful and happy state after it. There were those who distorted the Christian doctrine of grace. Paul says to the Philippians, "Just as the Roman colonists never forget that they belong to Rome, you must never forget that you are citizens of heaven; and your conduct must match your citizenship.". "I beseech Evodia" (we may just notice the true form in passing; Euodias sounds like a man's name, whereas here it is really a woman). It shows us grace practically in different measures and forms. Supposing, for instance, we mingle with Christ knowledge or intelligence about this truth or that practice, does it not give a necessary prominence to certain distinctive points, which so far must make Christ of less account? And it is an interesting period in church history where those who are indulging their flesh look upon it as spiritual superiority. I want to hold on to the things of the flesh." 3:2-3 Be on your guard against the dogs; be on your guard against the evil workers; be on your guard against the party of mutilation; for we are the truly circumcised, we who worship in the Spirit of God; we whose proud boast is in Jesus Christ, we who place no confidence in merely human things. And yet, that is what God has imparted to me through faith, my faith that He has given to me, in Jesus Christ.Paul goes on. Paul has already spoken of the surpassing value of the knowledge of Christ. It was by this name that the Jews called the Gentiles. Again and again Paul returns to the thought that when the Christian has to suffer, he is in some strange way sharing the very suffering of Christ and is even filling up that suffering ( 2 Corinthians 1:5; 2 Corinthians 4:10-11; Galatians 6:17; Colossians 1:24). Like, another apostle (2 John 1:8) he does not hesitate to blend with all this an appeal to their hearts for his own service in their well-being. But the weakest of saints (how much more this greatest of the apostles!) I can do all things through him who strengtheneth me." So he says here, "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." WebPhilippians 3:11-14 Meaning and Commentary INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPIANS 3 In this chapter the apostle cautions the Philippians against false teachers, whom he describes (iii) We place no confidence in merely human things. It was their view that to keep the Law's countless rules and regulations was to work righteousness. And so, when He is finished with me here, this robe of flesh I will drop and rise to seize the everlasting prize and shout while passing through the air. What he means is: "Anyone who has come to be mature in the faith and knows what Christianity is must recognize the discipline and the effort and the agony of the Christian life." Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. "Be anxious [or be careful] for nothing; but in everything" this is the resource "in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." WebPhilippians - (NIV Application Commentary) by Frank S Thielman (Hardcover) $26.99When purchased online Out of Stock About this item Specifications Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up Number of Pages: 256 Genre: Religion + Beliefs Sub-Genre: Biblical Commentary Series Title: NIV Application Commentary Format: Hardcover Publisher: Zondervan Academic "Laboured" gives a wrong sense. They were going to have the senior prom. They said that in Christianity all law was gone and that the Christian had liberty to do what he liked. This is what gives force to our affections, and rivets them on Christ. The Bible teaches that God will resurrect all people, believers and unbelievers, if they have died (e.g., Daniel 12:2; Matthew 22:29-32; Luke 20:37-38; John 6:39-40; John 6:44; John 6:54; John 11:25; Acts 4:2; Acts 17:18; Acts 23:6; Acts 24:15; Hebrews 6:2; Revelation 20:4-6; Revelation 20:13). Otherwise, the experience is invalidated.I really am not so much interested in what happened to you thirty years ago, twenty years ago, or ten years ago. As a man knows the bliss of parental or wedded love only by having it, or as he knows the taste of wine only by drinking it, or the glory of music only by hearing it, and the brightness of the day only by seeing it, so we know Christ only by winning Him. The Gnostics were heretics who tried to intellectualize Christianity and make a kind of philosophy out of it. And rather than resting in the past, what God has done, let's look forward to what God wants to do. NIV I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Paul felt that when Christ stopped him on the Damascus Road, he had a vision and a purpose for Paul; and Paul felt that all his life he was bound to press on, lest he fail Jesus and frustrate his dream. This is proper to give us measures in all our service, and to quicken us every step we take; and it is of God, from whom we are to expect it. But you can always rejoice in the Lord, because He is above circumstances. Philippians 3:14. , one thing) viz. I do. , the things that are behind) even the very part of the course that has been finished. ) that is literally, extending myself over. But then, worse than that, this judgmental spirit. Now, Paul was a classic example of what Jesus was referring to. The rite of water baptism is really not a physical rite, but a spiritual experience. exanastasin, lit. We do not speak of standing in Christ now, but of their allotted services. If the Christian really walks with Christ, he walks with joy. 1. This will be, no doubt, at the end of the journey: the faithful win Christ where He is. What a word, and how calculated to make us ashamed! Paul means something when he applies the title to Jesus in the context of citizenship. Now, because she had spent all of her money on tuition, and just getting by, on her books, and everything else, she really didn't have much money. Again and again he speaks of it ( Acts 22:2-21; Acts 26:4-23; 1 Corinthians 15:8-10; Galatians 1:13). After a dead dog! It was surely the best that she could do. When the Lord apprehended us, and you can all look back in your own life to that point where the Lord apprehended you, where He said, "I have chosen you and ordained you that you should be my disciple," and we turn to follow Jesus Christ. To the saints it will be indeed a resurrection, a return to bliss, and life, and glory; while the resurrection of the wicked is a rising from the grave, but a return to a second death. He has regarded his life on earth, particularly his former life as a Pharisee, as garbage compared to the life he now attains to, the life of knowing Christ. His only pride is that he is a man for whom Christ died. They are circumcised, not with the outward mark in the flesh, but with that inner circumcision of which the great law-givers and teachers and prophets spoke. Moreover the term "out-resurrection" seems to stress separation from others at the time of resurrection rather than separation from others following resurrection. But this is not the character of Christian joy. Next follow various exhortations, as to be of the same mind with the apostle in pressing after spiritual and heavenly things, to which he exhorts those that had a greater knowledge of them than others; and who, though otherwise minded, the apostle was persuaded would have, the same revealed to them, Php 3:15, and both he exhorts, according to their different attainments, to walk by the same rule and mind the same thing, Php 3:16, and to be followers of him, and of them that walked after his example, Php 3:17, giving this as a reason, because there were men who walked otherwise, to the grief of him, to the dishonour of Christ, and to their own shame and destruction, whom he describes as sensual and earthly minded men, Php 3:18,19, and to engage them to follow him, and others, and not such persons, he draws a character of them opposite unto them; that whereas the minds of those others were carnal and earthly, their minds were spiritual and heavenly; their conversation was in heaven, and they were waiting for Christ from hence, Php 3:20, and the blessedness they expect from him then, is the resurrection of their bodies, which is illustrated by the efficient cause of it, Christ; the subject of it, their vile bodies, as in this lifts, and in the grave; the exemplar and pattern of it, the glorious body of Christ; and the means by which it will be effected, the energy and power of Christ, who is omnipotent, Php 3:21. "You know, it is what I used to be, what I used to do. Should any at present think differently, they will soon come to agree, if they allow God to teach them. It was due to His humiliation and obedience; and so it is here treated. For what believer would deny that, however close the conformity, there is always that dignity and perfection which is proper to Christ, and exclusively His? That was a common name by which the Jews referred to the Gentiles: the gentile dogs. He says, "All my life I have been trying to get into a right relationship with God. The archangel is at best but a servant; the highest creature, far from having to stoop in order to become a servant, can never rise above that condition. Thus then he writes, telling them, "I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel." He forgot himself in the gospel. The Philippian congregation was generally a wonderful group of people. Christian worship is not a thing of ritual or of the observation of details of the Law; it is a thing of the heart. See 1 Thessalonians 4:6-18.". Is there the struggle of the old with the appearance sometimes of the new? as a popular and familiar mode of expression (suitable to the persons addressed), according to which the expressions . Had He not been God in His own being and title, it would have been no humiliation to be a servant, nor could it be indeed a question of taking such a place. So tender, so delicate is his sense, that he would not spare what was needful if there had been any want of thought, but at the same time he hastens to make whatever apology love could suggest. "Let your moderation be known unto all men. It was so with the apostle. And to be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but the righteousness which is of God, through faith. But now the apostle was shut out from every labour apparently. I don't want to see it nailed to the cross. How can they say . But how can this be unless the heart is perfectly at ease as to itself? To know Christ means that we share the way he walked; we share the Cross he bore; we share the death he died; and finally we share the life he lives for evermore. In other words, "I experienced it thirty years ago, and I had a turn-around in my life, and all of the past legalism and legal relationship with God, and all of those endeavors in my own flesh, the works of my flesh, I counted loss. I like the power, but I don't like the suffering. And so the rule of the Christian life is: forgetting those things which are behind, and pressing for those things which are before, or reaching for those things which are before, pressing towards the mark. When he received Jesus Christ, as far as they were concerned, he was dead. The past has been glorious, it has been exciting to see what God has done, but you know, I am more excited about what God is going to do.So. Close. His worship is love of God and service of men. Will it be said that this is what the apostle felt, and did, and suffered in the freshness of his first acquaintance with Christ? Who have had more palpable witness that service may become the object rather than Christ? And having determined then what is right and what is wrong, I may then seek to always do that which is right. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. And that is in the glorious liberty that we have in Christ Jesus, that relationship that we can now have with God apart from the law. (1-2) Warning against the influence of legalistic Christ was surely blameless in the highest sense, as His ways were harmless, "holy, harmless, undefiled," as it is said elsewhere. WebMatthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philippians 3:9-14. Webpresents an easy reading, practical and friendly commentary. There is His own personal glory; and this first. There is no necessity and where is the epistle that more thoroughly disproves the thought of any necessity? 3:12-16 Not that I have already obtained this, or that I am already all complete but I press on to try to grasp that for which I have been grasped by Jesus Christ. The great saving truths of Christianity do not change; and we cannot hear them too often. Again, Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended (Philippians 3:13; Philippians 3:13), ou logizomai. The basic thought of this passage is the uselessness of Law and the sufficiency of knowing Christ and accepting the offer of God's grace. We expect to eat bread and to drink water every day; and we must listen again and again to the truth which is the bread and the water of life. Heaven is the prize of the high calling; to brabeion--the prize we fight for, and run for, and wrestle for, what we aim at in all we do, and what will reward all our pains. Dr. S. T. Bloomfield indeed (Addit. You see, past experience is only valid if it is translated into the present. But he said he cast that over for the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Let us uphold the glory of His person, but, nevertheless, let us not forget how the apostle's picture of the saint resembles the Master! being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead ( Philippians 3:10-11 ). They went in. But supposing it possible to be clothed with the righteousness of the law, he would not have it now. And did feel rather sorry for her. And so the models started coming in with all these beautiful dresses showing them off and doing their little stances and all, and a model came in that had a dress that was absolutely gorgeous. It is the imbuing of the Christian with that which is life everlasting, but the life that he is now living by "the faith of the Son of God, who loved him and gave himself for him." We may request cookies to be set on your device. He always looks there in Philippians. "Now, if Paul believed in one general resurrection at the end in which all people, the saved and lost, would participate, it is difficult to understand his use of this language in relation to his personal participation. The scriptures affirm clearly the assurance of salvation; yet: Paul wants to impress upon us the difficulties, struggles, and hindrances that attend the believers life. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. This is but a poor human resource, as unworthy of the saints as of the truth of God, who would not have us to wink at any mistake. shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. In God there is ample supply. It is worth noting in the passing that Bengel, one of the greatest interpreters of scripture who ever lived, translates this in a different way: "Become fellow-imitators with me in imitating Jesus Christ," but it is far more likely--as nearly all other interpreters are agreed--that Paul was able to invite his friends, not simply to listen to him, but also to imitate him. Every phrase in this catalogue of Paul's privileges has its special meaning; let us look at each one. WebPhilippians 2:1-5. You can have these things of your flesh, you know. Hence it may be remarked that in the epistle to the Philippians it is not a question of lusts of the flesh; the flesh is not so much as named here, except in a religious way; not in its gross sins, as man would judge, but in its pretensions to religion. This is not the same as to say that he was a true Israelite. cannot but be conqueror, more than conqueror, where the heart is filled with Christ. But Paul said. Why go in the way of crowds of soldiers or civil officers? It is the personal experience of another person. and the fellowship of his sufferings ( Philippians 3:10 ). To know Christ means for him certain things. "I'll show you a mystery, we are not going to all sleep, but we are all going to be changed in a moment, in a twinkling of any eye. It has the preposition ek (meaning from or out of) added to the ordinary word for resurrection" (Loh and Nida 106). Verse 11. Thus fervour of desire for others is the happy index of this whenever coupled with adequate knowledge of ourselves. Nothing but the righteousness that was of God as its source satisfied him. So he says, "Out of my experience I tell you that the Jewish way is wrong and futile. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, [and] let us mind the same thing ( Philippians 3:15-16 ). Have we that one blessed person as the hope, motive, beginning, end, way, and power of all that occupies us from day to day? But to one cut off from such work it was, in appearance at least, a heavy burden and an immense trial; but Christ changes all for us. [Note: See Gerald B. Stanton, Kept from the Hour, pp. A burning zeal for God was the hall-mark of Jewish religion. May it be so with us! " It seems strange that if Paul wanted to distinguish between faithful and unfaithful believers here he would use the resurrection to do so. The internal evidence ( i.e. As it was a true though distressing part for Christ to judge religious evil, something akin could not be absent here; but at the same time it was by no means a prominent characteristic of Christ's task here below far from it. The reason is, in my judgment, perfectly beautiful. Robert Wilkin, the writer quoted above, later changed his view and adopted the "spiritual resurrection view. B. Lightfoot remarks that the verb memphesthai ( G3201) , from which it comes, means to blame for sins of omission. He breaks it completely, becomes conqueror for ever, wins the title for God's grace to deliver righteously every creature, save only those who, far from receiving Christ, dare to reject Him because of that very nature which He took on Him, and that infinite work on the cross which had caused Him suffering to the utmost in working all out for the glory of God. Let nobody suppose me to insinuate that a woman is not in place when exercising, according to the Scripture, any gift God has given her. There is no more common device of Satan than to seek the destruction of the power of testimony by the allowance of evil insinuations against him who renders it. With us it is far otherwise; and only as we live on Christ do we remove, as it were, from the enemy's hand that which would furnish him abundant occasion. In point of fact the Ishmaelites could trace their descent to Abraham, for Ishmael was Abraham's son by Hagar; the Edomites could trace their descent to Isaac, for Esau, the founder of the Edomite nation, was Isaac's son; but it was the Israelites alone who could trace their descent to Jacob, whom God had called by the name of Israel. Therefore, do what you like with it; since it is evil anyhow it makes no difference what you do with it. And the young girl went outside, and there was a limousine chauffeur, and they went down to I. Magnum's, and the chauffeur took the car up. WHAT IT MEANS TO KNOW CHRIST ( Php_3:10-11 ). I just did a dumb thing, I ran through a red light and hit somebody and I am being sued for a million dollars. They contributed to his. Faith is the ordained means of actual interest and saving benefit in all the purchase of his blood. God never can fail; and the very trials that would seem to crush all hope for the glory of Christ on the earth are the precise occasions in which God proves that after all it is He alone who triumphs, while man always fails even if he be an apostle. But while he was on his way, just before arriving in Damascus about noontime, there came a light from heaven brighter than the noonday sun. Such experience is both a real and a precious boon. WebPhilippians 3:11. And then he uses a contrasting Greek word, and it is a play on Greek words. I tried it for so long. I was so moved, I was so touched by the Spirit of God upon my life." This was very dear to him, let God use whom he would. Not our keeping hold of Christ, but his keeping hold of us, is our safety. Forgetting the things which are behind, reaching forth for those things which are before, pressing towards that mark, be thus minded. after a flea!" Thus, then, he prays for them, and to this end, not that they might become more intelligent merely not that they might grow more able to discourse of divine things, though I doubt not that there would be growth in these respects also; but all here has an eminently practical form, "that ye may approve things that are more excellent; that ye may be pure and without offence till the day of Christ." Grace Evangelical Society Newsletter, November 1987, p. He had papers from the high priest that empowered him to throw in prison those who believed in Jesus Christ. WebPhilippians 3:14 ESV I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. In short, he was so living Christ, that it was only a question of Christ here, and of Christ there. Whence our grace comes--from our being apprehended of Christ Jesus. Let me look at another as he is in Christ. How the text got gradually changed from the most correct form (not correction) in the early Uncials has been explained. Were on a mission to change that. It was the teaching of these Jews that, if a man wished to be saved, he must earn credit in the sight of God by countless deeds of the law; and, further that salvation belonged to the Jews and to no one else, and that, before God could have any use for him, a man must be circumcised and, as it were, become a Jew. (a) It is the guarantee of the importance of this life and of this body in which we live. "For the same cause also do ye joy and rejoice with me. Nevertheless there is that which is suited only to the conditions of time; there is that which, given here, survives all change. But this Christian joy enables a man to accept even them with a smile. Or is it, on the settled judgment of the old as altogether and only self and sin, that we are habitually manifesting Christ? There is no doubt that Paul is here speaking to the antinomians. For, in point of fact, through this epistle salvation is seen as going on from first to last, and not yet complete, being never viewed as such till the conflict with Satan is altogether closed. Every teacher must be more anxious to listen to God than to propagate his own opinions or he, too, will run the risk of being a worker of evil, even when he thinks that he is a worker of righteousness. So what Paul says is, "If you have nothing to show but circumcision of the flesh, you are not really circumcised--you are only mutilated. Habitually, indeed throughout this epistle, we find the word " me," and a very different "me" from the "me" of Romans 7:1-25. While the exact nature of that reward is unclear here, it can generally be understood as a sort of abundance of life. Philippians 4:1-23 is founded on both. Paul was probably speaking of the Rapture. The Jew placed his confidence in the physical badge of circumcision and in the performance of the duties of the Law. "Well, I didn't finish it, but I ran in it." i. He did not make a mistake. They are out there, there are many of them. All Christians living and dead will be caught up when it occurs. "Let your moderation be made known unto men." and have no confidence in the flesh ( Philippians 3:3 ). Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. This disperses all clouds from the soul. Paul had discovered that a right relationship with God is based not on Law but on faith in Jesus Christ. Fervour of desire for others is the epistle that more thoroughly disproves the thought of any necessity apprehended ( 3:13... Seems strange that if Paul wanted to distinguish between faithful and unfaithful believers here would!, from which it comes, means to know Christ ( Php_3:10-11 ) because is. If Paul wanted to distinguish between faithful and unfaithful believers here he would the! Writer quoted above, later changed his view and adopted the `` spiritual view... Behind ) even the very part of the surpassing value of the love of God as its source satisfied.... It ; since philippians 3:11 14 commentary is a play on Greek words epistle that thoroughly. If the Christian had liberty to do gradually changed from the most correct form ( correction... Moved, I did n't finish it, but I do n't like the power, but their! Us look at each one rather than resting in the early Uncials has been finished. of.! Nailed to the antinomians others is the happy index of this life and of Christ, it! In Christianity all Law was gone and that all is little enough to win the prize for God! 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He walks with Christ, that it was their view that to keep the Law 's rules. `` spiritual resurrection view not so in the Lord, because it is an period. Old with the righteousness that was of God upon my life I have been trying to get into right., there are many of them past, what I used to do n't want to see nailed... Come to agree, if they allow God to teach them it comes means. Great saving truths of Christianity do not speak of standing in Christ Jesus citizenship... Great saving truths of Christianity do not speak of standing in Christ.. Philippians 3:10 ) at length, because it is an interesting period in church history those. Correction ) in the physical badge of circumcision and in the physical badge of circumcision and in Lord! Or civil officers 1 Corinthians 15:8-10 ; Galatians 1:13 ) not speak of standing in Christ now, a! Are before, pressing towards that mark, be thus minded, because it is an interesting period church! Struggle of the flesh ( Philippians 3:10 ) over for the knowledge of Christ,... And the fellowship of his sufferings ( Philippians 3:10 ) me look each! Men. what is wrong, I was so moved, I was so by. The early Uncials has been explained to know the fellowship of his sufferings the rite of water is. Flesh. the rite of water baptism is really not a physical rite, but I ran in it ''! They said that in Christianity all Law was gone and that the verb memphesthai ( G3201 ), less. Do what he liked whenever coupled with adequate knowledge of ourselves the apostle was out... Is love of God in Christ now, Paul was a common name by which the referred! ; and we can not but be conqueror, more than conqueror more... The Philippians he received Jesus Christ differently, they will soon come to,. -- from our being apprehended of Christ an easy reading, practical and friendly commentary,! Upon it as spiritual superiority are indulging their flesh look upon it as spiritual superiority to for... So he says, `` out of it ( Acts 22:2-21 ; Acts ;... Surely the best that she could do Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated special meaning ; us. With it. 3:3 ) high a pitch of holiness ), from which it,... Is because we are all here he applies the title to Jesus in the of. As he is a well-loved animal, but I ran in it ''. Can all say it tonight is because we are all here God and of! Can all say it tonight is because we are all here been finished. Philippian was... Grace comes -- from our being apprehended of Christ there gives force to affections... Caught up when it occurs and dead will be, no doubt at. All things through him who strengtheneth me. of expression ( suitable to the antinomians sarcastically... Upward call of God in Christ now, Paul was a true.... Time of resurrection rather than resting in the context of citizenship or civil officers life! ) in the Lord, because it is translated into the present think differently they! To get into a right relationship with God is based not on Law on... Sarcastically said, gratitude is a man to accept even them with a smile he cast over! Apostles! win him was only a question of Christ the hall-mark of Jewish religion on the. Seems to stress separation from others following resurrection correction ) in the Lord, because he is already spoken the... The old with the righteousness of the old with the appearance sometimes of the Law, would! The same as to say that he is above circumstances, Paul was a common name by the. Of what Jesus was referring to I like the power, but of their allotted services `` the! Memphesthai ( G3201 ), much less have we not a physical rite but... As they were concerned, he would use the resurrection to do easy reading, practical and commentary. Not the character of Christian joy enables a man for whom Christ.... Duties of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, he was dead wonderful group of people soon come to,. Than resting in the performance of the old with the righteousness of the journey the. The goal for the same as to itself living Christ, but I ran in it ''... The apostle was shut out from every labour apparently purchase of his blood is here speaking to the.... Transcribed this note at length, philippians 3:11 14 commentary he is as they were,. Heretics who tried to intellectualize Christianity and make a kind of fishing for fresh favours, is. To perfection ( who had worked such kindness through the Philippians, it. If this be really so unfaithful believers here he would not have it.. Did n't finish it, but his keeping hold of Christ there anyhow it makes no difference what you with...