Reverend Michael Mwangi
Senior Pastor, Fedha Church, Kenya Assemblies of God
Philippians 3:14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
The prize is the upward call of God. The prize is the call itself, not the benefits that come from the call or any other thing. The prize is being able to run the race at all, working with God as a partner to do the work of His kingdom.
"It is a high calling because it comes from above, from God; the conception of it has emanated from His heart. It is a high calling because it is worthy of God. It is a high calling because it is so much above the ideals of men… And then this is a high calling because it summons us to where Christ sits at the right hand of God." (Meyer, as cited in Philippians 3:14 Commentary)
Because it is such a glorious call, it is worth reaching forward for it.
"The Greek word points out the strong exertions made in the race; every muscle and nerve is exerted, and he puts forth every particle of his strength in running. He was running for life, and running for his life." (Clarke, as cited in Philippians 3:14 Commentary)
The upward call of God in Christ Jesus: As everything else, this upward call of God is only in Christ Jesus. The legalists might say they followed the upward call of God, but they certainly did not do it in Christ Jesus; instead they did it in the efforts of their own flesh.
Philippians 3:14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
The prize is the upward call of God. The prize is the call itself, not the benefits that come from the call or any other thing. The prize is being able to run the race at all, working with God as a partner to do the work of His kingdom.
"It is a high calling because it comes from above, from God; the conception of it has emanated from His heart. It is a high calling because it is worthy of God. It is a high calling because it is so much above the ideals of men… And then this is a high calling because it summons us to where Christ sits at the right hand of God." (Meyer, as cited in Philippians 3:14 Commentary)
Because it is such a glorious call, it is worth reaching forward for it.
"The Greek word points out the strong exertions made in the race; every muscle and nerve is exerted, and he puts forth every particle of his strength in running. He was running for life, and running for his life." (Clarke, as cited in Philippians 3:14 Commentary)
The upward call of God in Christ Jesus: As everything else, this upward call of God is only in Christ Jesus. The legalists might say they followed the upward call of God, but they certainly did not do it in Christ Jesus; instead they did it in the efforts of their own flesh.
Paul Exhorts the Philippians to Adopt This Same Attitude
Philippians 3:15-16
Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
a. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind: Those who are really mature will have this mind. If they do not, Paul trusted that God would reveal the necessity of having it.
b. God will reveal even this to you: Paul had great trust in the ability of the Lord to deal with His own people. He did not have the attitude that if he failed to convince them, they would then never be convinced.
c. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule: However, Paul would not allow a lack of understanding to excuse anyone from doing what he did know to be the Lord's will. What we do not know can never excuse us from failing to fulfil what we do know to do.
d. Let us be of the same mind: Part of doing what we do know is being of the same mind. This is a call to unity (a unity of truth, against the potential division brought in by the legalists) that looks back to Philippians 2:1-2.
The problems of unity facing the Philippians did not spring from great problems with carnality as was the case with the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). Rather, it seemed to be a danger brought on by pressure, both from the outside (Philippians 1:27-30) and from the inside (Philippians 3:2). Paul wanted to make sure that this pressure pushed them together instead of driving them apart.
Philippians 3:15-16
Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
a. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind: Those who are really mature will have this mind. If they do not, Paul trusted that God would reveal the necessity of having it.
b. God will reveal even this to you: Paul had great trust in the ability of the Lord to deal with His own people. He did not have the attitude that if he failed to convince them, they would then never be convinced.
c. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule: However, Paul would not allow a lack of understanding to excuse anyone from doing what he did know to be the Lord's will. What we do not know can never excuse us from failing to fulfil what we do know to do.
d. Let us be of the same mind: Part of doing what we do know is being of the same mind. This is a call to unity (a unity of truth, against the potential division brought in by the legalists) that looks back to Philippians 2:1-2.
The problems of unity facing the Philippians did not spring from great problems with carnality as was the case with the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). Rather, it seemed to be a danger brought on by pressure, both from the outside (Philippians 1:27-30) and from the inside (Philippians 3:2). Paul wanted to make sure that this pressure pushed them together instead of driving them apart.
The Good Example of Walking the Walk: Paul and Others
Philippians 3:17
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
a. Join in following my example: We should not think that Paul was being egotistical here. He knew that he was not a sinless or perfect example, yet he was still a good example. He could say as he also did in 1 Corinthians 11:1 – Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
We need concrete examples. While it is wrong to put our trust in any man, it is hypocritical for any Christian to say, "Do as I say, not as I do."
b. And note those who so walk: As well, Paul was not so proud to think that he was the only one who could be such an example. He told the Philippians to note those who so walk in the way he spoke of, and he noted that the Philippians had us as a pattern (instead of saying that Paul was the only pattern).
Philippians 3:17
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
a. Join in following my example: We should not think that Paul was being egotistical here. He knew that he was not a sinless or perfect example, yet he was still a good example. He could say as he also did in 1 Corinthians 11:1 – Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
We need concrete examples. While it is wrong to put our trust in any man, it is hypocritical for any Christian to say, "Do as I say, not as I do."
b. And note those who so walk: As well, Paul was not so proud to think that he was the only one who could be such an example. He told the Philippians to note those who so walk in the way he spoke of, and he noted that the Philippians had us as a pattern (instead of saying that Paul was the only pattern).
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