Philippians 3:15
Verse
Context
Pressing on toward the Goal
14I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.15All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well.16Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As many as be perfect - As many as are thoroughly instructed in Divine things, who have cast off all dependence on the law and on every other system for salvation, and who discern God calling them from above by Christ Jesus; be thus minded; be intensely in earnest for eternal life, nor ever halt till the race is finished. The word τελειοι, perfect, is taken here in the same sense in which it is taken Co1 14:20 : - Be not Children in understanding - but in understanding be ye Men, τελειοι γινεσθε, be ye perfect - thoroughly instructed, deeply experienced. Co1 2:6 : - We speak wisdom among the perfect, εν τοις τελειοις, among those who are fully instructed, adults in Christian knowledge. Eph 4:13 : - Till we all come - unto a perfect man, εις ανδρα τελειον, to the state of adults in Christianity. Heb 5:14 : - But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, τελειων, the perfect - those who are thoroughly instructed and experienced in Divine things. Let us therefore, says the apostle, as many as be perfect - as have entered fully into the spirit and design of the Gospel, be thus minded, viz. Forget the things which are behind, and stretch forward along the mark for the prize. If in any thing ye be otherwise minded - If ye have not yet entered into the full spirit and design of this Gospel, if any of you have yet remaining any doubts relative to Jewish ordinances, or their expediency in Christianity, God shall reveal even this unto you; for while you are sincere and upright, God will take care that ye shall have full instruction in these Divine things.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
therefore--resuming Phi 3:3. "As many of us then, as are perfect," that is, full grown (no longer "babes") in the Christian life (Phi 3:3, "worshipping God in the Spirit, and having no confidence in the flesh"), Co1 2:6, fully established in things of God. Here, by "perfect," he means one fully fit for running [BENGEL]; knowing and complying with the laws of the course (Ti2 2:5). Though "perfect" in this sense, he was not yet "made perfect" (Greek) in the sense intended in Phi 3:12, namely, "crowned with complete victory," and having attained absolute perfection. thus minded--having the mind which he had described, Phi 3:7-14. otherwise minded--having too high an opinion of yourselves as to your attainment of Christian perfection. "He who thinks that he has attained everything, hath nothing" [CHRYSOSTOM]. Probably, too, he refers to those who were tempted to think to attain to perfection by the law (Gal 3:3): who needed the warning (Phi 3:3), "Beware of the concision," though on account of their former piety, Paul hopes confidently (as in Gal 5:10) that God will reveal the path of right-mindedness to them. Paul taught externally God "reveals" the truth internally by His Spirit (Mat 11:25; Mat 16:17; Co1 3:6). unto you--who sincerely strive to do God's will (Joh 7:17; Eph 1:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained,.... Whatever degree of knowledge of Christ, and the truths of his Gospel, is attained to, let it be retained, and not departed from: let us walk by the same rule; either the doctrine of justification by Christ's righteousness in particular, which is a rule of judgment concerning other things; for so far as they agree or disagree with this, they are to be received or rejected; or the Scriptures of truth, which are the rule of faith and practice, and the standard and test, to which all are to be brought and tried: let us mind the same thing; be of one heart and affection to each other, Rom 12:10, and of the same judgment in the doctrines of the Gospel, Co1 1:10, and pursue the same measures; particularly press towards the same mark, and for the same prize the apostle did, Phi 3:14, and be followers of him, as is exhorted to in Phi 3:17.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle, having proposed himself as an example, urges the Philippians to follow it. Let the same mind be in us which was in blessed Paul. We see here how he was minded; let us be like-minded, and set our hearts upon Christ and heaven, as he did. 1. He shows that this was the thing wherein all good Christians were agreed, to make Christ all in all, and set their hearts upon another world. This is that whereto we have all attained. However good Christians may differ in their sentiments about other things, this is what they are agreed in, that Christ is a Christian's all, that to win Christ and to be found in him involve our happiness both here and hereafter. And therefore let us walk by the same rule, and mind the same thing. Having made Christ our all, to us to live must be Christ. Let us agree to press towards the mark, and make heaven our end. 2. That this is a good reason why Christians who differ in smaller matters should yet bear with one another, because they are agreed in the main matter: "If in any thing you be otherwise minded - if you differ from one another, and are not of the same judgment as to meats and days, and other matters of the Jewish law - yet you must not judge one another, while you all meet now in Christ as your centre, and hope to meet shortly in heaven as your home. As for other matters of difference, lay no great stress upon them, God shall reveal even this unto you. Whatever it is wherein you differ, you must wait till God give you a better understanding, which he will do in his due time. In the mean time, as far as you have attained, you must go together in the ways of God, join together in all the great things in which you are agreed, and wait for further light in the minor things wherein you differ."
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:15 Those who are spiritually mature (cp. 1 Cor 2:6; 3:1) will share Paul’s perspective that eternal things are most important in life (Phil 3:12-14; cp. 2 Cor 4:16-18).
Philippians 3:15
Pressing on toward the Goal
14I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.15All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well.16Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
He Is a Jealous Lover
By A.W. Tozer3.8K51:21Jealousy Of GodEXO 33:18MAT 5:48ACT 2:41CO 2:101CO 3:19PHP 3:15COL 1:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being perfect and thinking in alignment with God's word. He mentions that those who reason differently will face consequences from God. The preacher also introduces the concept of three models: being forward and backward, doing God's will alone, and being a jealous lover of God. He talks about the need for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a return to New Testament Christianity. The sermon concludes with a reminder that true worship and service to God do not require fancy equipment or gadgets, but rather a sincere heart and a willingness to pray.
The Way to Spiritual Perfection
By Stephen Kaung8511:05:26MAT 6:33ROM 12:1EPH 4:13PHP 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds in order to walk in the way of spiritual perfection. He explains that before encountering God, our minds are focused on worldly things, but through surrendering to God, our minds undergo a transformation. The speaker also highlights the responsibility we have to diligently cooperate with God in order to receive the promises and blessings He has given us. He emphasizes the need for unity and fellowship with other believers, as we can learn from and support one another in our spiritual growth. Ultimately, the speaker concludes that spiritual perfection is both obtained through the finished work of Jesus on the cross and attained through our ongoing pursuit of God.
Depart From Me, I Never Knew You - Part 2
By Ralph Mahoney84743:26Knowing GodGEN 15:1NEH 9:7MAT 6:33PHP 3:15HEB 3:2REV 14:13In this sermon, the speaker references Genesis chapter 15 verse 1, where the Lord appeared to Abram and declared Himself as Abram's shield and reward. The speaker emphasizes the importance of divine wisdom and revelation in knowing when to resist and when to submit to the encroachments of Satan. The sermon also highlights the tests and trials that God allows in our lives to humble us and test our obedience to His commandments. The speaker encourages leaders in the church to continually seek and listen to the present word of the Lord for their spiritual nourishment and the growth of their churches.
Pursuing Christ
By Stephen Kaung6631:13:29ChristMAT 7:13ROM 11:29PHP 3:15In this sermon, Paul encourages believers to have the mind of Christ and to be open to God's revelation. He emphasizes that each person's journey with God is unique and that comparing oneself to others should not lead to discouragement. Paul also addresses the concept of the gift of God, stating that once given, it is not taken back, but warns against misinterpreting this as a license for destructive behavior. He concludes by urging believers to have a personal and intense pursuit of Christ, being completely captivated by His glory and love.
Pressing on to Perfection
By Zac Poonen6171:20:15PSA 95:6JHN 4:231CO 11:1PHP 3:15COL 3:16HEB 6:1This sermon emphasizes the call to press on to perfection in our Christian walk, acknowledging that we are not perfect but striving towards maturity and being like Christ. It highlights the importance of continuous growth, setting higher standards, and being willing to follow the example of mature believers. The message encourages a focus on true worship, understanding the elements of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving in our worship to God.
Exposition on Psalm 131
By St. Augustine0PSA 130:11CO 3:2PHP 3:15St. Augustine preaches on the importance of humility and faithfulness in the Body of Christ, emphasizing the need to pray in the peace of the Church and unity of Christ's Body to be heard by God. He highlights the significance of offering a sacrifice of a troubled spirit and a contrite heart, rather than material offerings. St. Augustine warns against pride and self-exaltation, urging believers to seek humility and avoid seeking things beyond their understanding. He encourages believers to trust in God, remain humble, and seek wisdom through faith and obedience.
The Fullness of the Blessing Defined
By Bishop W. F. Mallalieu0PSA 51:10JHN 17:23EPH 3:16PHP 3:151TH 5:161TH 5:23HEB 6:1JAS 1:41JN 4:18Bishop W. F. Mallalieu preaches about the pursuit of Christian perfection, emphasizing the desire for a deeper connection with God, the need for inner transformation, and the prayer for God to cleanse and set free our hearts from sin. He delves into the concept of full sanctification, using various terms like 'perfect love,' 'entire salvation,' and 'Christian perfection' to describe the state of being fully surrendered to God. Mallalieu highlights the importance of seeking God's fullness and experiencing His love and power in our lives.
Perfection in Christ
By Charles S. Price0MAT 5:482CO 13:9PHP 1:6PHP 3:12PHP 3:152TI 3:17HEB 6:1HEB 10:14JAS 1:41PE 5:10Charles S. Price preaches about the pursuit of Christian perfection, emphasizing that it is an achievable goal as outlined in the Bible. He challenges the congregation to seek a life so immersed in Christ that earthly concerns pale in comparison to eternal truths, urging them to press on towards the heights of perfection in Christ. Price highlights the importance of trusting in God's grace and power to attain Christian perfection, emphasizing that God never asks His children to strive for the impossible but provides the necessary grace to meet His commands.
Evangelical Perfection
By Thomas Cook0GEN 17:1DEU 30:6MAT 5:48MRK 1:17EPH 4:13PHP 3:12PHP 3:152TI 3:17HEB 13:201JN 4:18Thomas Cook preaches on the Scriptural terms 'holiness,' 'perfect love,' and 'perfection,' explaining that they all refer to the same state of grace. He emphasizes that perfect love represents the moral atmosphere in which a sanctified Christian lives, while perfection signifies spiritual completeness achieved when all internal struggles are overcome. Cook discusses the importance of understanding the term 'perfect' in a spiritual context, as it is frequently used in the Bible to describe human character under the influence of grace. He clarifies that while absolute perfection belongs only to God, evangelical perfection is attainable in the present life through continuous growth and development in love and service to God.
What Christian Perfection Implies
By Samuel Chadwick0PSA 139:23MAT 5:48ROM 8:3ROM 12:22CO 13:11PHP 3:12PHP 3:15HEB 10:14HEB 13:211JN 4:18Samuel Chadwick delves into the concept of Christian Perfection, emphasizing the ambiguity surrounding the term 'perfect' and its various meanings in Scripture and common speech. He highlights that absolute perfection is only found in God, while human perfection is relative, with stages of initial, progressive, and final perfection. Chadwick explores the paradox of Apostle Paul claiming imperfection yet also being perfect, illustrating that truth is often expressed in apparent contradictions that reveal a fundamental unity.
Our Ministry
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthFulness in ChristJHN 15:5ROM 12:41CO 12:12GAL 4:19EPH 4:13PHP 3:15COL 1:281TH 5:24HEB 6:12PE 3:18T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the ministry entrusted to him and his team, which is not about creating a new movement or exclusive fellowship but about guiding believers towards the fullness of Christ. He acknowledges the spiritual dissatisfaction that led to a deeper quest for understanding God's purpose and the importance of personal experiences in this journey. Sparks highlights that the ministry is rooted in a desire for all believers to grow in their relationship with Christ, recognizing the challenges and misunderstandings they may face along the way. He stresses that true growth comes from a progressive revelation of Christ, urging individuals to seek their own understanding of God's requirements. Ultimately, the goal is to present every believer complete in Christ, fostering a collective pursuit of spiritual maturity.
Sanctification -- How It Is -- Confession
By J.H. Collins0PSA 1:3PSA 66:16LUK 9:26ROM 10:10PHP 3:151JN 4:17J.H. Collins preaches about the importance of testifying to God's work in our lives, emphasizing the need to openly confess Christ as our Sanctifier and share our experiences of justification and sanctification. He highlights that as Christ's witnesses, we are called to hold fast to our faith, glorify God, promote the welfare of others, and deepen our personal experience by sharing what God has done for us. Collins stresses the significance of giving humble, clear, and definite testimony to God's work in our lives, encouraging believers to boldly declare their faith and full salvation.
Lovingly Truthful
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 5:48ACT 6:1ACT 9:311CO 2:6EPH 4:13PHP 3:15COL 4:12HEB 5:14JAS 1:4Andrew Bonar preaches about Epaphras' fervent prayers for the Colossian believers to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Epaphras, despite being a prisoner, devoted himself to prayer, laboring fervently and consistently for the spiritual growth and maturity of the Colossians. His main focus was on believers attaining moral maturity, fulfilling God's purpose for their lives, and standing blameless before Him. Epaphras understood the importance of believers being fully assured and persuaded in the will of God, knowing that this assurance leads to spiritual growth, maturity, and the ability to make right decisions in life.
Some Misrepresentations of Me Concerning Church Government
By Isaac Penington0MAT 20:251CO 16:16EPH 5:18PHP 3:15HEB 13:171PE 5:5Isaac Penington preaches about the importance of church-government being led by the Spirit of God, emphasizing the need for submission to His authority within the church. He clarifies that while Christ excluded corrupt human authority from His church, true church-government is necessary and should be upheld. Penington addresses misrepresentations of his views, affirming his belief in the necessity and benefits of true church-government governed by the Spirit of God, not by human wisdom or force.
The Cross and the Tongue
By Jessie Penn-Lewis0Spiritual MaturityThe Power of WordsJER 15:19JHN 18:372CO 2:4EPH 4:14PHP 3:15PHP 3:18COL 1:28COL 4:12JAS 3:22PE 2:1Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes the critical relationship between our words and our spiritual maturity, particularly in the context of speaking about those who oppose the Cross of Christ. She highlights that true identification with Christ is reflected in our ability to control our speech, as stumbling in words reveals immaturity. The sermon calls for believers to speak the truth in love, especially when addressing the enemies of the Cross, and to maintain a spirit of compassion and weeping for those who have strayed. Penn-Lewis warns that our power in prayer and spiritual authority is compromised when we engage in unloving speech, urging believers to remain hidden in Christ to avoid the strife of tongues. Ultimately, she encourages a life that bears witness to the truth of God, ensuring our words are life-giving and aligned with His will.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As many as be perfect - As many as are thoroughly instructed in Divine things, who have cast off all dependence on the law and on every other system for salvation, and who discern God calling them from above by Christ Jesus; be thus minded; be intensely in earnest for eternal life, nor ever halt till the race is finished. The word τελειοι, perfect, is taken here in the same sense in which it is taken Co1 14:20 : - Be not Children in understanding - but in understanding be ye Men, τελειοι γινεσθε, be ye perfect - thoroughly instructed, deeply experienced. Co1 2:6 : - We speak wisdom among the perfect, εν τοις τελειοις, among those who are fully instructed, adults in Christian knowledge. Eph 4:13 : - Till we all come - unto a perfect man, εις ανδρα τελειον, to the state of adults in Christianity. Heb 5:14 : - But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, τελειων, the perfect - those who are thoroughly instructed and experienced in Divine things. Let us therefore, says the apostle, as many as be perfect - as have entered fully into the spirit and design of the Gospel, be thus minded, viz. Forget the things which are behind, and stretch forward along the mark for the prize. If in any thing ye be otherwise minded - If ye have not yet entered into the full spirit and design of this Gospel, if any of you have yet remaining any doubts relative to Jewish ordinances, or their expediency in Christianity, God shall reveal even this unto you; for while you are sincere and upright, God will take care that ye shall have full instruction in these Divine things.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
therefore--resuming Phi 3:3. "As many of us then, as are perfect," that is, full grown (no longer "babes") in the Christian life (Phi 3:3, "worshipping God in the Spirit, and having no confidence in the flesh"), Co1 2:6, fully established in things of God. Here, by "perfect," he means one fully fit for running [BENGEL]; knowing and complying with the laws of the course (Ti2 2:5). Though "perfect" in this sense, he was not yet "made perfect" (Greek) in the sense intended in Phi 3:12, namely, "crowned with complete victory," and having attained absolute perfection. thus minded--having the mind which he had described, Phi 3:7-14. otherwise minded--having too high an opinion of yourselves as to your attainment of Christian perfection. "He who thinks that he has attained everything, hath nothing" [CHRYSOSTOM]. Probably, too, he refers to those who were tempted to think to attain to perfection by the law (Gal 3:3): who needed the warning (Phi 3:3), "Beware of the concision," though on account of their former piety, Paul hopes confidently (as in Gal 5:10) that God will reveal the path of right-mindedness to them. Paul taught externally God "reveals" the truth internally by His Spirit (Mat 11:25; Mat 16:17; Co1 3:6). unto you--who sincerely strive to do God's will (Joh 7:17; Eph 1:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained,.... Whatever degree of knowledge of Christ, and the truths of his Gospel, is attained to, let it be retained, and not departed from: let us walk by the same rule; either the doctrine of justification by Christ's righteousness in particular, which is a rule of judgment concerning other things; for so far as they agree or disagree with this, they are to be received or rejected; or the Scriptures of truth, which are the rule of faith and practice, and the standard and test, to which all are to be brought and tried: let us mind the same thing; be of one heart and affection to each other, Rom 12:10, and of the same judgment in the doctrines of the Gospel, Co1 1:10, and pursue the same measures; particularly press towards the same mark, and for the same prize the apostle did, Phi 3:14, and be followers of him, as is exhorted to in Phi 3:17.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle, having proposed himself as an example, urges the Philippians to follow it. Let the same mind be in us which was in blessed Paul. We see here how he was minded; let us be like-minded, and set our hearts upon Christ and heaven, as he did. 1. He shows that this was the thing wherein all good Christians were agreed, to make Christ all in all, and set their hearts upon another world. This is that whereto we have all attained. However good Christians may differ in their sentiments about other things, this is what they are agreed in, that Christ is a Christian's all, that to win Christ and to be found in him involve our happiness both here and hereafter. And therefore let us walk by the same rule, and mind the same thing. Having made Christ our all, to us to live must be Christ. Let us agree to press towards the mark, and make heaven our end. 2. That this is a good reason why Christians who differ in smaller matters should yet bear with one another, because they are agreed in the main matter: "If in any thing you be otherwise minded - if you differ from one another, and are not of the same judgment as to meats and days, and other matters of the Jewish law - yet you must not judge one another, while you all meet now in Christ as your centre, and hope to meet shortly in heaven as your home. As for other matters of difference, lay no great stress upon them, God shall reveal even this unto you. Whatever it is wherein you differ, you must wait till God give you a better understanding, which he will do in his due time. In the mean time, as far as you have attained, you must go together in the ways of God, join together in all the great things in which you are agreed, and wait for further light in the minor things wherein you differ."
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:15 Those who are spiritually mature (cp. 1 Cor 2:6; 3:1) will share Paul’s perspective that eternal things are most important in life (Phil 3:12-14; cp. 2 Cor 4:16-18).