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Kingdom Studies through Philippians: #22 |
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Written by Don Williams
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Page 1 of 2 Kingdom Studies in Philippians With Questions for Small Group Discussion
Study # 22
By Don Williams
Philippians 3:15-16
“ 15) All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16) Only let us live up to what we have already attained.”
Observation and Interpretation
Paul has deconstructed legalism with his own testimony and the force of the gospel: full righteousness is in Christ alone. The church is a new creation, “the (true) circumcision. We worship by the Spirit of God...glory in Christ Jesus, and ...put no confidence in the flesh...” (3:3); that is, no confidence in moral effort or religious practice. Our confidence is in Christ period! Moreover, the very incarnate life of Christ is Paul's model: his relationship with Christ is in his power, suffering with the goal of resurrection. (3:10-11) To this end, Paul “presses on.” (3:12) He hasn't arrived. God isn't through with him yet in his transformation and conformation to Christ. This won't be accomplished short of heaven itself, which is the
prize for which God has called Paul “heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (3:14)
Now in today's passage, Paul calls the Philippians to adopt his same point of view: “All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.” (verse 15) Immaturity will keep us struggling, questioning, seduced by the law and the legalists who would put us under its demands. The word “mature” can also be translated “perfect.” (RSV) If this is Paul's intention, he employs a play on words. Perfection is the goal of the legalists. They pursue and offer moral and spiritual perfection in this life. In Judaism Paul can claim that in his righteousness under the law he was faultless or blameless. (3:6) The legalists want to put us under the law to make us “good” people. But Paul replies – if you are “perfect” (or “mature”) you will adopt the view that you aren't. He says that you will join me in pressing on to the goal which is Christ himself. (3:14)
Those who want to be “perfect” or “mature” must adopt Paul's stance – maturity lies in a radical surrender to Christ, knowing him, receiving his “gift-righteousness,” and living out his life-style in this world: resurrection power, suffering and conformity to Christ's death, and pursuing the goal of resurrection. In our immaturity we are often confused. We think that salvation is “Christ plus”: Christ plus baptism, Christ plus moral obedience, Christ plus spiritual disciplines, Christ plus fervent evangelism, Christ plus church affiliation, etc. In Catholic doctrine salvation must include being baptized into the church, reception of the sacraments and submission to the authority of “Mother Church,” led by the Pope who is “Christ's vicar on earth.” In Protestant liberalism we must become “good,” moral people. This includes commitment to the social agenda of ending poverty, racism, sexism, the destruction of the environment, etc. This again, is “Christ plus,” with a vague view of Christ himself (usually as a moral influence or social radical). For Protestant Fundamentalism we must accept certain doctrines (such as Biblical inerrancy and the pre-tribulation rapture of the church), and separate ourselves from the world's “worldly activities.” For Pentecostals or charismatics it may include speaking in tongues. This is more “Christ plus.” Immature Christians are succeptable to different editions of “churchism” or legalism. But the road to maturity, ironically, is to give up all these additions and be embraced by Christ alone. His life is our life and, if so, his life-style is our life-style. We die to all the rest and now live in him. The sacraments or social action may express our faith but they do not secure our faith. This comes from Christ, only Christ. The road to maturity is the road of simplicity, and the “mature” Philippians should share this with Paul: “All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.” (verse 15)
But what about those who disagree with Paul, who don't share his theology or his experience? First, of course, Paul instructs them and models the true life in Christ before them. (3:2-14) But, second, beyond his best efforts, he trusts God's work in them: “And if at some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.” (verse 15) Paul puts forth his best arguments and then puts them into God's hands, the God who “speaks for himself.” (Karl Barth) He is dynamically at work in them and will make all things clear to them.
But the foundation in grace alone has been laid when Paul first preached the gospel in Philippi. So he adds, “Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” (verse 16) To go back under the law would reverse the Philippians' joy and freedom in Christ. It would reverse their maturity in becoming more and more like Christ and throw them back upon themselves. So, the church must simply live up to what it has already been given: relationship, righteousness and the hope of resurrection. (3:2-11) As Paul has previously exhorted them: “...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good pleasure.” (2:12b-13)
The Philippians have attained deliverance from Satan's kingdom, the darkness of this world, full forgiveness through the cross, new life in the Spirit, a new quality of life together, commitment to spreading the gospel and supporting Paul as he evangelizes the Empire, and an unquenchable heavenly hope toward which they are to “press on.” Now it is not an issue of adding more to their faith (like circumcision). It is simply living up to all they have received. This is the exquisit tension of the Christian life – God does it all and calls us to do it with him. But he enables what he calls. As Augustine says, “You give what you command.”
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