My Goal
TWO WAYS OF LOOKING AT PERFECTION
Philippians 3: 12
Philippians 3: 15
Only Jesus is perfect
Only God is perfect. We can never be a god. We are God’s creation. God was not created. As Christians our position in Christ changes who we are because of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.
Practical Perfection: That ongoing element of sanctification.
Paul referred to “perfect’ in verse 12 as an attainment, and he had not reached it in that sense.
In verse 15 another form of the word perfect is mature.
The mature (I Corinthians 2: 6) as contrasted with “babes in Christ” (I Corinthians 3:2).
Even those who are mature can grow in spiritual maturity.
Even though as Christians we have been made perfect in Christ positionally, we need to be improving our condition.
The Letters of the Philippians by William Barclay says:
Vital to the understanding of this passage is the correct interpretation of the Greek word teleios which occurs twice rendered by the Revised Standard Version as perfect in verse 12 and as mature in verse 15. Teleios
In Greek there are a variety of interrelated meanings. It is used to mean mature in mind. When it is used of offerings, it means without blemish and fit to offer to God. When it is used of Christians, it often means baptized persons who are full members of the church.
The Letters of the Philippians by William Barclay page 65, The Westminster Press, Philadelphia, copyright 1975
The Calling of the Christian is from heaven, and to heaven.
Verse 15:
Let us who are mature have this attitude:
“Have this attitude” literally in the Greek means:
Think this way,
Or be intent on this,
Or set one’s mind on this.
What attitude should we have?
Let us press toward the same mark of the high calling of Christ Jesus. Let us love each other through the love of Jesus. Romans 12: 10 “Love one another with brotherly affection (as members of one family), giving precedence and showing honor to one another.” Amplified.
For we all strive for the same goal in Christ Jesus.