How Spiritually Mature People Think - Philippians 3

How Spiritually Mature People Think

Philippians 3:1 we begin with a call to rejoice which is one of the over-arching themes of the letter. Because we understand the truth of what God is accomplishing in the world we can have a positive, uplifting outlook on the events and circumstances life throws at us. Hebrews 12:2 the joy Jesus had was not based on material circumstances, rather it was based on knowing that what He was experiencing had purpose and was leading toward a positive outcome.

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Rejoicing is a way of thinking:

1) Joy is given to you through the power of God's holy spirit. The spirit gives you the ability to understand the plan God is working out. Then, His spirit helps us build the confidence and trust in God that the good outcome will come to pass by His all-powerful will.

2) Rejoicing is the outcome of "spiritually mature" thinking. Maturity implies development over time. We build joy by thinking through our trials, tests, and blessings. We  fit them within the framework of God's great plan for us... this gives us meaning and purpose.

Note: Paul says "I know this seems like repetition of the same stuff... but its important and its intended for your good... to keep you on the path".

An Immature Way of Thinking

Philippians 3:2-3 Paul puts an immature way of thinking on the table for discussion: placing spiritual confidence in material circumstances. The specific example given is circumcision.

Circumcision could affect a believer's thinking in a couple of possible ways:

· If the person was of Jewish descent they might think of themselves as superior in God's eyes because they are physically marked as His chosen people. Their opinions held more weight, they should be considered first for positions of authority etc.

· If the person was Greek or Roman they might think it would be better for them if they became circumcised and claim attachment to the descendants of Abraham through material signs.

In both cases those who were not circumcised would be thought of as not being part of the in-group. This is an immature mode of thinking.

Under the new covenant a new "rite" of baptism replaces circumcision. The example of Cornelius in Acts 10 is when this change was first made known to the Church. However, it is through Paul that the full implications of the change were fully developed and spelled out:

· Colossians 2:11-14 baptism replaces circumcision as the sign of faith... cleanses the conscience.

· Galatians 5:6; 6:15, Romans 2:28-29 for those overly focused on status according to the flesh Paul teaches the priority of spiritual growth

· 1 Corinthians 7:19 for those spiritualize away the law Paul preaches obedience.

So in this example, the immaturity began with not having a good understanding of doctrine and Church practise.

Applications of The Principle

#1 I see this in our day with people who believe that the more Jewish they are in their minds and traditions the more spiritual and closer to God they are. The current "Hebrew roots" movement is a prime example. This is not a new covenant perspective.

#3 a more mundane example could be: "He's rich, I am poor, God must be more pleased with him than me." ... Spiritually immature thinking.

Be on Guard Against Spiritual Immaturity

Paul says he is writing this to the members in Philippi as a preventative measure [to safeguard], implying the idea had not taken off in Philippi. Although in verse 15 he indicates there might be some traces of such thinking in Philippi. Could this be related to the "disagreement" between Euodia and Syntyche in 4:2?

Euodia and Synthche may have had issues related to pride in their relative material circumstances. But, disagreement specifically over circumcision seems a stretch. Paul refers to those teaching circumcision as "dogs" and "evildoers"... yet he considers these women fellow workers and servants of God.

The Dog Analogy: 2 Possibilities

One: Romans often kept guard dogs, so the analogy could be "pro-circumcision people who see themselves as guardians at the gate of entry", "you must get circumcised to enter".

Two: In middle eastern thinking dogs were not kept within the home. They were seen as animals prowling around outside feeding off what scraps they could find. So, the analogy could be "pro-circumcision people feeding off the leftovers from the old covenant.

Trading What is Good For What is Better

Philippians 3:4-7 in former times Paul was thoroughly convinced of the circumcision point of view. He knew the issues, and had thought the matter through. But he exchanged his old way of thinking for better understanding that he had received through the direct intervention and revelation of the risen Christ Galatians 1:11-18 [taught directly by Christ for 3 years], Galatians 2:1-3 Paul conferred with the other Apostles and they agreed.

Philippians 3:8-10 - Paul says he considers what he once had as rubbish or even dung. We must be careful how we read this verse. He does not say that the elements of the old covenant are garbage or dog excrement. What he says is that what he has found in Christ is so much greater in worth that by comparison what he formerly had is like garbage.

Paul elsewhere says that "the law is holy, and the commandment is holy righteous and good", and  "the law" is spiritual but I am of the flesh" Romans 7:12-14. Paul had high regard for both the commandments and the old covenant, but he knew that what the new covenant offered is better. The reference to "dung" or "rubbish" is an example of highly dramatic rhetoric used to emphasize the contrast between what is good, and what is better.

The book of Hebrews explains this as exchanging what is good... for what is better [better priesthood, better sacrifice, better promises etc.]. For Paul this exchange was like the parable of "the pearl of great price" Matthew 13:45.

Measuring your closeness to God based on Jewish traditions, Israelite lineage, or wealth, or status, or other material matters is spiritual immaturity. What matters is attitude, motivation, and obedience.

Righteousness of my own vs. Righteousness that is from God

The old covenant provided a way for a person to seek forgiveness/atonement which was to offer the life of an animal in sacrifice. The sinner was responsible for providing this animal and it would cost him something. I provide the sacrifice and pay the price of atonement.

Note: these sacrifices served a good purpose in constantly reminding the people about the price of sin, and the cost of righteousness. They are replaced by a better sacrifice.

The new covenant provides a way for a person to find forgiveness/atonement through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ [which is more comprehensive and better]. Under the terms of the new covenant the sinner does not provide a sacrifice to cover his sins... God provides the sacrifice and pays the cost Himself through Christ.

To Know Christ

The desire to get into the mind of Christ and know what He's all about. This understanding is closely linked with experiencing suffering. Specifically, Paul zeroes in on the suffering of Christ... in bygone eras some have sought this "knowing" through subjecting themselves to physical pain, self-scourging, mock crucifixion, seeking out martyrdom. However, the suffering of Christ encompasses more than the 10-12 hours of his scourging and crucifixion. Throughout His ministry Jesus suffered humiliation, deceit, indifference, rejection, and scoffing... WHY?

Because He told people the truth which they did not want to hear John 15:20, 1 Peter 4:12-16.

At various times God's Church is humiliated, deceived, ignored, laughed at... these are as much part of sharing in the sufferings of Christ as physical pain. Why do we endure it?

Philippians 3:11-14 notice that Paul speaks of his resurrection as a possibility, not as a  n inevitability. It's a goal which we must continue to work toward with effort... but also with confidence. Doctrinally speaking, knowing there will be a future resurrection is guaranteed. It will happen regardless of what human beings say or do. But, your personal status on that great day is subject to God's approval.

Note: the NIV translation of verse 14 is Doctrinally misleading, inserting "heavenward" where the text simply says "upward/lofty/high". The NLT, ESV and NKJV get it right "the upward calling".

Keep Your Eyes on the Goal

Telios - this word is used often in the letters of Paul and is translated in a wide variety of ways in English. The most common word use to translate is "perfection" which has led to a tremendous amount of doctrinal misunderstanding. It's meaning encompasses, direction to ward a purpose, the end or goal of actions, completion.

Telios used in verse 12 and translated as "made perfect", in verse 15 as "those who are mature", and its used in verse 19 as "their destiny is destruction".  The idea that scripture teaches we must become flawless to be acceptable to God is false. We are to establish our goals based on sound doctrine... then press forward to the goal with purpose! This is your JOY.

Following Paul and His Fellow Workers in the Church

All that Paul has said spells out for us how a mature spiritual person ought to think... and not think. Its a mixture of doctrine, attitude and perspective. It is a way of thinking that leads to finding  joy in your walk with God moving towards the good goal He has promised.

Philippians 3:15-16 implies that there may have been some in Philippi who thought differently... or were leaning in that direction. However, Paul has outlined the proper take they should have on reality and then trusts that God through His spirit will enlighten them as needed.

This is how spiritually mature people think.

Follow Good Examples

Philippians 3:17-21 Paul says "you have us for a pattern" to draw in co-workers such as Timothy, Epaphriditus, who Paul used as proxies since he could not be there often. Personal example and integrity is key to effective teaching and discipleship.

The end goal of any who think and operate differently in this world is destruction, death, non-life. The diametric opposite of Jesus, Paul, and the mature Christian.

Their god is their stomach - could refer to ritual fasting, or it could simply be hedonism.

Their glory is their shame - could be a euphemistic reference to their genitals and circumcision

Both of these are additional examples of immature thinking: focusing on earthly matters.

Adding Detail to Your Goal

Citizenship in heaven - could be translated as form of government, form of political alignment, and the laws by which it is administered. In Greek literature its not usually used to mean citizenship. The translation citizenship is not wrong it just doesn't capture the full meaning of the word.

Your goal is more than your own attainment of resurrection to eternal life. God has chosen you to participate in the final stages of his plan of redemption for all humanity. To be seated alongside Christ and assist as leaders and teachers in a new system of government coming soon to planet earth.

"Our form of government is in heaven" - at present that rule is reserved in the heavenly throne room of God. However, it will be established and enforced on earth when Christ returns. You are already citizens of that coming kingdom and should live by its laws.

Paul preached the gospel of the coming kingdom of God. Jesus preached the gospel of the coming kingdom of God. The Church of God is now tasked with preaching and teaching the gospel of the coming kingdom of God.

Conclusion

Philippians 4:1 those who are spiritually mature allow this understanding and perspective to give them confidence and joy in their present circumstances as they look toward that goal. Filter everything your think and do through this foundational principle. And in this way "seek first the kingdom of God".