Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 3:15-17
Paul’s charge to adopt his attitude 3:15-17 read more
Paul’s charge to adopt his attitude 3:15-17 read more
3:15 perfect, (g-6) Or 'full-grown,' as 1 Corinthians 14:20 . read more
Dangers and Hopes of the Present SituationV. Interjected Warnings (Philippians 3:1-21)§ 11. Philippians 3:1-6. Finally (lit. ’For the rest’), my brethren, brings the close of the letter in sight (see Intro.); the Apostle has only a few supplementary counsels to give—prefaced by the Rejoice in the Lord, which is the prevalent note of the Epistle (Philippians 1:4, Philippians 1:18, Philippians 1:26; Philippians 2:2, Philippians 2:17-18)—and to make acknowledgment of the contribution sent through... read more
[7.Words of Warning (Philippians 3:1 to Philippians 4:3).(1) AGAINST THE JUDAISERS.(a)Warning against confidence “in the flesh,” illustrated by his own renunciation of all Jewish privileges and hopes, in order to have “the righteousness of Christ” (Philippians 3:1-9).(b)Warning against confidence in perfection as already attained, again illustrated by his own sense of imperfection and hope of continual progress (Philippians 3:10-16).(2) AGAINST THE ANTINOMIAN PARTY.Contrast of the sensual and... read more
(15) Perfect.—The word is apparently used with a touch of irony (as perhaps the word “spiritual” in Galatians 6:1), in reference to those who hold themselves “to have already attained, to be already perfect.” It is, indeed, mostly used of such maturity in faith and grace as may be, and ought to be, attained here (Matthew 5:48; 1 Corinthians 2:6; 1 Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:28; Colossians 4:12; Hebrews 5:14). But, strictly speaking, this life, as St. Paul urges in 1... read more
Beware of the Dogs Philippians 3:2-3 The text enshrines the presentation of a contrast on one side dark, forbidding, and revolting; on the other side radiant and alluring, 'Beware of the dogs: beware of the evil workers; beware of the concision'. What is all this but a solemn and urgent warning against externalism, against all dependence upon outward ordinance and form? What are the marks of true religion? Paul enumerates three, and they appear to me to be full and all-sufficient. I. The first... read more
Chapter 11THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST.Philippians 3:8-18 (R.V.)MR. ALEXANDER KNOX, in a letter to a friend, makes the following remark: "Religion contains two sets of truths, which I may venture to denominate ultimate and mediatory: the former refer to God as an original and end; the latter to the Word made flesh, the suffering, dying, rising, ruling Saviour; the way, the truth, the life. Now I conceive these two views have almost ever been varying, in the minds even of the sincerely pious, with... read more
Chapter 14CHRISTIAN LIFE A RACE.Philippians 3:12-17 (R.V.)VARIOUS passages in this Epistle suggest that the Apostle’s Philippian friends or some of them were relaxing in diligence; they were failing perhaps to lay to heart the need of progress, less sensitive than they ought to be to the impulse of Christianity as a religion of effort and expectancy. Some of them, it might be, were inclined to think of themselves as now pretty well initiated into the new religion, and as pretty thorough adepts... read more
III. CHRIST, THE OBJECT AND THE GOAL CHAPTER 3 1. The true circumcision (Philippians 3:1-3 ) 2. Paul’s past experience (Philippians 3:4-7 ) 3. The one passion (Philippians 3:8-11 ) 4. Pressing towards the mark (Philippians 3:12-16 ) 5. The goal of glory (Philippians 3:17-21 ) Philippians 3:1-3 Finally (or, for the rest), my brethren, rejoice in the “Lord.” Rejoicing in the Lord, not merely in the salvation which is ours, nor in His mercies, in His gifts or in our service, but in Him, is... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 3:15
In conclusion, Paul urged those who were mature among his readers to recognize that what he had said was true. He also promised that God would enlighten those who thought differently about minor matters if their attitude was right."The sentence is thus predicated on their mutual friendship and mutual trust, which is so secure that Paul can simply leave it in God’s hands to ’reveal’ to them what further understanding they may need on matters wherein they might not be ready fully to agree with... read more