Philippians 3:12-21
Q.1. Did Paul subscribe to the idea of sinless perfection? What was his new reason for living while on earth? – (Phil.3:12-16)
Paul had amazing credentials, before and after coming to Christ. However, he was under no illusion about his own human condition. His explanation of the Gospel showed that he believed all believers to be a work in progress – not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect … Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet …  (Phil.3:12-14). Nonetheless, Paul was eager to close the gap between his experience of imperfection, and of what God had declared him to be – I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus … I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil.3:12-13). While being honest about his experience of daily sinfulness, Paul acknowledged his standing of perfection in Christ – Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude (Phil.3:15). His standing of righteousness in Christ, had freed him up to press on to become the most useful he could be for His new Master (Phil.3.14-15).
Q.2. How did Paul try to warn against a misuse of God’s grace? Why must we take care about whom we follow? – (Phil.3:17-19)
Paul urged the Philippians to follow his example of devoted service, and also to follow others who lived that way (Phil.2:17). He warned against those who would misuse God’s generous provision of grace – For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ (Phil.3:18). These people presumed upon God’s continued grace, while pursuing a life of sensuality and shame (Phil.3:19). Paul advocated that they follow those who follow in his pattern of life and avoid those who brazenly – set their minds on earthly things (Phil.3:19 c.f. Phil.3:17).
Q.3. What destiny will help believers stand up under trials? How different will our heavenly experience be? – (Phil.3:20-21)
Israel was a promised an earthly territory that they will possess (c.f. Gen.15:18-21; Jer.33:6-26). God also has plans for the true Church. Paul reminded the Philippian believers that – our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (Phil.3:20). Paul described our hope of Heaven, as eminently worth patiently waiting for despite suffering since He –will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself (Phil.3:21). All our striving with our fallen nature will be gloriously over. Our future state is beyond our wildest dreams.