 Verses 3:12-16…  Surely, if anyone could boast of “having it made” spiritually, it was Paul.  One rule [with two parts] governed Paul’s race toward the crown of eternal life:  Forget the things that are behind.  Reach forward to the things ahead. Philippians – Christ In The Church Lesson 7

 Verses 3:12-16…  One motive helped him to persevere.  As many as were mature would recognize the divine wisdom in Paul’s instructions about “keeping on keeping on.”  Spiritual immaturity might render some temporarily unable to see the value of perseverance.  God deals with people as they are and works to bring them to where He wants them to be. Philippians – Christ In The Church Lesson 7

 Verses 3:17-21…  There would be two classes of teachers who now or later would seek to influence the Philippians with their teaching: sound teachers and false teachers.  Paul himself was certainly a teacher whom less-dedicated church members could imitate in this matter of persevering toward heaven.” Philippians – Christ In The Church Lesson 7

 Verses 3:17-21…  There were other members and/or other teachers among them who would also serve as good examples of constancy.  Other teachers and their disciples were guilty of setting examples that must not be followed.  Who were these enemies of the cross?  These pretenders were not friends but enemies of the cross, and they must not be allowed to deceive struggling disciples. Philippians – Christ In The Church Lesson 7

 Verses 3:17-21…  In contrast, Paul’s attention was devoted to heavenly, not earthly things.  Paul’s example was very different from the example set by these false and dangerous teachers. Philippians – Christ In The Church Lesson 7