1. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 1 -The Point: Paul is describing mature believers. There are some things for each believer to pursue in this text. See what it might be for you. -The Assignment: Describe a mature believer according to this context. Describe an enemy of the cross of Christ according to this context. -The Memory Verse: Phil. 3:17

2. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 verse 15 2 What is the “therefore” there for? -It refers back to the thought that Paul isn’t perfect, and that is why he is pressing on toward the goal, not sulking in the past. Since this is the way things are, this is how every mature believer should think. -This attitude is a mark of maturity in a believer. -Paul is calling himself a mature believer -Paul is calling his audience to maturity as well.

3. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 verse 15 3 The second statement in verse 15 is difficult to understand and debatable as to what Paul is trying to say. Using the context for direction, we see that Paul is saying this… “If you start living another way, God will reveal this truth to you again.” -Maturity cannot be found in looking to the left, to the right (Prov. 4:25-27), or in reverse (Phil. 3:13): It may only be obtained through keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Heb. 12:2

4. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 verse 16 4 No matter how long you have had a relationship with Christ, wherever you are in your journey, verses 13-14 spell out the way you are to live. -Pressing forward toward perfection (never quitting) -Personal sanctification is a life-long process, not a one time decision. -When you stop pursuing sanctification, you cease to be a mature believer. -Mature believers are maturing believers. -TLH -Unity in the faith comes from each believer doing his part to grow, and pursue maturity together with other believers. -Eph. 4:11-13 How does this passage illustrate this concept?

5. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 verse 17 5 Paul asks his brethren to follow his example. What example? He says to note those who so walk as they are a pattern to follow. “Note” or “Mark” = 4648, skopeo = to consider, regard, to watch. This would be the equivalent of “marking” them with a marker so you can follow where they go and what they do.

6. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 verse 17 6 “You have us as a pattern” -Paul is not the only person that is mature in Christ, but he is one of them. -Just like following a pattern as you sew, we should be following after someone’s example of what it means to press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. -Mentoring relationships seem to be best initiated from the person that needs to follow. -Who can you follow as a pattern?

7. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 verse 18 7 This is a description of the carnal believer This is a description of the carnal believer as in I Cor. 3:1-3 -The opposite of walking in maturity is walking as “enemies of the cross of Christ.” -Rom. 8:7 The carnal mind is enmity against God. -The cross was God’s provision for fellowship between Him and us. If we are living our lives out of fellowship with God, we are walking contrary or as enemies of that cross.

8. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 verse 19 8 The carnal Christian described even more… -Their end is destruction. Destruction = 684, Apoleia = ruin or loss, physical, eternal, or spiritual. -This is talking about eternal destruction of the physical, and the spiritual aspects the earthly life a person lived. -This is not the physical destruction of the eternal life a person will live after death. -This is not saying that they will go to hell, but rather they will suffer the loss of what they have built throughout their lives, and it will be gone for all eternity.-TLH

9. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 verse 19 9 -Paul is not shy in telling the truth that the “life” lived by carnal Christians will go up in smoke. It will be utterly destroyed. Many Christians will have nothing, or very little, to show for their life, when it is tested by God’s fire. -I Cor. 3:11-15 -What will you have left after the “great fire,” based on this entire passage? -Their god is their belly. god = 2316, theos = Deity. This is the same word for God used throughout the New Testament.

10. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 verse 19 10 -They serve their selfish desires, not God and His desires. Exodus 20:1-3 -Their life will go up in flames when tested by the great fire because they live their lives according to what they desire and have not stored up treasure in heaven. Matt. 6:19-21. Instead they have built up a life full of wood, hay and stubble. -Give examples of wood, hay and stubble.

11. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 verse 19 11 -Their glory is in their shame. Glory = 1391, doxa = honor, praise worship. Shame = 152, aischros = shameful, filthy -The very things they should be ashamed of doing, thinking, and saying, are the very things they are pursuing with the zeal they are to be worshipping God with! -It seems that the carnal Christian (anyone not pursuing personal sanctification and living with Jesus as Lord) is being equated to an idol worshipper. The “idol” being worshiped is himself.

12. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 verse 19 12 -They set their mind on earthly things. -This is the opposite of maturity. -The carnal mind is focused on the things of this world. (Give some examples) -The mature mind is focused “forward” on heavenly things. (Give some examples) -What will you have left after the “great fire,” based on this entire passage?

13. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 verse 20 13 Christians have no business living a carnal life, because we are citizens of Heaven. -Being a citizen of Heaven gives us identity.-How? -Being a citizen of Heaven gives us purpose.-How? -Being a citizen of Heaven gives us motivation.-How?

14. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 verse 21 14 When we leave this life, through the rapture or through death, we will no longer have to struggle with “Maturity VS. Carnality.” -Jesus will give us a glorified body that will not be subject to carnal passions. -We will be totally focused upon Jesus. -We will be 100% mature (a goal unattainable on earth).

15. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 15 Conclusion: -Simply put, you can’t serve God and yourself; you have to pick one.

16. Philippians Chapter 3:15-21 16 Challenge: 1) Make it your life goal to be a mature believer. You now know that it is not a one time choice but a choice to be chosen over and over throughout your entire life.