Philippians 3:15-17

Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to an example you have in us.

If I could sum up these verses into one statement Iwould say "Faith in Future Grace."

Paul is showing us by example how we are to interact with other believers and especially those who may be younger in their faith. The example he shows is a humble Christian. Paul is obviously very mature in his faith; he is an Apostle. And yet, he is very humble. He humbles himself by trusting in God. Paul looks on the cross and knows that he does not deserve anything except Hell. He sees Christ dieing for his sins and the result is that Paul has no pride; no boastfulness in himself; the result: Paul trusts God and meets the younger believers where they are at and softly says, "if you have any other convictions other than those that I have just said, God will reveal those to you." Paul doesn't hold his maturity in the faith as a status, but rather he is humble. Paul also says in Romans that anything that does not proceed from faith is sin. Therefore, Paul does not want the Philippians to follow him for the sake of following him. It must be done out of faith, otherwise it is sin.

How can Paul be so content, so calm, so relaxed when these young believers aren't living a life of stronger faith or more boldness? He is content in Christ. He trusts God, not himself. He has faith in future grace.

Does Paul stop there? Does he simply say, God will do it, let's go home? No! He takes a step of faith and challenges the Philippians by saying, "Imitate me!" But what about the context? I think the context points to the idea that this is not about Paul. It is about fellowship. Paul wants the young believers to be around strong believers because Paul knows that you will become more like those who you hang out with.

My question for the group: Do you catch yourself thinking your faith is stronger or better or you are "further along" or have "gone through that" or think that others are prideful? If you do (we are all guilty of this - it's our nature) then you are not trusting enough. It is a lack of faith in God that we look on others and puff ourselves up. I am talking specifically about how we view ourselves in relation to others. You know what? That is simple a works based salvation attitude - we are measuring ourselves one to another. Paul's example - he trusts God and not himself and the result is a humble attitude and the effect it has on life is that he loves people. He is contenet in Christ and loves people. he has no pride; he just wants to see these young Christians grow and at all times he gives God the glory. How are we doing?