Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded… I. ITS SIGNS. 1. A base esteem of worldly privileges and honours (ver. 7). 2. A. forgetting of the past and an earnest pressing towards the prize (vers. 12-13). 3. A desire for the coming of Christ, such as banishes the fear of death. 4. Sweet communion with Christ and boldness of access without fear of God's presence or judgment. 5. Stability amidst either prosperity or adversity. 6. Experience in finding out Satan's devices, whereas a beginner, for want of experience and practice, runs, ere he is aware, into many offences, and looks for no remedy. 7. Strength to stand against the bitter blasts and oppositions of the world. Nothing could move Paul or separate him from the love of Christ, but immature Christians are shaken or blown away. 8. Endurance of the infirmities of others (Galatians 6:1). 9. Knowledge of particular wants, and hence a seeking after further supplies of grace. 10. Ability and endeavour to beget other Christians. It is the property of a grown creature to beget its like. A weak Christian has enough to do to look to himself. II. ITS MEANS. 1. We must know the order. We must first grow in fundamental graces, for we water not leaves but the root of our plants. When root graces are diligently cherished, works, like leaves, will soon put forth. 2. Whatsoever we do we must do it with the best advantage, labouring to practise as many graces as we can. 3. We must not neglect little things, small occasions of doing good, or beginnings of evil. 4. We must keep our affections to holy exercises and means, and consider what will fit our disposition when indisposed. Are we dull in prayer? Then read. If that will not be endured, use communion of saints. III. ITS MOTIVES — Consider — 1. The privilege of a perfect Christian (Psalm 46:5). 2. The beautiful example he sets, so as to make others in love with religion. 3. The glory he secures for God. 4. The close communion he has with Christ. 5. His blessed reward. (R. Sibbes, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. |
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