We turn to our scripture reading, which is Philippians chapter three. Turn with me in your Bibles or the Bible provided to Philippians chapter three, page 981. Reading verses one through 17. Once again, this is God's word. Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also, if anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more. Circumcised on the eighth day of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, as to the law, a Pharisee, as to zeal, a persecutor of the church, as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I count it as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own, But one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 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 the example you have in us. Sends the reading of God's word this evening. Let's pray again. Our dear gracious God in heaven, once again we turn to your word. We're thankful for that word, our God. We are thankful for the provision of your word and how you speak so very well to us by it, teaching us, directing our hearts, disciplining us, our Lord. And we pray, Father, that you would turn us toward Christ as we come to your word now read and proclaimed, and that by your Spirit at work among us, our God, you would enliven us to your ways, that we might have the same mind as our Savior Christ Jesus, our Lord. In his name we pray, amen. This evening with these words from the Apostle Paul, let us hold true together in our striving after the unity of the body as this congregation presses on toward the goal as Paul did. This evening we're pressing toward a consideration of verses 15 and 16 in the text before you that we read. where we see Paul uniquely encourage his dear Philippians to be of the same mind. But we need to get there first to these verses. And so let's just take a step back for just a moment or two. And when we do, we see that Paul makes known to the Philippians in chapter three that it is his supreme desire to know Christ fully. and in the end to attain unto the resurrection from the dead. Paul plainly makes this known, if you were to look at verses eight through 11 of what we read, and mind you, you probably want your Bibles open. I'm gonna be referencing a variety of texts at various times, and so you just sort of just wanna be right there ready, just from Philippians three, but just have it open just because I'm gonna be mentioning them a lot. Paul plainly makes this known, his desire in verses eight through 11. The resurrection from the dead is what he presses on toward. He presses on in the power of the resurrection of Christ, he says. He presses on by grace in Christ, in the fellowship of Christ's sufferings, he says, as he is being conformed to Christ's death. Forgetting the past as he described it in verses four through eight, putting it behind him, Paul embraces his present situation and emphasizes his present pursuit of his final goal in verses 12 through 16. And in verses 12 through 16, Paul clarifies himself. He does not want to be misunderstood. by the Philippians. He wants to remove any possible misunderstanding of what he just said in verses 8 through 11. Paul doesn't want the Philippians to misunderstand verses 8 through 11. Some may have thought he was teaching that he had reached perfection. So to clarify, he says, not that I've already obtained this. He has not reached perfection. Whatever others in Philippi might claim for themselves, he is not claiming that. Instead, Paul essentially says, I'm going to keep on pressing because the risen Christ has powerfully laid hold of me. Paul is saying, in effect, there is still progress to be made. I must press on. Only at the end of the race will I receive the full prize. To remove any possibility of misunderstanding, Paul makes it plain that he has not yet achieved his supreme goal of gaining Christ and the resurrection from the dead. Paul repeats this point in verse 12 and in verse 13. I do not consider that I have made it my own," or in the New American Standard, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet. He reemphasizes that he has not reached his final goal. He has one goal in view, that of finishing the race and winning the prize of the resurrection from the dead. He reemphasizes that he has not reached that goal. Now, these are not simply the words of a godly, zealous servant of Christ who's somewhat pessimistic about his own progress in the race. Rather, these words are grounded in the fact that any Christian who's united to Christ, as all are, and who is now being continuously conformed to his death, has not yet attained to the resurrection of the dead, verses 10 and 11. Only at the final day of resurrection will Paul, or any of us of course, have fully laid hold of the one who has laid hold of us. Paul strains every spiritual muscle to press on because he has not yet attained the resurrection. And he encourages, he exhorts by way of application, the Philippians to that same attitude, to that same mind, in verse 15, that we press on to, verse 16. But one thing I do, he says in verse 13, Paul strains to press on with singleness of purpose and concentration of effort He keeps running straight toward the goal, he writes to the Philippians. In verse 14, he says, I press on toward the goal for the prize. I press on straight toward the goal to win the prize. It is the vision of the end of the race that ever directs and speeds Paul's hastening feet, is how one commentator put it. You see, for Paul, the greatest reward is to know God in Christ fully and to be in perfect fellowship with Jesus, the risen and exalted Lord, the very one who has taken hold of Paul on the Damascus Road. And it is this prize that Paul wants the Philippians to grasp hold of as well. It is this prize that Paul wants you to grasp as well. the reality of running full on, straining every spiritual muscle, so to speak, the reality of running full on for the prize of the resurrection from the dead, the ultimate Christian hope. But as I'm sure you're all well aware, not all of the saints in Philippi have the same attitude that Paul has expressed here. Why else would he be writing about these things? Not all at Philippi are of the same mind. He presses them to that unity and to be of the same mind on more than one occasion. So now Paul wants to encourage his dear Philippians, his beloved congregation, in their progress in holiness, in what some call their fight for sanctification, in their pressing on toward the prize of the resurrection from the dead, specifically in order for them to have the same mind. So what does Paul do? Once again, and as he does elsewhere, Paul sets forth his own example. He uses his own example found in verses 12 through 14, applying those verses to the lives of the Philippians in verses 15 and 16, where we're getting to. Paul applies verses 12 to 14 to the church's life, that they, the Philippians, and that you might be of the same mind. What we have here in verses 15 and 16, and for several verses that follow, is something of Paul's application of verses 12 through 14, his example, to the lives of the Philippians, and of course, this is also the application to the church for all ages. Paul has just finished telling us about his personal story, that's what he does there in verses 12 through 14, with a passionate declaration of his pursuit of the prize, knowing Christ fully, knowing him completely. But Paul then turns to apply his experience in Christ, his example in Christ to the situation of the Philippians, to the situation in Philippi in verses 15 and 16. And for the remainder of our time together this evening, then we're going to take a closer look at the details and the meaning of those verses, verses 15 and 16. Let's take a closer look at those verses now. And for the sake of clarity, verses 15 and 16 can be approached in three parts. Firstly, there is the direct application. Let those of us who are mature think this way or have this attitude. Secondly, Paul qualifies this application when he says, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. And thirdly, he returns to the application, only let us hold true to what we have attained. Or, listen to it in the King James, let us walk by the same rule. or in the New American Standard, however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Now, I read those two other texts, those two other translations, the King James and the New American Standard in particular, to give you a sense of the difference with the ESV. The ESV says only let us hold true to what we have attained. The New American Standard says let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. I actually don't think the ESV quite captures Paul's sense here. There's more to the verse, I think, than just simply saying, let us hold true. Let me suggest this is what I think is being said here. In any case, whatever we have already attained unto, let us conform to the same, let us live or walk by the same standard together. And we'll come back to that in a bit. So let's first of all look at part one or that first part where Paul begins his application in verses 15 and 16 by urging the Philippians to have this mindset, this attitude, the very one revealed in Paul's own personal story. Then by way of application in part two, Paul indicates that God will make plain to them where their mindset or their attitude might need an additional help or correction on matters not mentioned, most likely minor issues. But then Paul concludes in part three by returning once again to that application. So it's application, qualification, return to application. Now through terms specifically regarding the Philippians' behavior in their living up to what has already been revealed. which they already know about, full well. Paul's already taught them about these things, about rejoicing in the Lord, even in present suffering, which conforms them to Christ's death. He's already taught them to live in the present as those in eager pursuit of the final and ultimate prize, the resurrection from the dead. So Paul gives them application, that's the first part. Then he qualifies that application, that's the second part. And then finally he returns to that application in the third part. So verses 15 and 16 in these three parts. Paul's bringing to bear all that he has been writing to this beloved congregation of Philippi. He is bringing these things to home, so to speak. to this congregation by applying what he has said about himself to the church. He's making relevant his situation in Christ to their situation. And so the apostle now begins to apply specifically his example, verses 12 through 14, to the situation of the Philippians in Philippi. Firstly, it is as though Paul is saying, as a result of what I've been writing to you, Let us now hear the application. This is the application pure and simple, such that he even includes himself. The application applies to him. Let those of us, he says, who are mature, or in some translations, perfect. This is his way of including himself when the exhortation applies equally to him as to them. With these words, the apostle draws himself into the application and into the exhortation. But the question can be asked, how can Paul include himself among the mature or the perfect in verse 15 when he has just stated in verse 12 that he's not become perfect? It's a valid question. I think verse 15 refers to the spiritually mature, while verse 12 refers to that perfection which occurs at the consummation. the completion of the ages at the resurrection from the dead. Paul includes himself here among the spiritually mature very much like he includes himself among the strong we might say in Romans 15. But Paul's point here is not to exclude some among the Philippians. His point is to draw all of the church into this group of spiritually mature so that we might be able to identify ourselves with this description. He wants all the saints there to be qualified by this language of being the mature. Paul's exhortation here is quite simple. The Apostle simply wants his dear saints, he loved the Philippians, he wants the Philippians to desire after having the same attitude, the same mind that he has. That attitude which presses toward the final goal. Have this attitude. What attitude? that which includes most of what precedes this verse, including chapter 2, verses 1 through 11, have this attitude which was also in Christ Jesus. but it specifically has in view Paul's participation in Christ's sufferings by being conformed to his death and his eager pursuit, his pressing on toward the resurrection of the dead. That's the prize. That's the prize, the resurrection of the dead. He wants God's people, especially the Philippians, but he wants all of God's people hereafter to press on to that goal. But then Paul makes a qualification. It's kind of like he's going all out and he's like, but hold on a sec, now I gotta say this. And it might take us a little bit by surprise in this second point. And if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Essentially, and if in anything you have a different attitude this to God will make plain to you. What? Now is Paul backing away from what he just said? Well, if you don't agree, don't worry about it. Not at all. Paul's already expressed his desire for the Philippians to be mature by having the same attitude, having the same mind, and the same goals that he has. He urges here, he urges them to press on. Adding that if there were any inconsistencies, any inadequacies we could say in their Christian outlook, that God himself would make it clear to them as well. Back in chapter 1 verse 6 of this letter, Paul wrote about the one who had begun a good work in their lives by graciously opening their eyes to understand that God may be relied upon to finish His work in them by His grace working in them. And so let's not misunderstand this second point, disqualification. Don't think that Paul regards his teaching as a matter of indifference. You know, if I'm teaching, you don't agree, don't worry about it. That's not what he's saying here. You can take it or leave it. That's not what he's saying. The point is not that in these qualifying words. Neither is the Apostle being smug, saying something along the lines of, well, if you don't think the way I do, God's going to certainly straighten you out. Paul is concerned here that we have the right attitude of mind. He presses this point throughout the letter. I've already said this, have the same mind which was in Christ Jesus, to be of the same mind. Paul is concerned that we have that right attitude of mind with one another and with him. He wants to encourage the saints within this overall point of view. On the one hand, Paul is exhorting us to follow his example, that should be clear enough in verse 17, join in imitating me. On the other hand, this is an exhortation wherein Paul assumes the Philippians may not see eye-to-eye on all matters. None of us has that experience now, do we? That they may not see eye-to-eye on all matters. And then moving on to the third point, Paul says, only let, or in any case, or nevertheless, returning to the application of verse 16. He doesn't reflect upon that what minor differences of opinion that might exist among them. These things should not be a hindrance to their unities, is the suggestion. They should not divide them or cause ill will among them, but he continues by emphasizing what is to Paul of great importance, unity of mind in Christ. Having written so plainly about the Philippians' attitude, verse 15, having written to us about our attitude, he now continues by urging you with the Philippians to move forward together. in accordance with that which you hold true, to the same rule or the same standard that they have already attained and followed." What Paul is doing here in this last portion of verses 15 and 16 is what any good pastor would or should do. He urges the saints to live consistently within the guidelines for Christian living that he has already taught them in this letter. And when he first brought them the gospel, recognizing that there may be differences of opinion among the Philippians, and even with his own teachings on minor issues, Paul still presses the saints to march in line together. The emphasis is on the unity of the body. This is where I think it's helpful to look at those other translations. That phrase, hold true, in the ESV, comes from a word with a military nuance, some commentators tell us. It's translated, as I said earlier in the King James, as walk by the same rule. In the New American Standard, living by the same standard. The word has the sense of marching in step with one another, to march in line together, to press on together, to move forward together. And so Paul is urging you to move forward in unity, even if there are minor areas of disagreement among you. Now, I don't know that, but I know that's what the body of Christ is like. And sometimes those things that are little become big, and shouldn't be. Paul urges the Philippians to move forward together. Remember Juodi and Syntyche? They don't get along, and he urges them to be together. Have this same mind which was in you in Christ Jesus our Lord. Back to chapter two, Paul urges them to move forward in unity, even if there are minor areas of disagreement. God will work that out in the end, he says. The whole community of believers should move forward together. These things should not be a problem for the body of Christ, bound together by the Spirit, he says. and you're to work hard at it. He tells the Ephesians to be eager about it. To press on together in the same path is the language he is using. It's hard work, isn't it? To walk in file, to keep in step, one with another. One commentator put it this way, it's like climbing a sandy mountain. We slip back almost as much as we go forward. Our work goes on well for a while and then we get weary. The Christian life becomes very tiresome. But there is one thing to do, and that is to keep going on the same path, moving forward together. We should move forward, forgetting the things of the past that are behind us, pressing forward together in unity, not letting petty, silly things divide us, pressing forward together in Christ unto the resurrection of our bodies. That's the goal. That's having the same mind. as Paul. That's what he's applying to the Philippians and to the church henceforth. Together you are to desire Christ, to know him in the fellowship of his sufferings. A desire to know is the unifying mark of those who are spiritually mature to know Christ. for those who have begun to grow spiritually to know Christ. Yes, Paul acknowledges that in various other areas you may not yet see things the same way, but he assures you if the Lord has brought you to a common mind about Jesus Christ, he will, by his grace, progressively bring you to a common mind about the other things as well. As you press on together, those who are mature in Christ, will be characterized by a wholehearted pursuit of fellowship with Christ, which looks to the future, pressing on to the final goal and the power of the resurrection. And in the end, what the apostle exhorting you unto, what he is exhorting us to, is that even though you may not have arrived at that perfect understanding, who has, of the gospel or perfect knowledge of Christ, this isn't going to happen. Shall be clothed with power and incorruption. Though we endure shame for Jesus' sake. Wonderful knowledge you already have of the gospel. For the spiritually mature will press on in those things. And Paul wants you to be mature. You're called to receive the prize of the full knowledge of Christ and fellowship with Him. You know Him already. So tell me, how can you ease up and now in the race that is set before you? We become tired. As I said earlier, tiresome. Christian life is painful. It's long, or at least it feels long. Give up. We fall back. How can we ease up on the race now though? How can you become bench sitters instead of runners? How can we slow down our pursuit and our pressing on? I stress this as Paul does. How can you slow down in your pressing on together in unity? May it never be. Hear the apostle's exhortation to press on together in Christ, being conformed to Christ's sufferings. Yeah, that means it's hard. And trust him at his word, dear saints of God, that he will indeed turn your hearts toward one another in Christ, that you would press on together in the power of the resurrection. and in the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to Christ's death so that you will, you will attain unto the resurrection from the dead together. It will be together. Let's pray. Our Father in heaven, Lord, you encourage us in so many and various ways in the unity of the body, the beloved unity of the body of Jesus Christ. And we know that so often in various ways our God, either our weakness of flesh, the sin that is overt, gets in the way of things like that. I pray that is not the case here, Lord. But Father in heaven, we know that there are challenges in every body. So we pray, our God in heaven, that this congregation would press on together, marching in line together by the same standard, having the same mind as is in Christ Jesus our Lord. That same goal of the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting. that among the people here of this congregation, oh Lord, your name would be honored and glorified as a witness to the world around of a body that loves one another and shines forth that love through the unity, bond of fellowship in this body. May it be so, Lord, we pray, as we ask in Jesus' name.