“All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained” (Philippians 3:15-16).
Paul wants us to agree with everything he has just taught about Jesus and the truth he has lived out as an example. This is a bottom line for every Christian, to know Christ and have his way of thinking.
Then Paul says something very interesting when he uses the phrase, “Those of you who are mature.” It is the word “teleios” which is often translated “perfect.” It doesn’t mean faultless but it means “mature.” It refers not to our perfection but to our spiritual growth. In a sense it means that all of us are still growing and that the more we grow the more we will understand.
As we grow spiritually there are things we may not understand yet but “God will make it clear to you.” We are all believers but there are things we may not yet understand. As we grow God will make more and more things clear to us.
In a church we have believers at different stages of growth. What of those who don’t understand some things yet. God will make things clear. There is room in the body of Christ for those who don’t understand things the way we do. We have all trusted Jesus and are believers because we have trusted Jesus for our salvation. But we each have room to grow. As we grow our understanding will increase. Continuing to grow in our understanding means that we will think differently as we understand more. It’s part of growing up spiritually.
When Paul says, “Live up to” he uses “stoicheia.” It means to walk in line; to move in a disciplined formation. Paul recognizes that even though Christians are on the same path we are at different places along the way. “Stoicheia” keeps us from living as though we are completely on our own. We don’t have to know everything to act on what we do know.
We are all learning and growing. Our goal is clear and we are on the same path. We want to know Him, the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering. We are each looking to the resurrection of the dead. Be willing to grow and gain understanding along the way. It will totally change our behavior. As we walk together as believers give God room, as Paul did, to increase our understanding both for ourselves and other believers.
