Transformed: Philippians 3:15-16
“15) Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16) however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.” Philippians 3:15-16
The word translated “perfect” might better be translated as “mature” or “completed.” The idea is fully embracing and living out the benefits of being “in Christ” to the point of living a transformed life.
This is not a static life or a life in neutral. It is fully embracing and living out Christ-likeness. It means that the Holy Spirit has transformed you into a new person. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17) The old life is gone and the new life has come.
The word “attitude” is much deeper than an emotion or feeling. It includes a new mindset, will and moral composition.
The Holy Spirit actively works to change us into a new person. Being born-again involves a metamorphosis in our life. Faith in Jesus Christ affects body, soul and spirit.
Though this is a process, we can arrive at functional maturity in this life as Christians. We are to stop making excuses, going backward or living double minded. We are to press on and reach upward.
In this chapter, Paul contrasts his old life of legalism and self-righteousness to his new life “in Christ.” His new life was filled with faith, grace, agape love, hope and power. He had become a new man through the inner working of the Holy Spirit.
Becoming a Christian is the starting point of a new and transforming journey. The possibilities of growth and change are unfashionable. It is exemplified by the transition from Saul to Paul. Every believer should have a similar story!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“15) Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16) however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.” Philippians 3:15-16
The word translated “perfect” might better be translated as “mature” or “completed.” The idea is fully embracing and living out the benefits of being “in Christ” to the point of living a transformed life.
This is not a static life or a life in neutral. It is fully embracing and living out Christ-likeness. It means that the Holy Spirit has transformed you into a new person. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17) The old life is gone and the new life has come.
The word “attitude” is much deeper than an emotion or feeling. It includes a new mindset, will and moral composition.
The Holy Spirit actively works to change us into a new person. Being born-again involves a metamorphosis in our life. Faith in Jesus Christ affects body, soul and spirit.
Though this is a process, we can arrive at functional maturity in this life as Christians. We are to stop making excuses, going backward or living double minded. We are to press on and reach upward.
In this chapter, Paul contrasts his old life of legalism and self-righteousness to his new life “in Christ.” His new life was filled with faith, grace, agape love, hope and power. He had become a new man through the inner working of the Holy Spirit.
Becoming a Christian is the starting point of a new and transforming journey. The possibilities of growth and change are unfashionable. It is exemplified by the transition from Saul to Paul. Every believer should have a similar story!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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