Philippians 3:16

Philippians 3:16 serves as a crucial exhortation within Paul's letter, urging believers to maintain consistency in their Christian walk and unity in their spiritual outlook. It follows Paul's passionate declaration of his own pursuit of Christ-likeness and his rejection of reliance on human achievement, emphasizing that while perfection is the ultimate goal, a certain level of spiritual attainment requires continued adherence to established principles.

Context

This verse is nestled in a highly significant chapter where Paul contrasts his spiritual journey with both legalistic self-righteousness (Philippians 3:2-11) and worldly indulgence (Philippians 3:18-19). Having just spoken of "pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14), Paul transitions to address those who have already made progress in their faith. He encourages them not to become complacent but to continue walking according to the spiritual truths they have embraced. Verse 15 suggests that those who are "perfect" (mature) will have this mindset, and verse 16 then provides the practical instruction for maintaining that maturity and unity within the church.

Key Themes

• Spiritual Consistency and Progress: The phrase "whereto we have already attained" acknowledges that believers have reached a certain level of spiritual understanding and maturity. The call is then to continue living in accordance with that progress, not to regress or stagnate. It's about maintaining a steadfast commitment to Christian principles.
• Unity in Belief and Practice: The repeated emphasis on "the same rule" and "the same thing" underscores Paul's deep concern for unity within the Philippian church. This isn't just about doctrinal agreement but also about a shared mindset and consistent behavior that reflects their common faith in Christ. This echoes earlier calls for believers to be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
• Adherence to a Spiritual Standard: The "rule" (`kanon` in Greek) refers to a standard, a measuring line, or a guiding principle. For Christians, this rule is the gospel of Jesus Christ and the ethical demands of living according to His teachings and example. It implies a consistent pattern of life guided by divine truth, not human traditions or fluctuating feelings.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "rule" is kanon (κανών), from which we get our word "canon." It literally means a straight rod, a measuring line, or a standard. In this context, it refers to the standard of Christian conduct and doctrine that Paul has been teaching. The phrase "mind the same thing" comes from the Greek verb phroneo (φρονέω), which means to think, to have a certain mindset, attitude, or purpose. This emphasizes a shared spiritual outlook and purpose among believers, reflecting a unity of thought and intention.

Practical Application

Philippians 3:16 calls believers to a disciplined and unified walk of faith. For us today, it means:

1. Don't Be Complacent: Whatever spiritual progress you have made, continue to live consistently with it. Don't assume you've "arrived" and cease striving for more of Christ.
2. Strive for Unity: Within the body of Christ, seek to have a common understanding of fundamental truths and a shared purpose in living out the gospel. This involves humility and a willingness to put the needs of others and the church before personal preferences.
3. Walk by the Gospel: Let the teachings of Christ and the apostles be your unchanging standard for life and doctrine. This "rule" provides stability and direction in a world of shifting values. Just as Paul urged believers to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, this verse reinforces the importance of consistent Christian conduct.