Note: Devotion taken from last Sunday's sermon on Philippians 3:15-21.
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained,
let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing (Philippians 3:16).
When Paul writes to the Philippians, his spiritual children in the faith (see Acts 16),
he positively encourages them to follow his apostolic example: “Brethren, be
followers together of me…” (Phil 3:17).
He also
negatively warns them against false teachers, whom he calls, “the enemies of
the cross of Christ” (3:18).
Overall, Paul
exhorts, “Let us walk [conduct ourselves in the Christian life] by the same
rule, let us mind the same thing” (3:16).
There is an
orderly way to live one’s life and a disorderly way.
In general,
we need clear rules, standards, and guidelines in life. Take away the rules of
driving (driving on the right side, lane markers, signs, speed limits, etc.)
and getting anywhere will be chaotic and even life threatening. So too would
our spiritual lives be without the rule of God’s Word.
This is why Paul urges the saints to
walk “by the same rule.” The word for “rule” translates the Greek word kanon,
from which the English word “canon” comes. As a theological term is related to
the proper books received into our Scriptures.
Here, however, the term “rule” refers
simply to right belief and right praxis (practice) in the Christian life.
This means, first, that we live according
to orthodox (right-believing) Christian doctrine. Jude wrote that we should “earnestly
contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).
This means, among other things, that
we believe in the Trinity, the deity of the Lord Jesus, his atoning death, his
glorious resurrection, and the second coming.
It also means living according to
orthodox Christian praxis.
This includes obedience to these
commands, among others: Love God. Love your neighbor as yourself. Do to others
as you would have them do to you. Love the brethren. Keep the moral law of God.
Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together. Pray without ceasing.
If we have no authoritative and common
rule, we will have chaos and danger.
Therefore, brethren, let us walk by
the same rule.
Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle
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