Patterns That We Set

A small study of Philippians 3:13-21; 4:1-13

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Philippians 3:13-21  Amplified Bible (AMP):

“…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you. ¹⁶ Only let us stay true to what we have already attained.  ¹⁷ Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you. ¹⁸ For there are many, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you even with tears, who live as enemies of the cross of Christ [rejecting and opposing His way of salvation], ¹⁹ whose fate is destruction, whose god is their belly [their worldly appetite, their sensuality, their vanity], and whose glory is in their shame—who focus their mind on earthly and temporal things. ²⁰ But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; ²¹ who, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself, will [not only] transform [but completely refashion] our earthly bodies so that they will be like His glorious resurrected body.”  – Philippians 3:13-21     Amplified Bible (AMP)

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Philippians 3:13-21  Amplified Bible (AMP):
Forget the past and press on toward the goal
[v.13-15] “…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude.

[v.16-17] “…stay true to what we have already attained.
 “follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you. 

“live by the pattern we gave you”

A. Our Pattern As Enemies
[v.18-19] “many… live as enemies of the cross of Christ

[rejecting and opposing His way of salvation],
¹⁹ whose fate is destruction,
whose god is their belly

[their worldly appetite,
their sensuality,
their vanity], and

whose glory is in their shame—
who focus their mind on

earthly and
temporal things.

B. Our Pattern In Christ
[v.20-21] “But [we are different,
because] our citizenship is in heaven.
And from there we eagerly await
[the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;
²¹ who, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself,
will [not only] transform [but completely refashion] our earthly bodies
so that they will be like His glorious resurrected body.”

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A small study of Philippians 4:1-13  Amplified Bible (AMP): “Therefore…

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In this way stand firm in the Lord

Stand Firm in the Lord
[v.1] “in this way stand firm in the Lord

[v.4-9]
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always
[delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice!

What We Are To Be
⁵ Let your gentle spirit
[your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience]
be known to all people.

The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious or worried about anything,
but in everything
[every circumstance and situation]
by prayer and petition
with thanksgiving,
continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.

⁷ And the peace of God
[that peace which reassures the heart,
that peace] which transcends all understanding,
[that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
[is yours].

⁸ Finally, ^[b]believers,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect,
whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word,
whatever is pure and wholesome,
whatever is lovely and brings peace,
whatever is admirable and of good repute;
if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise,

think continually on these things
[center your mind on them, and
implant them in your heart].

⁹ The things which you have learned
and received
and heard
and seen in me,
practice these things [in daily life],
and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being
will be with you.

I have learned to be content

Learn To Be Content
[v.11-13]
“I have learned to be content
[and self-sufficient
through Christ,

satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy]
regardless of my circumstances.

¹² I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times],
and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity.

The Secret of Facing Life
In any and every circumstance
I have learned the secret [of facing life],
whether well-fed or going hungry,
whether having an abundance or being in need.

In Christ’s sufficiency
I am ready for anything
and equal to anything

¹³ I can do all things
[which He has called me to do]
through Him who strengthens and empowers me
[to fulfill His purpose—
I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency;

I am ready for anything
and equal to anything
through Him
who infuses me with
inner strength
and
confident peace.]