Philippians 3:15-19
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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS
Paul Refutes the False Teaching of Lawlessness
BACKGROUND NOTES
DOCTRINAL POINT(S)
Spiritually mature believers do not modify Christian doctrine.
Spiritually mature believers do not abuse Christian liberty.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Let’s keep in step together.
What kind of a person would a new Christian be if he/she imitated me?
QUESTIONS
List the three primary concerns of Paul when he wrote this epistle.
What does it mean that spiritually mature believers do not modify Christian doctrine?
What does it mean that spiritually mature believers do not abuse Christian liberty?
What is anti-nomianism? How does Paul deal with it?
ANSWERS
a. to thank them for the gift they had sent him b. to deal with the growing problem of disunity within the church c. to deal with the danger of false teaching
That believers are not to change doctrine that they do not understand, but to wait on God to reveal truth. They must live up to the content of faith that they understand and wait for God to give further insight into what is not yet understood.
Christians are not to use their liberty as an excuse for sin, but as servants of God. The ungodly false teachers have unrestrained physical appetites, living only for self and using the ministry for their personal gain.
It is known as liberalism or lawlessness – doing whatever you please. Paul dealt with this by warning the Philippians against such distorted ideas, and to set their minds on things above. He warned them not to abuse their Christian liberty.
DISCUSS/CONSIDER
How is walking together as believers a safeguard?
Discuss Philippians 3:17, and how it could impact your life.
CHALLENGE
Paul could say to believers to follow his example. Can you say the same? What would someone be like if he/she followed your example?
KEY VERSES
“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” Philippians 3:17