1. Paul is looking ahead
almost more than anything, this passage is characterized by verbs. (make a list)
what paul is in the present is shaped by his goals, not by his accomplishments
2. Paul is consistent in encouraging community
as christians, we are supposed to be looking around for:
- encouragement
- example
watch out for error!
this passage (the chapter) seems to be a chiastic
after beginning with a paradox of sorts (rejoice, but watch out), we finish with:
watch out, and remember who you are and what you have - this is a segue into the next idea...
if you are going to combat error, truth is necessary
there seems to be a deepening of what 'rejoice' can mean as he explains who we are as christ's own
3. Paul clearly knows who he is (and who we are) in Christ.
"Christ Jesus has made me his own"
"those of us who are mature"
"our citizenship is in heaven"
the power that makes everything subject to christ will make our lowly selves to be like christ in his glory!
1. Is your life characterized by verbs? (are you looking ahead or backwards, complaining, excusing?)
2. keeping our eyes on those who walk biblically (the excellent apostolic example).
3. take heart. paul learned during his lifetime...as will you.
this christian life is a process - we are on our way to being citizens in heaven, but we aren't there yet.