June 25 2026

Thursday June 25

"Keep Growing, Keep Walking"

Philippians 3:15-16

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat:  Today we continue our study in Philippians chapter 3 as we come to verses 15 and 16. After sharing his own testimony of pressing toward the goal, Paul now turns from speaking about himself to encouraging every believer. He writes: "Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind."  These two verses teach us an important truth about the Christian life. We are to keep growing, but we are also to keep walking. God wants us to continue maturing spiritually while faithfully living up to the truth He has already taught us.

At first glance, Paul's words may seem a little surprising. In verse 12 he said he was "not already perfect," yet here in verse 15 he speaks of those who are "mature." Is Paul contradicting himself? Not at all. In verse 12, the word perfect means to be complete or to have reached the finish line. Paul says, "I haven't arrived yet." But in verse 15, the word mature refers to someone who is spiritually grown up. Paul is saying, "Those who are spiritually mature should have this attitude." What attitude?

The attitude he has just described in verses 12 through 14—the attitude of never becoming satisfied with our spiritual condition, always pressing forward to know Christ more fully. The truly mature Christian never believes he has arrived. The mature believer never stops growing. The mature believer is always pressing on. Someone wisely said, "The surest sign of spiritual maturity is realizing how much more there is to learn." That seems opposite of human thinking. We often assume mature Christians have learned everything. In reality, the closer we walk with Christ, the more we realize how much we still need Him.

Think about the Apostle Peter. When Jesus first called him, Peter was full of confidence in himself. He boldly declared, "Though all men shall be offended because of You, yet will I never be offended." Only hours later, he denied the Lord three times. But years later, after decades of walking with Christ, Peter humbly wrote: "Grow in the grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18) Peter never stopped growing. Neither did Paul. Neither should we.

Notice Paul says, "Let us...have this mind." Christian maturity is not measured merely by how much Bible knowledge we possess. It is measured by our attitude toward spiritual growth. Are we still teachable? Are we still hungry for God's Word? Do we desire to know Christ more deeply this year than we did last year?

Sadly, many believers stop growing—not because they stop attending church—but because they become comfortable. They become satisfied with yesterday's walk with God instead of pursuing Him today. Paul reminds us that mature believers are lifelong learners.

Then he adds something very encouraging: "And if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you." Notice Paul's patience. He doesn't argue harshly with believers who have not yet understood these truths. Instead, he trusts the Holy Spirit to teach them. This reminds us that we cannot force spiritual growth in another person's life. Only God can open hearts. Only God can bring conviction. Only God can illuminate His Word. Our responsibility is to faithfully teach the truth. God's responsibility is to apply that truth to the heart.

Then Paul continues in verse 16: "Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind." In other words, while we continue growing, we must faithfully obey what we already know. Don't wait until you understand the entire Bible before obeying the part you already understand. Jesus said in John 13:17: "If you know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." Knowledge without obedience produces spiritual pride. Obedience produces spiritual growth. God usually gives us enough light for the next step—not the next hundred. Psalm 119:105 reminds us: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Notice, it is a lamp to our feet. God leads us one step at a time.

Paul says, "Let us walk by the same rule." The word walk speaks of our daily conduct and manner of life. Christianity is not merely believing the right doctrines; it is living them. The word rule originally referred to a measuring line or standard. God's Word is the standard by which we live. We don't measure ourselves by the culture. We don't compare ourselves with other Christians. We measure our lives by God's truth.

Finally, Paul says, "Let us be of the same mind." As believers grow together in obedience to God's Word, unity naturally follows. God desires a church that is united—not around personalities or preferences—but around Christ and His truth. My friend, don't become discouraged because you haven't arrived spiritually. None of us has. Just keep growing. Keep learning. Keep obeying. Keep walking. As you faithfully obey the truth God has already given you, He will continue revealing more of Himself and His will for your life. Remember spiritual maturity is not measured by how much we know, but by how faithfully we live what we know. Keep growing, and keep walking with Jesus every day.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You that You never stop working in our lives. Keep us humble, teachable, and hungry for Your Word. Help us never to become spiritually complacent, but to continue growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Give us hearts that are quick to obey the truth You have already shown us. May we walk faithfully according to Your Word, encourage one another in the faith, and press on until the day we see Jesus face to face. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!