Philippians 3:15-21: 5 Day Devotional

Day 1: Striving for Spiritual Maturity
Paul emphasizes that every Christian is called to grow spiritually and mature in their faith. This involves pressing on towards the goal of becoming more like Christ, even though we have not yet achieved perfection. Spiritual growth requires deliberate effort and a clear understanding of our goals in Christ. Paul acknowledges that he has not yet achieved perfection but is pressing on towards the goal of becoming more like Christ. He encourages all Christians to adopt this mindset, striving for spiritual maturity and growth. This process involves setting clear goals, learning from good examples, and being aware of mistakes to avoid.

Ephesians 4:13-15 (ESV): "Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to grow in your spiritual maturity and become more like Christ?


Day 2: The Power of Spiritual Examples
Paul highlights the importance of having good spiritual examples to follow. He urges believers to imitate those who walk according to Christ's example and to be aware of the mistakes of those who oppose the walk of Christ. Good examples provide a model for living a Christ-centered life. Paul uses the Greek word "telios" to describe maturity, meaning the goal or completion of a thing. For Christians, the goal is to become more like Christ, which requires deliberate effort and discipleship.

Hebrews 13:7 (ESV): "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."

Reflection: Who in your life exemplifies a Christ-centered life? How can you intentionally learn from their example this week?


Day 3: The Importance of Discipleship
Discipleship involves learning to follow Christ and disciplining our lives according to His pattern. Paul assures believers that God desires to be close to them and will reveal more of Himself as they draw near to Him. This process requires resisting the devil, cleansing our hands, and purifying our hearts. Paul emphasizes the importance of discipleship, which involves learning to follow Christ and disciplining our lives according to His pattern. He assures believers that God desires to be close to them and will reveal more of Himself as they draw near to Him.

James 4:7-8 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Reflection: What areas of your life need more discipline to align with Christ's pattern? How can you start making those changes today?


Day 4: Imitating Mature Christians
Paul encourages believers to imitate mature Christians and learn from their examples. He stresses the importance of finding good examples within the church and warns against following those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Imitating mature Christians helps us grow in our faith and live according to Christ's teachings. Paul warns against the dangers of removing God from our lives, which leads to confusion and misguided values.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV): "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."

Reflection: Identify a mature Christian in your community. What specific qualities or habits do they exhibit that you can incorporate into your own life?


Day 5: The Call to Follow Christ
Paul reminds believers that the call to discipleship involves following Christ, enduring faithfully, and leaving behind our old way of life. This call is an upward call to life with Christ, both now and for eternity. True discipleship requires faithful endurance and a commitment to living according to Christ's example. Paul invites believers into a life with Christ, expecting growth and maturity. He highlights the power of spiritual examples, both good and bad, and urges believers to imitate those who walk according to Christ's example.

Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"

Reflection: What old habits or ways of life do you need to leave behind to fully follow Christ? How can you start making those changes today?