Live Up to What You Know. Philippians 3:16. “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” Christians have different levels of maturity and should live up to the truth we understand. We are responsible for practicing the truth we already possess and staying open to continue learning. There is no reason for us to be proud of what we may have already achieved or what the Lord has done through us. Instead, we should ensure that our practice does not fall below the level of understanding we have “attained” to.
The truths and doctrines in the Bible are clearly stated and easy to understand for those willing to seek the truth, and then “buy the truth and sell it not.” The principles that guide our practices are taught to us by the Holy Spirit as He leads us into all truth. When we understand these things, it is our duty to walk in them in fellowship with God and His people. What we lack, we can learn from the word of God. When God's teachings become real to us, we should use them to strengthen the faith of our brothers and sisters, rather than judge them.
I know the results of sin; therefore, sin not I know the price the Lord paid – therefore forget not I know repentance must be real – therefore, pretend not I know one must turn to Christ alone – therefore, linger not
I know grace has provided salvation – therefore, work not I know faith in Christ works – therefore fear not I know the Spirit of God guides – therefore wait not I know the Word of God is true – therefore, doubt not
I know Christ is the Light – I now can see I know Christ is the only Way to heaven for me I know He is the Truth so that I can see I know He is the Life now and eternally
I know God saved me for a purpose – so I live for Him I know this world is doomed – until He reigns I know the devil attacks and tempts – I must not sin I know the flesh is deceptive – so never give in
I know the Spirit indwells and gives me power I know the Father hears me at any hour I know the Son is in our midst when we gather I know the Godhead is One and works together
I know my life is hid in Christ – so I must use it I know God gives gifts – so I dare not abuse it I know my soul is saved, so I can not lose it I know God’s will is right – so I must choose it
There are lots of things I’ve learned, some I have practiced It’s not enough to say I’m a Christian; I must act it By God’s grace, I want to live up to what I know If I do that, maybe more of Christ to others, I can show
Mature believers are not deceived into pursuing sinless perfection but rather moral growth. Sinless perfection is something for the future, not something we have now. Moral maturity is for today and requires discipline. Maturity in Christ means acting on what we know as the Holy Spirit guides us. We don't need to spend our lives searching for new doctrines or looking for the truth that's already been revealed. Instead, we should live up to the light we have and not just pass the time.
Perfection in growth is both necessary and attainable as we keep the highest Object in view. Spiritual "fathers" understand "Him that is from the beginning." Mature believers are ready to pay any price in response to God's desire for them because they "know Him," love Him, and value Him. Truth comes with its demands, and God reveals His truth to those willing to follow it. We can walk in unity with saints as much as possible, trusting God to show us what we need to learn and do. That orderly walk is maintained when we obey the "same rule" and "mind (obey) the same thing."