Contrasting Ends

Paul began this section with a call to rejoice in the Lord, 3:1. In the verses before us now we reach the summit of his case. On the way he has warned of dangers, firstly the self-righteous legalists and then the self serving libertarians, contrasted with the wonderful truth of justification 3:9 and the desire for sanctification 3:10-17, the desire to progress 3:12 and his declaration, vs 14 “I press towards the mark of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ.” In verse 17 he calls on us to “be followers of me.” This is in stark contrast to the enemies of the cross of Christ who are going in the opposite direction.