Note 7 at Phil. 3:15: Paul had just said in verse 12 that he wasn't already perfect. Now he speaks of those who are perfect and puts himself in that number. The answer to this apparent paradox lies in the meaning of the word "perfect." As stated in note 2 at verse 12, p. 1170, "perfect" can mean "spiritually mature" or it can mean "without defect, flawless." In verse 12 Paul used the word "perfect" to say that he wasn't flawless or without defect. In this verse, Paul is speaking of being spiritually mature, which he was. The NKJV and the NIV translate this verse substituting the word "mature" for the KJV's "perfect." The Amplified Bible says, "spiritually mature and full grown."

Note 8 at Phil. 3:15: The "mind" that Paul admonished us to have was the single-mindedness he described in verse 13 (see note 4 at v. 13, p. 1170).

Note 9 at Phil. 3:15: This is a great promise! One of the concerns of many Christians is, "How can I know I'm thinking and acting properly?" This promise gives the answer. If we seek the Lord with a pure heart and singleness of purpose as Paul described in these verses, then the Lord has obligated Himself to show us anything that needs to change. In other words, all we have to do is keep focused on the Lord with a pure heart, and the Lord promised that He will show us any error. The only people who need to fear that they might be deceived are those who are not seeking the Lord with a pure and single-minded heart.