As this hymn indicates, the governing principle
As this hymn indicates, the governing principle of the Christian life is not gifts or healing—it is Christ Himself. Realizing this, A. B. Simpson also put out a tract on this theme entitled "Him self."
THE SAME PATH
It is crucial for us to see that the basic and governing principle of the Christian life is that we gain Christ. As many as are full grown, let us walk according to this rule, this elementary prin ciple. Perhaps path is a better word than rule in verse 16. If we use this word, the verse will read "by the same path let us walk." This understand ing is also based on the various meanings of the Greek word: to range in line, to march in mili tary rank, to keep step, to conform to virtue and piety. Paul's use of this Greek word indicates that by the same path we should walk according to the elementary principle.
EXTRAORDINARY EXPRESSIONS
In 3:7-16 Paul uses many unusual terms and expressions. In verse 7 he says that certain "things were gains," and he speaks of having counted such things loss on account of Christ. In no other book does Paul use these terms. In verse 8 he