The Christian life is about pursuing purposeful, clear, God-honoring goals, as exemplified by Paul's focus on knowing Jesus Christ so well that he was becoming like Christ. This goal is outside of oneself and is achieved by following the proper examples, fleeing enemies of the cross, and letting the word about Christ dwell in one richly. Enemies of the cross include those who add to the gospel, such as the Judaizers, and those who subtract from it, such as the Gnostics and libertines, who live according to their sensual desires and boast in their shameful lifestyles.
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