OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN

Passage: Philippians 3:17-21

Key verse: 3:20

NIV

17 Join together in following my example,(A) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.(B) 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,(C) many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.(D) 19 Their destiny(E) is destruction, their god is their stomach,(F) and their glory is in their shame.(G) Their mind is set on earthly things.(H) 20 But our citizenship(I) is in heaven.(J) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,(K) 21 who, by the power(L) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies(M) so that they will be like his glorious body.(N)

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

17 Brothers, (A)join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk (B)according to the example you have in us. 18 For (C)many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you (D)even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 (E)Their end is destruction, (F)their god is their belly, and (G)they glory in their shame, with (H)minds set on earthly things. 20 But (I)our citizenship is in heaven, and (J)from it we (K)await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform (L)our lowly body (M)to be like his glorious body, (N)by the power that enables him even (O)to subject all things to himself.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

First, Paul's example (17-19). There are two paths we can take. We can follow the example of Paul and others like Timothy and Epaphroditus and struggle towards the perfection of Christ. This is movement in the direction of our salvation. Or, we can live as enemies of the cross, contrary to the salvation offered in Christ. This means that we live for the satisfaction of our sinful desires and even glory in our shame. It is a life that leads towards destruction. Is our focus on earthly things or on heavenly things? Paul's example is the one we should chose. Second, our motivation (2

-21). Paul gives us three reasons to follow his example. First, by the grace of God, we gained a new citizenship when we were saved. We are now citizens of heaven, not earth. This reality shapes the way we are to live. Second, we are eagerly waiting for Jesus, our Lord and Savior. We want him to be pleased with us when he arrives. Finally, we are waiting for that awesome moment when the Lord will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. We demonstrate our faith and our longing for that great day when we struggle to live holy lives that are pleasing to God.

Prayer: Father, help us to focus on heavenly things.

One Word: Live as citizens of heaven