CITIZENS OF HEAVEN ON EARTH

Passage: Philippians 3:17-21

Key verse: 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

Paul set an example of faith that he taught and lived by. However, it was not without controversy. The main opposition he spoke against were of the Judaizers, who taught that grace plus obedience to the Levitical law were necessary to be acceptable to God. Grace plus anything is not grace at all, and those who teach and demand as such are those who Paul calls enemies of the cross of Christ. Jesus' death tore the curtain that hid God's presence from all the unworthy. The cross opened the way for all who dared to approach by faith God’s open arms, which are held out for us—just as we are.

The kingdom of earth represents an order of law and human effort that seeks to attain earthly glory. We idolize harsh standards of beauty, behavior, and lifestyle that threaten rejection or condemnation when they are not followed. On the other hand, the kingdom of heaven, where our soul can truly rest and find expression in God’s love, is given freely by the grace of our Lord Jesus. While on earth, we could become accustomed to earth’s weary expectations. Or, we can be transformed and freed by the grace and power of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, give me the faith to look beyond standards of the world, and fix my eyes on Jesus who welcomes us to your eternal kingdom.

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