CITIZENS OF HEAVEN ON EARTH

Philippians 3:17-21 / Keywords 3:20

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

 

3:17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

1. 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.

 

2. 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. However, 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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