Living as Citizens of Heaven: A Call to Discipleship

In Philippians 3, Paul urges believers to follow his example as he follows Christ, emphasizing the importance of living a life that others can emulate. This call to discipleship is not just about listening to teachings but living a life that reflects Christ's teachings. Every believer, regardless of their maturity, has a responsibility to be a role model for those younger in faith. This is not about perfection but about striving to live a life that honors God and encourages others to do the same.

Paul's tears for those who are "enemies of the cross" highlight his deep compassion and concern for those who claim to be Christians but live contrary to the teachings of Christ. These individuals are not just those who reject Christ outright but those who refuse to take up their cross daily, living a life of self-denial and obedience. The message of the cross is about dying to oneself and living for Christ, a message that is often resisted because it challenges our natural inclinations.

The sermon also addresses the issue of idolatry, particularly the idolatry of food and money. Paul warns against making food or money our god, as these can become stumbling blocks in our spiritual journey. The emphasis is on living a disciplined life, where our bodies are used for God's glory and not for indulgence. This discipline extends to our speech and actions, ensuring that we are not critical or judgmental of others but instead live with compassion and humility.

Ultimately, the call is to live as citizens of heaven, with our minds set on things above rather than earthly concerns. This heavenly mindset influences how we live daily, ensuring that our lives are a testimony to God's grace and love. By living this way, we fulfill God's plan for our lives, ensuring that we do not fall short of the purpose for which we were created.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Follow Christ's Example: Every believer is called to live a life that others can follow. This is not about perfection but about striving to live a life that reflects Christ's teachings. Our responsibility is to be role models for those younger in faith, encouraging them to grow in their relationship with God. [01:07]
• 2. Compassion for the Lost: Paul's tears for those who are "enemies of the cross" highlight the importance of compassion and concern for those who live contrary to Christ's teachings. This compassion should drive us to pray for and reach out to those who are lost, sharing the message of the cross with love and humility. [06:02]
• 3. Idolatry of Food and Money: Making food or money our god can become a stumbling block in our spiritual journey. We are called to live disciplined lives, using our bodies for God's glory and not for indulgence. This discipline extends to our speech and actions, ensuring that we live with compassion and humility. [12:52]
• 4. Citizens of Heaven: As believers, our citizenship is in heaven, and our minds should be set on things above rather than earthly concerns. This heavenly mindset influences how we live daily, ensuring that our lives are a testimony to God's grace and love. [57:20]
• 5. Fulfilling God's Plan: Living a life that fulfills God's plan requires discipline and a focus on spiritual growth. By living this way, we ensure that we do not fall short of the purpose for which we were created, ultimately bringing glory to God through our lives. [18:29]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:35] - Follow Me as I Follow Christ
• [01:37] - Responsibility to Younger Believers
• [02:19] - Church as a Family
• [03:16] - Observing Godly Examples
• [05:10] - Warning Against False Christians
• [06:02] - Paul's Compassionate Heart
• [08:12] - Enemies of the Cross
• [09:52] - The Call to Die to Self
• [12:52] - Idolatry of Food and Money
• [18:29] - Fulfilling God's Plan
• [22:43] - Critical Attitudes and the Tongue
• [31:18] - Worshiping the Stomach
• [37:14] - The Lord is for Your Body
• [57:20] - Citizens of Heaven

1. Philippians 3:17-21 - Paul urges believers to follow his example as he follows Christ, emphasizing the importance of living a life that others can emulate.
2. 1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
3. 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 - Discusses the importance of not being mastered by anything, including food and indulgence.

1. What does Paul mean when he says, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ"? How does this relate to his message in Philippians 3:17? [00:35]
2. In Philippians 3:18-19, Paul speaks of "enemies of the cross." Who are these individuals, and what characteristics do they exhibit? [05:10]
3. How does Paul describe the mindset of a believer in Philippians 3:20-21, and what does it mean to live as a citizen of heaven? [57:20]
4. According to 1 Corinthians 6:12-13, what is the significance of not being mastered by anything, and how does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on idolatry of food and money? [12:52]

1. How does Paul’s call to follow his example challenge the common perception of Christian discipleship as merely listening to teachings? [01:07]
2. What does Paul’s emotional response to the "enemies of the cross" reveal about his heart for those who live contrary to Christ’s teachings? [06:02]
3. How does the sermon’s discussion on the idolatry of food and money expand on Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 6:12-13? What practical implications does this have for believers today? [12:52]
4. In what ways does living as a citizen of heaven, as described in Philippians 3:20-21, influence a believer’s daily life and priorities? [57:20]

1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you can be a better example to those younger in faith? How can you actively encourage them in their spiritual journey? [01:07]
2. Paul wept for those who were "enemies of the cross." How can you cultivate a heart of compassion for those who are lost or living contrary to Christ’s teachings? [06:02]
3. Consider your relationship with food and money. Are there ways in which these have become idols in your life? What steps can you take to ensure they do not become stumbling blocks in your spiritual journey? [12:52]
4. How can you set your mind on things above and live as a citizen of heaven in your daily life? What practical changes can you make to align your priorities with this heavenly mindset? [57:20]
5. Identify one specific area in your life where you feel mastered by something other than Christ. What action can you take this week to regain control and ensure that Christ is your only master? [30:08]
6. How can you ensure that your life is a testimony to God’s grace and love, fulfilling His plan for you? What specific actions can you take to live a disciplined life that honors God? [18:29]
7. Think of a person in your life who may be struggling with idolatry of food or money. How can you lovingly support and encourage them to seek a more disciplined and Christ-centered life? [12:52]