Living as Citizens of Heaven: A Call to Faith

In Philippians 3:18-21, we are reminded of the stark contrast between those who live as enemies of the cross and those whose citizenship is in heaven. The passage begins with a warning about those who are driven by earthly desires, whose end is destruction, and whose god is their belly. These individuals glory in their shame and have their minds set on earthly things. In contrast, as believers, our citizenship is in heaven, and from there, we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. This heavenly citizenship implies that our true homeland is not of this world, but in heaven where Christ reigns. It calls us to live according to the customs of our heavenly homeland, cherishing the gospel and the infinite value of Jesus Christ above all else.

Paul urges us to imitate his example of pressing on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This involves a life of straining forward, forgetting what lies behind, and reaching for what lies ahead. The mature in faith are encouraged to think this way, holding true to what we have attained. The passage serves as both a warning and an encouragement. We are warned against the influence of those who would lead us away from our heavenly focus, and we are encouraged to live as citizens of heaven, defined by the gospel and the values of our true homeland.

Our heavenly citizenship also means that we await a Savior who will rescue us from destruction and transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. This future hope motivates us to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, reflecting the customs of our heavenly homeland in every aspect of our lives. Our King is in heaven, and our treasure is there, calling us to live with our hearts set on things above.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The contrast between earthly and heavenly citizenship is profound. Earthly desires lead to destruction, while heavenly citizenship calls us to live with our minds set on things above, cherishing the gospel and the infinite value of Christ. [00:23]
• 2. Imitating Paul's example involves pressing on toward the goal of the upward call of God. This means living a life of straining forward, forgetting what lies behind, and reaching for what lies ahead, motivated by our heavenly citizenship. [04:09]
• 3. Our true homeland is in heaven, where Christ reigns. This heavenly citizenship should define our customs and values, influencing how we live in every aspect of life, from family to politics to art. [07:55]
• 4. We are surrounded by many who would lead us away from our heavenly focus. It is crucial to remain vigilant, living as citizens of heaven, and not allowing earthly influences to define us. [05:50]
• 5. Awaiting a Savior from heaven means anticipating rescue from destruction and transformation into glory. This future hope motivates us to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, reflecting the customs of our heavenly homeland. [12:25]
  ** [12:25]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:23] - Enemies of the Cross
• [00:40] - Heavenly Citizenship
• [01:02] - Connection to Previous Verses
• [01:27] - Implications of Citizenship
• [01:47] - Awaiting a Savior
• [02:06] - Argument Structure
• [02:25] - Paul's Example to Imitate
• [03:01] - Negative and Positive Arguments
• [03:35] - Pressing On Toward the Goal
• [04:42] - Mature Thinking
• [05:12] - Warning Against Earthly Focus
• [06:25] - Homeland and King
• [07:36] - Customs of the Homeland
• [09:02] - Living Worthy of the Gospel
• [11:25] - Awaiting Rescue and Transformation

1. According to Philippians 3:18-21, what are the characteristics of those who live as enemies of the cross? How does Paul describe their end? [00:23]
2. What does Paul mean when he says, "our citizenship is in heaven"? How does this contrast with those who focus on earthly things? [01:27]
3. In the sermon, what example does Paul urge believers to imitate, and how does this relate to our heavenly citizenship? [03:35]
4. What future hope does Paul describe for believers in Philippians 3:20-21, and how does this hope influence our present lives? [12:25]

1. How does the concept of heavenly citizenship challenge the way we view our current life and priorities? What does it mean to live according to the customs of our heavenly homeland? [07:55]
2. In what ways does Paul’s example of "pressing on toward the goal" serve as a model for believers today? How can this mindset help us resist earthly distractions? [04:09]
3. How does the promise of transformation and rescue from destruction in Philippians 3:20-21 provide motivation for living a life worthy of the gospel? [12:25]
4. What are the implications of having our King and treasure in heaven, as mentioned in the sermon? How should this influence our daily decisions and actions? [09:22]

1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas in your life where earthly desires are taking precedence over your heavenly citizenship? How can you realign your focus this week? [05:50]
2. Paul encourages believers to imitate his example of pressing on. Identify one area in your life where you need to "press on" and set a specific goal to work towards this week. [04:09]
3. Consider the customs and values of your heavenly homeland. How can you incorporate these into your family life, work, or community involvement this month? [07:55]
4. We are surrounded by influences that can lead us away from our heavenly focus. What practical steps can you take to remain vigilant and protect your heart from these distractions? [05:50]
5. The sermon highlights the future hope of transformation and rescue. How does this hope impact your perspective on current challenges or suffering? Share a specific situation where this hope can bring encouragement. [12:25]
6. Think about someone in your life who may be living as an "enemy of the cross." How can you lovingly share the message of heavenly citizenship with them this week? [00:23]
7. Our King and treasure are in heaven. What is one tangible way you can invest in your heavenly treasure this week, whether through time, resources, or relationships? [09:22]