Living as Citizens of Heaven: A Call to Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: Our True Home is in Heaven

Our true citizenship is in heaven, and this should shape our identity and actions. We are called to live as aliens in this world, reflecting the values and character of our heavenly home. This perspective helps us prioritize eternal things over temporary pleasures. Paul reminds us that our lives should be oriented towards heavenly desires rather than earthly ones. This means living with a mindset that values eternal truths over temporary gratifications. By doing so, we align ourselves with the kingdom of God, living as ambassadors of Christ in a world that often prioritizes the opposite. This heavenly perspective not only influences our actions but also our identity, reminding us that we belong to a greater kingdom. [01:18]

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself today that your true home is in heaven, and how might this change your priorities and actions?

Day 2: The Transformative Power of Example

Paul encourages us to follow his example as he follows Christ. Our lives should be a living testimony of the gospel, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ to those around us. This requires intentionality in our actions and relationships. By living in a way that reflects Christ's teachings, we become beacons of hope and transformation for others. This is not about perfection but about authenticity and a genuine pursuit of Christ-like living. As we model our lives after Christ, we invite others to see the gospel in action, encouraging them to explore their own faith journeys. [05:36]

"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally set an example for today, and how can you demonstrate the love and teachings of Christ to them?

Day 3: Discernment Against False Teachings

Paul warns against those who live as enemies of the Cross, whose lives are marked by self-indulgence and earthly focus. We must discern true teaching by examining the fruit of one's life, ensuring it aligns with the gospel. This discernment is crucial in a world filled with conflicting messages and teachings. By staying rooted in the Word and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can navigate these challenges and remain faithful to the truth of the gospel. This vigilance protects our faith and helps us guide others towards authentic Christian living. [16:41]

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:15-16a, ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice discernment today in the teachings you encounter, and what steps can you take to ensure they align with the gospel?

Day 4: Living with Hopeful Expectation

As Christians, we live with the hope of transformation, eagerly awaiting Christ's return. This hope should motivate us to live for things that last, rather than seeking immediate gratification. Our lives should reflect the joy and anticipation of our future glory. This expectation is not passive but active, inspiring us to live in a way that honors God and reflects His kingdom. By focusing on the eternal, we find strength and purpose in our daily lives, knowing that our efforts contribute to a greater narrative of redemption and renewal. [43:22]

"For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?" (Romans 8:24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can shift your focus from immediate gratification to eternal significance, and how can this change impact your daily decisions?

Day 5: The Urgency of Living Distinctively

The impact of the gospel in our communities is directly related to our willingness to live distinctively as citizens of heaven. Our peculiar lives should draw others to Christ, offering them a glimpse of the hope and transformation found in Him. This distinctiveness is not about isolation but about being a light in the darkness, showing others the love and truth of Christ through our actions and words. By living in a way that stands out, we invite others to explore the transformative power of the gospel, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations and relationships. [46:15]

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally live in a way that stands out for Christ today, and what specific actions can you take to be a light in your community?

Sermon Summary

In our journey through Philippians 3:17 to 4:1, we are reminded of the profound contrast between those whose lives are oriented towards earthly desires and those whose citizenship is in heaven. Paul, with a heart full of compassion, urges us to follow his example as he follows Christ, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects our heavenly citizenship. This passage challenges us to ask ourselves, "Where do I belong?" and to consider the implications of our answer on our daily lives.

Paul's tears reveal his deep concern for the Philippians, warning them against those who live as enemies of the Cross of Christ. These individuals are characterized by their focus on earthly things, their self-indulgence, and their ultimate destiny of destruction. In contrast, Paul calls us to live with the expectation of transformation, eagerly awaiting the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. We are called to be part of a community, encouraging one another and setting examples for each other as we strive to live according to the pattern of Christ. Our lives should be a testament to the gospel, drawing others to Christ through our words and actions. As we navigate the challenges of this world, we must remain focused on our heavenly citizenship, living for the things that will last and not for short-term gratification.

In these urgent times, the impact of the gospel in our communities depends on our willingness to be peculiar, to stand out as citizens of heaven. Our lives should reflect the hope and transformation that come from knowing Christ, offering a compelling witness to those around us. Let us live with the assurance of our heavenly citizenship, eagerly awaiting the day when Christ will return and make all things new.

Key Takeaways

1. 2wfvYFzGLI&t=78s'>[01:18]
2. The Power of Example: Paul encourages us to follow his example as he follows Christ. Our lives should be a living testimony of the gospel, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ to those around us. This requires intentionality in our actions and relationships.

3. The Danger of False Teachers: Paul warns against those who live as enemies of the Cross, whose lives are marked by self-indulgence and earthly focus. We must discern true teaching by examining the fruit of one's life, ensuring it aligns with the gospel.

4. Living with Expectation: As Christians, we live with the hope of transformation, eagerly awaiting Christ's return. This hope should motivate us to live for things that last, rather than seeking immediate gratification. Our lives should reflect the joy and anticipation of our future glory.

5. Urgency of the Gospel: The impact of the gospel in our communities is directly related to our willingness to live distinctively as citizens of heaven. Our peculiar lives should draw others to Christ, offering them a glimpse of the hope and transformation found in Him.

** [01:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Reading from Philippians
[01:34] - Prayer for Understanding
[02:16] - Context of the Passage
[03:16] - Contrast Between Two Groups
[04:06] - Question: Where Do I Belong?
[05:17] - Following Paul's Example
[06:38] - The Need for Living Examples
[09:19] - The Gospel in Human Experience
[12:43] - Warning Against False Teachers
[16:41] - Enemies of the Cross
[20:21] - True Faith and Obedience
[24:13] - Legalism vs. True Righteousness
[31:13] - The Paradox of Christian Living
[37:21] - Living as Citizens of Heaven
[43:22] - Transformation and Expectation
[46:15] - Urgency of the Gospel Message

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:17-4:1

---

Observation Questions:

What does Paul mean when he refers to "enemies of the Cross of Christ" in Philippians 3:18? How does he describe their behavior and focus? [16:41]
According to Philippians 3:20, what is the significance of our citizenship being in heaven? How does this contrast with those focused on earthly things? [01:02]
How does Paul express his emotional concern for the Philippians in this passage? What does this reveal about his relationship with them? [13:48]
What example does Paul set for the Philippians, and how does he encourage them to follow it? [05:17]

---

Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of heavenly citizenship challenge the way Christians view their identity and priorities in the world today? [02:45]
In what ways does Paul’s warning about false teachers apply to the modern church? How can believers discern true teaching from false? [16:41]
What does it mean to live with the expectation of transformation, as described in Philippians 3:21? How should this hope influence a believer's daily life? [43:22]
How does Paul’s example of living in community with other believers highlight the importance of fellowship in the Christian life? [10:30]

---

Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are more focused on earthly desires than on your heavenly citizenship? What steps can you take to realign your priorities? [01:02]
Paul warns against false teachers whose lives do not align with the gospel. How can you ensure that the teachings you follow are biblically sound? What resources or practices can help you in this discernment? [16:41]
Consider the people you look up to as examples in your faith journey. What qualities do they possess that reflect Christ, and how can you emulate these in your own life? [05:17]
Paul emphasizes the importance of community. How can you actively contribute to your church community to encourage and support others in their faith? [10:30]
Living with the expectation of Christ’s return should impact our daily actions. What is one specific way you can live with this expectation in mind this week? [43:22]
Paul’s tears for the Philippians show his deep compassion. How can you cultivate a heart of compassion for those around you, especially those who may be struggling in their faith? [13:48]
The sermon mentioned the urgency of the gospel message. How can you share the hope and transformation found in Christ with someone in your life this week? [46:15]

Sermon Clips

"Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you, for as I've often told you before and now say again with tears, many live as enemies of the Cross of Christ. Their Destiny is destruction, their God is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on Earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 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." [00:42:03]

"Paul is here providing a dramatic contrast between his description in verses 18 and 19 and the description then follows in verses 20 and 21. The contrast is between two groups, one whom he describes as having as their Destiny destruction, you can read that in the opening phrase of verse 19, their Destiny is destruction, and those who are described in the opening phrase of verse 20, their citizenship is in heaven." [00:03:17]

"Paul in the previous verses had explained that he had a passionate longing to know Christ. He put it in the kind of terminology that may cause those less mature and less stalwart Believers to think that they really had no faith at all, that his grasp was so tremendous that their puny Hold On Christ was virtually worth nothing." [00:04:29]

"Why would he have an example worth following? Simply because he himself was following Christ. First Corinthians 11:1, he puts it expressly, he says, follow my example as I follow the example of Christ. And therefore, the example that we are to one another has validity in the Christian Life providing we ourselves are following the example of Christ." [00:05:36]

"Now it is imperative that if we're going to see the gospel transferred into life-changing impact in our generation, we do understand Christian doctrine, that we do learn the Bible, that we do begin to Fashion it and fold it into our experience, but beyond that, we need to see it worked out in Human Experience." [00:09:19]

"Now isn't it interesting, and this is not the focus of my study, but I want you just to notice it in passing, the opening phrase of verse 17, join with others in following my example. The Christian life is not supposed to be lived on its own. You're not supposed to live in isolation, and if you're trying to live your Christian Life in isolation, then you will be far the worse as a result of it." [00:10:32]

"Paul was far too sensible to assume that everyone who professed to be a teacher was faithful to Christ, and he was far too sensitive to address the issue without the deep feelings that he describes via his tears there in verse 18. Who are these people then, these enemies of the Cross of Christ?" [00:23:50]

"Legalism is an attempt by external means to quell and quench the lustfulness of the human heart, and it doesn't work. That's why Paul in the Colossian letter says these things do not handle, do not touch, they all have an appearance of wisdom, but they have no capacity to prevent an individual from doing that stuff." [00:24:13]

"The cross is the Touchstone of true Doctrine and right Behavior. If you want to check out a teacher, check out what he says about the cross, the doctrine of the atonement. Does he, for example, say a Schuler does, that in the cross you see how much God loves you and how wonderful a person you really are?" [00:31:23]

"Now in contrast, and our time has gone, the Christian lives with expectation. The Christian undergoes a transformation. We're going to have new bodies. They'll be like his glorious body. These came from the dust. Those will be Heavenly Bodies. These are weakened by sin, by desire. They're subject to breakdown, to disintegration, but we're going to get a whole new deal." [00:43:22]

"Ask yourself the question, where do I belong? Where do I belong? If it's very important for you always to be with the majority and that's how you vote, if it's very important for you always to be with a majority and that's how you establish friendships, it's important for you always to be with a crowd and to go over the flow, then the chances are you're absolutely on the wrong Street." [00:33:56]

"The impact of the Gospel in the city of Cleveland, under God, is directly related to your willingness to be peculiar. And I'm telling you this because it's true, because Christ will return, and the day of opportunity will have passed. Ask yourself, where do I belong?" [00:46:15]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?

Living as Citizens of Heaven: A Call to Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: Our True Home is in Heaven

Day 2: The Transformative Power of Example

Day 3: Discernment Against False Teachings

Day 4: Living with Hopeful Expectation

Day 5: The Urgency of Living Distinctively

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Living as Citizens of Heaven: A Call to Transformation

Share