Our Citizenship is in Heaven

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Our Citizenship is in Heaven

Date: Oct. 29, 2016

Passage

Philippians 3:17-21 (ESV)

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 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.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 3:20

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

First, Paul's example (17-19). There are two paths we can take. We can follow the example of Paul and others like Timothy and Epaphroditus and struggle towards the perfection of Christ. This is movement in the direction of our salvation. Or, we can live as enemies of the cross, contrary to the salvation offered in Christ. This means that we live for the satisfaction of our sinful desires and even glory in our shame. It is a life that leads towards destruction. Is our focus on earthly things or on heavenly things? Paul's example is the one we should chose.

Second, our motivation (20-21). Paul gives us three reasons to follow his example. First, by the grace of God, we gained a new citizenship when we were saved. We are now citizens of heaven, not earth. This reality shapes the way we are to live. Second, we are eagerly waiting for Jesus, our Lord and Savior. We want him to be pleased with us when he arrives. Finally, we are waiting for that awesome moment when the Lord will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. We demonstrate our faith and our longing for that great day when we struggle to live holy lives that are pleasing to God.

Prayer: Father, help us to focus on heavenly things.

One Word: Live as citizens of heaven

Countless Saved from God’s Wrath by the Blood of the Lamb

Revelation 7:1-17

Key Verse: 7:9-10

A Great Multitude from Every Nation

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Today's Question

Are all sins equally evil?

See answer and references