Citizens of Heaven, Not of This World
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
— Philippians 3:17–21 (KJV)
Paul closes this section with both warning and encouragement. On the one hand, he grieves over those who live as “enemies of the cross,” whose lives are driven by earthly appetites and temporary glories. On the other hand, he lifts the eyes of believers to their true identity—their citizenship is in heaven. This perspective shapes how they live in the present, even as they eagerly await the return of Christ who will transform their lowly bodies into the likeness of His glorious body.
Reflection
Paul first calls the Philippians to follow his example—not because he is perfect, but because he seeks to live faithfully under Christ’s lordship. The Christian life is not meant to be walked alone but in the company of those who live according to the gospel. The church provides living examples of Christlike living, just as Paul did for the Philippians.
But Paul also weeps over those who oppose the cross. Their minds are set on earthly things, living for self-indulgence and fleeting pleasures. This sobering warning reminds us that not everyone who claims Christ truly follows Him. Their lives reveal their allegiance.
By contrast, believers belong to another kingdom. Our “conversation” (citizenship) is in heaven. This truth reshapes our values, goals, and identity. We are pilgrims in this world, awaiting the Savior who will return and transform us completely. The hope of resurrection is not a distant doctrine but a living anticipation that fuels endurance, holiness, and joy today.
Supporting Scripture
- “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
- “Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” (Hebrews 13:14)
- “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him.” (1 John 3:2)
Application
This passage confronts us with a choice: will we live as citizens of this world or as citizens of heaven? To live as citizens of this world is to be consumed with self—comfort, success, and fleeting pleasures. To live as citizens of heaven is to order our lives by the values of Christ’s kingdom: humility, holiness, service, and hope.
Practically, this means evaluating our desires and pursuits. Do our priorities reflect earthly appetites or eternal realities? Do our lives show others that our allegiance is to Christ above all? The call is not merely to wait passively for Christ’s return but to actively live as His ambassadors until He comes.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, fix my heart on my true citizenship in heaven. Guard me from the temptations of earthly living that seek to draw me away from You. Teach me to walk as an example of Your grace, to live in holiness, and to wait with eager hope for Your return. Transform me day by day, until the day I am made like You in glory. Amen.
0 Comments