Young Adults' Group

Walking As Citizens Of Heaven

by Pastor Mark
April 21, 2016

Our spiritual citizenship in heaven

Last Saturday, we were learning about the faith of the forefathers…how they were able to look beyond this earth. They saw themselves as pilgrims and strangers passing through this world as they desired a better homeland which was the heavenly city.

The Apostle Paul added another aspect to looking to heaven as our homeland. He wrote to the Philippian church concerning our heavenly citizenship, “For our citizenship is in heaven,” (Phil 3:20) Our citizenship is not of this earth. It is ultimately of heaven…it exists in heaven.

The word “citizenship” in Greek is “politeuomai”…which means “conduct”. This is the same word that was used earlier by Paul, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ,” (Phil 1:27) We want to conduct ourselves well as a citizen of heaven. Our desire should be to walk in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ and heaven. Let us be challenged to have good conduct as a spiritual citizen of heaven.

Following the walk of outstanding citizens of heaven

“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” (Phil 3:17)

1. The example of Paul

We are meant to be fellow imitators of Paul. He was an outstanding citizen of heaven and he became a wonderful example of the Christian walk. Let us be challenged to mimic his example.

2. The example of others

There were also others who walked as Paul walked. They were to be noted and followed. Both Paul and these other examples stood as patterns for the church to follow. In Bethany, we have Pastor Charlie, the pastors, leaders and teachers who have sought to walk as Paul did. Let us look to them as our examples and to follow them.

A warning concerning those who profess faith but do not walk accordingly

There are many who talk of faith but do not necessarily walk in faith. Some walk in a false manner. (Phil 3:18,19) Their walk betrays them. These false teachers who walk contrarily to Christ marks them as “enemies of Christ”. Their end is destruction. No good will come from what they are doing. They are more concerned with satisfying their belly…to seek material gains which have become their god. There is no glory in what they do…only shame. They set their mind on earthly things. Let us be warned about them that we do not end up walking as they do.

Awaiting eagerly the return of Christ 

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Phil 3:19)

As we walk as citizens of heaven, we should look beyond this earth to the return of Christ. Let us seek to welcome the Lord one day.

We should also await the ultimate transformation of our lowly body as it will be conformed to the Lord’s glorious body…His resurrected body. There will be a great display of the power of God…to change all the bodies of believers into His glorious form in an instance. Let us all eagerly await the coming of the Lord Jesus where He will subdue all things to Himself. Let us all seek to walk well as citizens of heaven as we look to His return one day.

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