For Our Citizenship Is in Heaven

by Mitchell Tan
January 24, 2019

THE ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST

In the End Times, many false teachers will rise up and deceive many. This was something that the Lord Jesus had taught and warned his disciples of (Matthew 24:4-5). During the times of Paul, this apostasy was already rampant.

“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 set their minds on earthly things.”
Philippians 3:18-19

They were considered by Paul as enemies of the cross of Christ. These people do not walk according to the ways of the Lord. Instead, they loved doing things according to their own selfish ways. Their god was their own carnal endeavours. They were more concerned about themselves and their needs rather than the Lord. Their minds were focused on the things of the world.

HAVING TREMENDOUS HOPE IN THE LORD

As Christians, we should live differently from the world. Our hope should be in the Lord Jesus.

1. HAVING A HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP

“For our citizenship is in heaven …”
Philippians 3:20

The verb “is” in the Greek text here is the word “hupacho”. It means to have a strong sense of “being”. The focus is on the idea of possessing a citizenship in heaven. This citizenship is meant to continuously exist in heaven as a fact. Paul’s perspective of himself and his companions in this world was that they were just pilgrims on it. His real home was heaven where God and Christ are. His eternal citizenship is heaven. Paul wrote to the Colossians of how they should seek those things which are above where Christ is (Colossians 3:1). They were to set their minds on things above and not on things below. This was in contrast to the false teachers who set their minds on earthy things. Our focus too should not be on the things of this world but to be in heaven one day. Our hope should be in a heavenly home. Young people, do you possess this citizenship in heaven?

2. WAITING FOR THE LORD’S RETURN

“… From which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ …”
Philippians 3:20

When we are sure of our citizenship in heaven, there would be a great sense of hope in the Lord’s second coming. We would excitedly and expectantly wait for our Saviour Jesus Christ’s return. There would be the reality of His second coming in our hearts.

3. HOPING IN THE LORD’S WORK OF TRANSFORMING OUR BODIES TO BE LIKE HIM

“… Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working …”
Philippians 3:21

The Lord will bring about the completion of that work which He has started in us. He would transform us to be like Him. We would have a glorious body just like His. Paul had explained of how we are being transformed into His image from glory to glory through the work of the Spirit of God (2 Corinthians 3:18). One day, the fullness of that transformation will be seen when Jesus comes for us. This is our hope.

4. TRUSTING THE LORD’S ABSOLUTE POWER OVER ALL THINGS

“… By which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”
Philippians 3:21

That power that will transform us is the same power that He would use to subdue all things to Himself. He would have absolute sovereignty over all things. It is this power that can enable us to overcome our sins and challenges. Truly all glory goes to the Lord for His matchless power. Let’s exercise full trust in the Lord’s sovereign power in our lives.

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