Citizens of a Greater Country

Title: Citizens of a Greater Country

Text: Philippians 3:17–4:14

Big Idea: Because we are citizens of heaven, we must stand firm in Christ, rejoice in Him, and live lives marked by peace, gentleness, and gospel generosity.

Prayer for the Vietnam Veterans

INTRODUCTION:

Good morning church!

We live in a world of divided loyalties. For some of us, our identity is tied to where we live, what we do, or what we own. But Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:17–4:23 that, if we are in Christ, our primary identity is this: we are citizens of heaven. And that changes everything.

Let me start with a picture.

[GRAPHIC #1: Two Passports – One Earthly, One Heavenly] Caption: Which one are you living from?

Imagine you held two passports. One is for your country—a symbol of your national identity, granting you access to rights, protections, and opportunities. It's the document that defines your earthly belonging. But then imagine another passport in your hand, one that gleams with a divine seal. It doesn’t just tell you where you’re from, it tells you where you’re going. This heavenly passport signifies that you belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken, with a King who reigns eternally. It grants access not to places on a map, but to a life shaped by grace, mission, and everlasting hope. It isn’t issued by a government, but by the Gospel. And with it comes not just privileges, but a call to live differently—to reflect the values of the One who gave it to you.

Today, Paul teaches us how to live as citizens of that Greater Country.

I. Citizens of Heaven (Phil. 3:17–21)

"Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 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 3:17–21)

Paul opens this section by calling the Philippians to imitate him. Not because he’s perfect, but because he’s a living, breathing example of someone pressing on toward Christ. In a world filled with confusion, we need faithful examples of gospel-centered living. Paul is inviting them to follow a pattern—his life, and the lives of others walking in step with the gospel. But this invitation is also a warning. There are many, Paul says, even with tears in his eyes, who walk as enemies of the cross. These are people whose lives are ruled by their appetites, their shame, their love for the things of this world. They aren’t just misguided—they are heading toward destruction. Their story is the opposite of the gospel: rather than dying to self, they glorify self. Rather than longing for heaven, they are entrenched in the comforts of earth. Paul is saying, "Don’t follow them. Follow those who are following Jesus. Live as citizens of heaven now, not just later."

[GRAPHIC #2: Earthly-Minded vs. Heavenly-Minded] Side-by-side comparison of values: self-indulgence vs. self-sacrifice, temporary vs. eternal.

John Piper writes, "Enemies of the cross aren't just heretics; they're also those who live for comfort rather than the cross." This is a sobering reminder that opposition to the cross doesn’t always come in overt rejection. Sometimes it comes subtly—in a life oriented around ease, self-preservation, and cultural approval. The cross calls us to die daily, to crucify the flesh, and to live sacrificially. But when we prioritize comfort over calling, or silence over boldness, we may functionally live as enemies of the cross even while professing faith. Piper's point is that it's possible to affirm Christ with our lips but deny Him with our lifestyle. This is why Paul urges us to imitate those who walk according to the gospel pattern—not just in doctrine, but in a cross-shaped life. The gospel reshapes our identity—no longer driven by race, class, or politics, but by grace.

Application: What dominates your thought life? What kingdom are you building?

II. Unity of the Gospel (Phil. 4:1–3)

"Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life." (Philippians 4:1–3)

[GRAPHIC #3: Tug of War Rope Breaking at the Middle] Caption: Disunity weakens gospel impact.

Paul Tripp says, "Disunity is often not about theology—it's about personal kingdoms colliding." In other words, many of the conflicts that arise in the church aren’t about doctrinal error, but about pride, ego, and personal agenda. People begin to see the church as a platform to build their own reputation, advance their opinions, or protect their preferences. But the gospel calls us to lay down our personal kingdoms at the foot of the cross. Unity is not uniformity, but it does require humility. It demands that we value the mission of Christ more than our individual recognition. Paul isn’t calling these women out to shame them—he’s calling them back to the unity they once shared in gospel labor. And he calls the whole church to take part in the restoration. Because when personal kingdoms crumble, Christ’s kingdom can be clearly seen.

Gospel-centered relationships pursue reconciliation, not retaliation. Paul asks the church to help mediate, showing us that conflict resolution is a community responsibility.

Application: Who do you need to pursue peace with today?

III. Joy in Jesus (Phil. 4:4–9)

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:4–9)

Joy is not a suggestion—it's a command. But it’s not rooted in emotion; it’s rooted in the unchanging person of Jesus. That means joy is not contingent on how good or bad your day is, or whether your circumstances are ideal. Joy is not about pretending everything is okay; it's about anchoring your soul in the truth that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When Paul commands the Philippians to rejoice, he’s writing from a prison cell—which tells us joy isn’t tied to freedom, comfort, or success. It’s tied to Christ Himself. Real joy says, "I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I know the One who holds me today." Rejoicing in the Lord is an act of rebellion against despair. It is choosing to lift our eyes from our troubles to our Savior, again and again.

Judah Smith says, "You can’t fake joy—but you can fight for it." That fight is not passive—it’s a daily, intentional return to the truths of the gospel. You fight for joy when you open the Word instead of scrolling your phone. You fight for joy when you gather with God's people, even when you don't feel like it. You fight for joy when you choose to pray in your anxiety, sing through your sorrow, and serve in your weakness. Real joy isn’t surface-level happiness; it’s a resilient, Spirit-produced gladness that endures in the valley and on the mountaintop. It's the kind of joy that Jesus had on the way to the cross—the kind that says, "Not my will, but Yours be done."

Then Paul hits anxiety head-on:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer... let your requests be made known to God."

[GRAPHIC #4: Prayer > Anxiety Equation] Caption: Gratitude + Prayer = Peace that Guards (Phil. 4:6–7)

Tim Keller says, "“If you are overworking, or panicking, or unable to sleep, or can’t stop checking your phone, it may be because something you’ve made ultimate is vulnerable. The way to peace is not to try harder, but to re-center your heart on the unshakable kingdom of God.”

Paul also gives a list of things to dwell on: true, noble, lovely, excellent.

Application: Are you training your mind to think with gospel clarity?

IV. Content in Everything(Phil. 4:10–13)

"I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:10–13)"

This verse isn't a motivational quote for athletes—it's a survival guide for suffering. Paul isn't saying you can win your football game or crush your business goal through Christ. He’s saying you can endure seasons of loss, lack, sickness, and uncertainty through the sustaining strength of Jesus. The "all things" Paul refers to aren't achievements, but afflictions. Whether Paul was in prison or preaching, hungry or full, celebrated or forgotten, he had a deep reservoir of contentment sourced in the sufficiency of Christ. That is the secret: not that circumstances become easy, but that Christ becomes enough. This verse is about supernatural endurance, not superhuman performance.

Paul Tripp: "Your satisfaction is tied not to your situation, but to your Savior." In a world that constantly tells us that satisfaction is found in better circumstances—more money, better health, stronger relationships—Paul Tripp reminds us that real, lasting contentment doesn't come from what’s around us, but from who is within us. The heart of Christian contentment isn’t about denying the pain of our situation, but about discovering a deeper joy that flows from a relationship with Jesus. When Christ is your treasure, your peace doesn’t rise and fall with your paycheck, your diagnosis, or your status. Instead, satisfaction becomes anchored in the unchanging character of God. This means that even in the darkest seasons, you can say, “It is well with my soul,” not because life is perfect, but because Christ is present.

Paul learned contentment because he wasn’t chained to circumstance; he was anchored in Christ.

[GRAPHIC #5: Anchor in Stormy Seas] Caption: Contentment isn’t calm circumstances, it’s a secure Savior.

Application: Have you learned the secret of gospel contentment?

If not, let me offer you the greatest invitation of all: the gospel. The gospel tells us that we are more sinful and broken than we ever imagined, but more loved and accepted in Jesus than we ever dared hope. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived the life we could not live and died the death we deserved. He rose again to offer us forgiveness, freedom, and new life.

If you're weary, anxious, restless, or discontent—come to Jesus. He alone is enough. He alone can satisfy your soul. And He invites you to receive Him by grace through faith.

If you're ready to do that, you can pray something like this:

"Jesus, I need You. I confess that I have sinned and tried to live life on my own terms. But I believe You died for me and rose again. I trust You as my Savior and Lord. Forgive me, fill me, and lead me. Help me to follow You all my days. Amen."

If you prayed that prayer, tell someone. We'd love to walk with you in your new life as a citizen of heaven.

CONCLUSION

We are citizens of a greater country. That means:

We walk differently.

We fight for unity.

We rejoice despite circumstances.

We give radically.

So which passport are you living from?

[Final Graphic: Heavenly Passport Stamped with the Cross] Caption: Your true citizenship determines your true calling.

Amen.