Living as Citizens of Heaven

OPENING

Hi!

I’m glad to be able to preach; HT assigned me this passage, and I’m eager to share it with you. It seems strange to be a novice-level preacher at age 50, but here I am, still a mere babe… Thank you for this privilege, and thank you for your attention!

RECAP - How much do you remember?

Paul & Timothy co-author this letter.

In chapter 1, Paul thanks the church for a gift and shares all his life updates with them.

In chapter 2, Paul reminds the church to model Christ’s example of humility; to be light, serving and evangelizing in the world.

In chapter 3, he continues his tone of praise to God, reminding them to rejoice!/have joy in the Lord; then he warns them about false teachers (Judaisers=dogs/evildoers); he reminds them that he is their example of living for Christ and argues that the way of the cross is the better way. Paul encourages the church to reach toward God’s goal/God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus, and he says that the way to do that is to think differently. We’ll explore that today.

Paul’s letters apply to us as much as they applied the day he wrote them. I invite you to open your Bible to Phil 3:17, where we’ll see that Paul is concerned that we live in a manner worthy of our calling, with grit and endurance and a singular focus.

Big Idea: Our heavenly citizenship shapes how we live on the earth.

PRAY

Introduction

Start with a relatable illustration - Simon Says

Just like some of my instructions in Simon Says were helpful and some were hurtful, it matters WHO we imitate!

Transition: In our text today, we’ll hear Paul call us to Follow his example, and ultimately, to imitate Christ.

READ THE TEXT: Phil 3:17-4:1

Philippians 3:17–4:1 ESV

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. Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

1. Choose Your Examples Wisely (3:17)

Philippians 3:17 says, Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

We naturally imitate others—kids shaving like dad, teens following fashion trends, adults copying influencers. every TV/print ad ever: see this happy person? that could be you!

Paul said “emulate me and Timothy and all those who truly and boldly live for Christ”

it’s important to note that Paul implies a caveat… follow us “inasmuch as” we imitate Christ… (he explicitly says this in 1 Cor 11) - ultimately, it’s Christ who we all seek to emulate

and we learn to imitate Christ not only by devouring his Word, but also by following earthly examples

*So here’s an important Q for you… are you walking as a Godly example? Paul commanded the church to imitate him and watch other Godly people! see the text… (keep your eyes on those who walk…) so I would add the exhortation, keep in mind how you walk, because many are watching you!

intergenerational character of our church

esp GenZ - they WANT to learn from you - please give them an accurate portrayal of walking with Jesus!

So according to the text, Paul is encouraging us to choose wisely when we are deciding who to imitate.

As we choose to follow the Holy Spirit, we will find that our actions follow our thinking. Look back at verse 18:

2. Beware of Earthly-Minded Living (3:18–19)

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.

Q: who are “enemies of God?”

not JUST evil, unbelievers - also Christians whose “practical life belie(s) their profession (of faith in Jesus).”

P says I’ve warned you over and over, but still some persist in unrepentant sin; these are church members! supposed “believers”!

When Paul talks about enemies of Christ, he means those whose behavior and pattern of life don’t reflect Jesus’ life and bring honor to his cross

Paul was talking about the Judaisers, sure, but also professing Christians: warning against an “idle, self-satisfied, vainglorious Christianity”

in fact, ALL “religion” that claims the name of Christ but denies the power of Godliness, brings reproach on the name of Jesus!

Paul says he is moved to tears by the fact that some walk as enemies of Jesus, and we grieve with him:

we are grieved by unsaved & unrepentant

we grieve Carnal Christians because they glory in shameful things/thoughts/actions/words/behaviors/patterns - like blatantly living in adultery, lying, addiction

P says he grieves when believers’ minds are focused on earthly/temporary things, ignoring the eternal/spiritual/righteous

they are labelled as enemies not because they don’t believe, but because they don’t live according to Christ’s calling.

this is like being a “practical atheist” at home. Gal 5:24 and 6:14 say that true Christ-followers live differently - we have CRUCIFIED our fleshly way of life. that’s “deader’n dead”!

P grieves these who are enemies of the cross; we also grieve… WHY? because, according to verse 19,

19 = Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

the end that is coming for enemies of Christ is bitter!

2 Cor 11:15, talking about Satan’s servants masquerading as believers. their deeds will find them out, and they will be punished accordingly

Heb 10:29 warns about what is coming for those who trample the gospel.

So we need to think about how to avoid trampling the gospel! And to do this, I believe we need a more accurate view of Jesus’ finished work on the cross.

When we see the cross correctly and submit ourselves to the Gospel, it renovates our perspective, refreshes our convictions, and causes us to chart a new course for life. We decide to waste no more time in fleshly pursuits (*IDOLS!) but instead pursue the one goal that matters.

And this change in our thinking MUST be accompanied by a different way of life!

In social settings, you may find discussions revolving around material successes, politics, or the latest episode of Matlock. Instead, strive to bring a heavenly mindset into your conversations. For instance, when friends discuss their latest purchases or vacations, steer the conversation towards topics of gratitude, or how you can serve others together. Organize a community outreach event with your friends, focusing on helping those less fortunate, which shifts your collective mindset from earthly achievements to heavenly contributions. The recent news about SNAP benefits going away and government employees missing paychecks reminds us that there are plenty of people right next door who are in need.

This heavenly mindset is why our church maintains a food pantry, clothes closet, and Benevolence Fund. This heavenly mindset is the reason we led our church through Church Outside the Walls this summer, and we plan to do it again… Time is short; we choose to spend it on heavenly pursuits, like “caring for the least of these…”

So if we are to avoid earthly-minded living, what should we embrace instead?

3. Live as Citizens of Heaven (3:20–21)

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

Like in many things in our lives, there’s a tension here. On one hand, Paul reminds us “this world is not my home; I’m just a-passin’ through…” But in the very next phrase, he acknowledges that we are here for now, and we need to be active. Paul may have had that old adage in mind about being too heavenly minded to be any earthly good -

When P says “our citizenship is in heaven” he does NOT mean we are unconcerned about our temporary residence… we are called to serve, evangelize, and steward this short-term environment while we’re waiting on our eternal home

Q: *What does it mean to live in our world AS citizens of Heaven?

What do we trust is coming/What are we looking forward to?

[SHOUT IT OUT]

we’ll celebrate advent season soon/3 Advents = 1st coming, current reality of his ongoing presence, 2nd coming

Q: when you think about Christ’s return, what do you look forward to?

[SHOUT IT OUT]

(We Look Forward to Transformation and Victory)

21 = [Jesus Christ] will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Look at everything we look forward to as a result of 2nd coming:

new body, heavenly home

transform our humble/humiliated body into a glorious one like his

this is the work of the Holy Spirit, promised to happen at Christ’s return

?? So what do we do while we wait? / How, then, shall we live ??

I’ve got some suggestions, based on this text:

PRACTICAL: While you wait for Jesus, make a commitment to intentionally engage with those around you. In public spaces, you often encounter people who are lonely or struggling. Take time to learn the names of baristas or cashiers and ask them about their day. These small interactions can open doors for deeper conversations where you can share your faith and hope in Christ. Consider asking someone you meet if they need prayer for a specific issue and take a moment to pray for them right there. This not only shows God’s love, but also fulfills the Great Commission in everyday encounters. You didn’t even have to go out of your way!

PRACTICAL: While awaiting Christ’s return, use your home as a hub for ministry. Host a Bible study or a book club focused on spiritual growth and understanding. Invite neighbors and friends who may not have a church community (*and some who do, for support!*). This creates a space for open dialogue about faith, encourages spiritual growth, and strengthens your own faith as you lead discussions. To help those who may not know Jesus yet, start with common topics—relationships or stress—and intertwine how the Gospel speaks to those problems. Fostering such community brings hope and anticipation.

Another suggestion about HOW we wait: WAIT WITH EXPECTATION

Think of a mother waiting for her child to return from college. She prepares meals, cleans the house, and fills the space with love and anticipation, making it a welcoming home. While we await Jesus' return, we can prepare our hearts and lives to be a reflection of His love, making our spiritual home inviting to others.

Or Consider a watchman standing on a wall, scanning the horizon for signs of the approaching dawn. His job is not just to watch but also to prepare for the day ahead. As we wait for our Savior, we should remain vigilant and proactive in our faith, sharing the message of hope and being ready to serve the needs around us.

We see in this text that Jesus’s power “subjects all things to himself.”

Q: In practical terms, how should our lives change in response to the truth that the Spirit makes ALL THINGS subject to Jesus?

Think about a child growing under the watchful eye of a loving parent. As they mature, they come to understand the expectations and truths instilled in them. In recognizing the Holy Spirit's role in making all things subject to Jesus, we also allow our spiritual growth to transform our behavior. When we internalize God’s truth, our responses to challenges, relationships, and moral decisions are guided by the wisdom and mind of Christ, leading us toward maturity.

Or consider a soldier who serves under a commanding officer. That soldier knows that everything they do, every action and decision, is subject to the commands and authority of their leader. Likewise, when we acknowledge that the Holy Spirit is at work, making all things subject to Jesus, our entire lives reflect that authority. Just as the soldier adjusts his behavior in response to the chain of command, we too align our lives with the lordship of Christ, submitting our desires, ambitions, and daily choices to His will.

This calls us to a VERY DIFFERENT way of life.

This is the radical obedience that compelled Danial to pray publicly three times a day even when praying was banned);

this radical obedience drove Peter to jump out of a perfectly good boat to walk on stormy water

this radical obedience made Abraham agree to take his only son to the top of a mountain to kill him

THIS is the kind of radical obedience we are called to!

[THINK:] What kind of radical obedience is God calling you to?

4. Stand Firm in the Present (4:1)

v1 = Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

stand firm in the Lord… how? what does that look like?

emulate Paul & Timothy & other believers who walk according to the example of Christ (v17)

CHOOSING grit, CHOOSING faithfulness, CHOOSING to lay ourselves down for the sake of unity

Picture a tall oak tree standing alone in a field during a storm. The winds whip around it violently, but the deep roots hold it firm to the ground. Likewise, to 'stand firm' means to be rooted in the Word of God, fully grafted and abiding in the Vine, seeking His strength to withstand the tempests of doubt, fear, and adversity. When we are grounded in our faith, we can face any challenge without being uprooted. And by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can respond like Jesus when we face those challenges.

live like our citizenship is in heaven!

[Q: what are some other ideas you have? What does it look like, in practical ways, to stand firm in the Lord?]

(Biblical examples:)

1 Peter 4:9 show hospitality to one another

1 Tim 2:8 Pray!

Matt 5:45 = Walk in Love “be imitators of God, as beloved children”

1 peter 2:12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable so…they may see your good deeds and glorify God

Reflect Christ’s image accurately - Matt 5:14 you are the light of the world / (16) let your light shine

Where does the power to “stand firm” come from?

Hebrews 13:20 (ESV)

20 Now may the God of peace … 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, ...

*And what does Scripture promise to us if we stand firm the way Paul instructs us?

Heb 11 - results of patient faith, to a whole litany of people who stood firm, exercising and asserting their faith in God

APPLICATION - Fill Out Your Notes Page

Who are you imitating? We all follow examples—choose those who reflect Christ. Q: Who are you watching? Who influences your decisions, priorities, and lifestyle?

In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul encourages us to imitate him as he imitates Christ. Imagine if we truly took this to heart! Think of the joy and laughter we could spread if we imitated Christ’s kindness or forgiveness in our everyday interactions. If we were to ‘act like Christ,’ our workplaces might become little slices of Heaven—a place where laughter and love reign instead of stress and strife!

Guard against earthly distractions. Don’t let temporary pleasures or cultural trends pull you from eternal priorities. Q: Are your goals and habits shaped by eternity or by culture?

Live as a citizen of heaven now. Your values, speech, and actions should reflect your true home. Q: Does your life reflect your eternal address?

Hope fuels holiness. The promise of transformation and Christ’s return is what motivates us to endure and to obey. Q: Are you living with that hope in mind each day?

Stand firm together. Faith is not solo—Paul’s language (“beloved,” “joy and crown”) reminds us of the importance of community. APPLICATION: Encourage one another—our joy and crown is found in faithful relationships. Q: Who could you contact & offer to stand firm in faith together?

PRAY & END