Living as a Citizen of Heaven

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

Philippians 3 continues to challenge us to re-evaluate our priorities, shifting our focus from earthly pursuits to a heavenly perspective. It’s a call to live as citizens of a different kingdom, impacting how we follow, what we admire, and where we place our hope.

Follow Heavenly-Minded Examples

Paul urges the Philippians, “Be followers of me, and look to those who walk as we do” (Philippians 3:17). This isn’t about blind obedience, but about observing those who are intentionally living out their faith. It’s about identifying those whose lives reflect the character of Christ and intentionally learning from them.

Paul emphasizes that “walk” refers to the pattern of your life, your habits, your values, and your daily choices. Just as we need leaders to follow, we also have a responsibility to be godly examples to others.

Avoid Following Earthly Examples

However, not everyone is worthy of imitation. Paul warns about those who are “enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18), people whose lives are defined by self-indulgence and shame. It’s a stark reminder to be discerning about who we allow to influence us.

How do we identify these dangerous influences? Paul points to several key characteristics:

• Living against God’s law: They disregard biblical principles and prioritize their own desires.
• Prioritizing earthly things: Their focus is solely on material possessions, pleasure, and self-gratification.
• Boasting in shameful things: They celebrate behaviors that should bring them shame.

The law, Paul explains, serves three vital purposes: it restrains evil, reveals God’s will, and exposes our own sinfulness. We must be wary of those who flaunt their disobedience and disregard God’s standards. Beware of false prophets and teachers who disguise themselves as sheep in wolves clothing!

Paul illustrates this with a powerful analogy: “Whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame” (Philippians 3:19). Their appetites, desires, and self-worship become their ultimate priority.

Remember, as Romans 6:1-4 reminds us, if we’ve died to sin, we shouldn’t continue living in it. We are called to “walk in newness of life” and 1 John 2:15 warns us not to love the world or the things in it.

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4 KJV

Have a Heavenly-Minded Hope

Ultimately, our true home isn’t on earth; it’s in heaven. Paul declares, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

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 3:20-21 KJV

This heavenly perspective transforms our lives. We are merely “passing through” this world, and our hope is rooted in the promise of a future resurrection and a glorified body, fashioned like Christ’s (Philippians 3:21).

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:13-16 KJV

Hebrews 11:13-16 beautifully portrays this reality: the patriarchs of faith “died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off.” They recognized they were strangers and pilgrims on earth, seeking a better country – a heavenly one.

This hope compels us to shift our priorities. Instead of laying up treasures on earth, we should focus on storing up eternal rewards in heaven (1 Peter 1:4).

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:4 KJV

Our earthly bodies are temporary and imperfect. But the promise of a glorified body—one that reflects the perfection and glory of Christ—should inspire us to live with a heavenly mindset, eagerly awaiting the return of our Savior.

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