Our Citizenship is In Heaven
“12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.”
The Philippian church was a praiseworthy community, yet there were still challenges to endure and areas in which they needed to grow. That is why Paul, through this letter, exhorts the believers to live lives worthy of the gospel. Throughout Philippians, he explains what such a life entails—understanding the meaning of suffering and living centered on Christ.
Mature faith is not based on worldly values but on a life centered on the cross—one that acknowledges our sinfulness and relies on God's grace. Paul warns against those who live as enemies of the cross, pursuing earthly desires, sensual pleasures, and external glory.
Paul boldly declares, “Our citizenship is in heaven.” Though he possessed Roman citizenship, he identified his true essence as a citizen of heaven. This means our identity is not found in worldly status but in Christ and His cross. Paul specifically mentions Euodia and Syntyche, urging them to “be of the same mind in the Lord.” True unity is possible only when we fully embrace the grace of the cross.
Where do we place our identity today? Instead of defining ourselves by family, education, career, or social status, we must firmly root our identity in our heavenly citizenship. Let us accept the grace of the cross, treat one another in light of that grace, and live as citizens of heaven each day.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for leading us to live with hope in heaven and the power of the resurrection. We confess and praise You, acknowledging that our true citizenship is in being Your children and followers of Christ. By Your Spirit, help us live lives worthy of the gospel and the cross. Renew our hearts and perspectives so that we may have the mind of Christ today.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)