“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.
For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.
But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”
Philippians 3:17-21 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/php.3.17-21.NLT
Paul is inviting us to be rooted in the Kingdom of God.
Reflection
When we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, not only are we entering into a life-changing relationship with him, but we are also part of the Kingdom of God. A new homeland. A community of people living in the presence of, receiving the abundant provisions of, and sharing the good news of God everywhere they live and go.
Paul describes it this way: “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.
Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” Philippians 1:27 NLT.
Standing for the homeland of God’s Kingdom is filled with challenges: “Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.
For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.
We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.” Philippians 1:28-30 NLT.
We are given clear guidance on how to represent God’s Kingdom in this world: “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?
Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important.
Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you.
Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.” Philippians 2:1-3, 5-16 NLT.
Encouragement
Take some time to consider this “new homeland,” being the Kingdom of God. This is your community. It is where you belong. It is who you stand for everywhere you go.
Paul reminds us of the joys and challenges of being citizens of heaven.
The body of Christ, the community of faith, and the church are the embassies to every people group, tribe, and nation with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Live into this identity and be part of the community of the Kingdom of God.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
As I consider today’s truth, I am experiencing a healthy pride in being part of your kingdom. Thank you for inviting me. I am so glad I accepted.
It is also humbling because it is a challenge to stand for you and your kingdom in a world where there is a constant reality of cynicism and opposition to anything to do with you. This is hard. Please help all of us to stand firm.
Holy Spirit, please help us represent you and your kingdom well.
May these words from Romans be the prayer of our heart: “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.
Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” Romans 13:12-14 NLT.
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell