Hearts fixed on Home
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Philippians 3:12-4:1
12. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13. Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15. Let those of us who are mature be thus minded; and if in anything you are otherwise minded, God will reveal that also to you. 16. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. 17. Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so live as you have an example in us. 18. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19. Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20. But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21. who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself. Phi 4:1. Therefore, my brethren, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Once we’re saved, it’s easy to settle for that truth. I think sometimes we feel as if we’ve done enough to further the kingdom of God. We’re tired and we deserve a rest. We look around and see all these comfortable, settled people and we think we must have missed the boat! But exactly the opposite is the case! Paul urges the people of Philippi not to “rest on their laurels” and fall back into living a life unworthy of their faith.
Paul was tireless in his mission. He seized every opportunity to preach the Good News to every person he met—whether they wanted to hear it or not! No matter who they were – prison guards, strangers on the street, seekers who came to visit him, even the rulers of the time—knowing he was risking physical harm or death for doing so. He refers often to his past – a former persecutor of Christians. His zeal is not because he wants to make up for lost time, but because of his gratitude and joy at being used by God in spite of his past! That is certainly reason to rejoice!
My NIV translation of the first part of v20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven” This was an important and meaningful term to the First Century recipients of this message. My Bible Readers Companion points out that “citizenship conveyed the right to hold office, the privilege of appeal to Roman courts, and protection anywhere in the empire.” But Paul contends that the citizenship he claims, and invites—more, compels us to join has far greater benefits! Eternal life! Fellowship with Christ! Sitting at God’s feet in heaven! Those future rights are conveyed to us when we live as if we already have them here on earth.
Our joy at our future inheritance should be so great that we cannot help but declare and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of all!
I hope you spend your day living as a citizen of heaven, standing firm in the Lord.
Mary
