Tag: glorious body
Heavenly citizenship!
Scripture reading for September 4: Philippians 3
“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.” Philippians 3:17-21
Paul’s world view was contrary to the world of his day. He sought to help the Philippians to see life through the world view of heavenly citizenship. Citizens of the Roman empire had certain rights and privileges. In the world view that Roman citizens held, there were many ‘gods’ and their worship consisted of sexual immorality and gluttony. They did whatever their appetites drove them to do. Money, power and conquest were part of the currency of their citizenship. These Roman citizens living in the world view of their day were enemies of Christ’s cross.
But Paul reminded the Philippians that they should keep their eyes on him and those like him who walked as bondslaves of Jesus Christ and citizens of heaven. Heaven’s citizenship was marked by loyalty to Jesus Christ, the One Who died on the cross and rose again. He was the source of all wealth, power and victory. As a resurrected Savior, Jesus Alone promised those following Him a glorious resurrection body. His divine power was manifested in His own resurrection and His divine authority as King of Heaven provided power to accomplish all He promised. When we hold the world view of being a heavenly citizen, we can eagerly await our coming King and Savior and the transformation He promises. We live following His example in righteousness and holiness by faith in Jesus.
As you consider your own world view, what country or culture do you consider yourself as belonging? How does your world view affect your attitudes and actions and daily habits? Are you currently eagerly awaiting the coming of Jesus Christ and His promised transformation?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for adopting me into Your forever family and making me a citizen of heaven. I am increasingly more aware that I do not belong to this world system but am just passing through. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit today and give me open doors to share about Jesus, King of Heaven! Amen.
Heavenly Citizenship
Scripture reading for December 3rd: Philippians 1-4
Paul is in prison for preaching the Gospel. He writes to the church in Philippi, thanking God for them and encouraging them! Paul is confident that the God who began a good work in them will see it through to the day of Christ’s return. (Philippians 1:6) Paul prayed for these believers to grow in love for God as they grew in personal knowledge and insight of what was pleasing to God. Paul prayed that they would be found blameless and pure when Christ appeared. (Philippians 1:9-11)
Paul’s view of life was different after his conversion experience. He counted all of his old life as rubbish for the sake of Christ. (Philippians 3:7-14) Paul’s sole desire was to be found in Christ and be clothed with Christ’s righteousness which came by faith, not by keeping the law. He wanted to attain to the resurrection of the dead and pressed on to take hold of eternal life by obeying Christ. He focused on what was ahead, making it his goal to win the prize. He knew that he was not there yet, but must keep on moving toward Christ.
Paul explained this in yet another way. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 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.” (Philippians 3:20-21) Although Paul had appealed to Rome because of Roman citizenship, he viewed heaven as his true home now. Citizens have rights and privileges, as well as responsibilities. A responsibility of a citizen of Heaven is to be watching for his heavenly King to come! When He comes, there will be an instant transformation of our lowly bodies! We will put off this earthly body and receive a glorious body, like our Savior’s ! We will also receive rewards for living a life of faith.
Christ had the power to lay His life down and the power to take it back up again. He rose again, defeating death! In His victory, we are promised victory! He has given us His promise and power in the person of the Holy Spirit living in us. He enables us to focus on the goal and prize–eternity in Christ’s heavenly presence! Lift up your head, Redemption is drawing near!