Tag: Philippians 3
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.
Straining towards the prize!
Scripture reading for September 5th: Philippians 3
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Philippians 3:12-15 “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.”
Paul recounted his amazing life and the many things he had experienced prior to salvation. He counted all his accomplishments as garbage for the sake of knowing Christ Jesus, his Lord and Savior. But he still hadn’t arrived at the fullness of knowledge that was possible or that God desired for him! So he described for the Philippians (and us!) his own attitude about his life and expectations for his future. He put his past behind him and eagerly pressed on towards knowing Christ more fully! This had resulted in his imprisonment and possible impending execution! This understanding did not deter or distract Paul from straining forward in his quest for more of Christ!
Observations for over-comers: Knowing Christ Jesus and one day seeing His face is the goal of each mature believer. We can’t live in the past or glory in past accomplishments but must strain forward, embracing the mission and trusting Christ no matter what! “Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” (Psalm 73:23-24)
I want to Know Christ!
Scripture reading for September 4th: Philippians 3
At this point, Paul had walked with the Lord through many trials and years of ministry. He had written and taught many of the same principles and doctrines over and over to those he served. This did not bother him because he considered it a way to safeguard their faith. (Philippians 3:1) He warned the church to watch out for false teachers who would try to add works of the law to faith. To Paul, the Christian journey was all about knowing Jesus Christ!
“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:8-11)
Paul had given up trying to keep the law and boasting in his own righteousness. He now pursued Christ Jesus! He was saved by Christ on the Damascus road, but now at the end of his life he knew he must “press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me,” (Philippians 3:12) This attitude marks mature believers in Christ. We must strive to learn and grow to know Christ and become like Him in His death and in His resurrection!