As citizens of Heaven, we to have great privileges and responsibilities. This morning we are going to look at four characteristics of citizens of heaven.
I) Your Name Has Been written in the Book (4:3)
Not everyone’s name is written in heaven. Because I am a U.S. citizen. My name is written in a record book in New York.
Now the amazing thing about this I didn’t have to work for it I was born into it. It is the same way when it comes to having my name in Heaven’s book, I didn’t have to work for my citizenship in heaven I was born into it. It is a free gift from God! And the fact that our names are written in heaven is a cause for rejoicing.
If you are a citizen of heaven, then your name is written in heaven’s book. You belong to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, and he will never blot you out of his book. And that is cause for great rejoicing.
II) Your Life is to be Governed from another Country (3:17)
Paul is reminding us that we are citizens of another country and ambassadors while living here. As good ambassadors we should be able to say what Paul said, “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” (Philippians 3:17)
Have you been a good ambassador? Would you encourage others to follow the example of your life as Paul encouraged others to follow his example?
III) Your Heart is Focused on the Lost Around You (3:18-19)
Paul weeps as he writes verses 18 and 19. His tears stain the page as he writes. Why? Because there are so many who think they are ok with Christ and yet live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
In verse 19 Paul gives us his four-part evaluation of these enemies of the cross.
1. Their condemnation is settled
Notice verse 19, whose end is destruction. Other passages call it death or judgment.
Paul was overwhelmed by the gravity of such an eternal, unremitting, never-ending existence.
You see, the question is not, “Does a person cease to exist?” The question is “Where will that person exist for eternity?” Apart from Jesus Christ their condemnation is settled.
2. Their cravings are sensual
Paul writes further in verse 19 . . . whose god is their appetite. Paul uses it metaphorically to refer to the unrestrained, sensual, physical, forbidden desires.
The world is running after the gods of their own satisfaction. And the tragedy, learned too late, is that they have chosen unsatisfying gods. And before they know it, they have wasted their lives.
3. Their commendations are shameful
Paul writes, they exalt – they glory in practices and habits and desires of which they should be ashamed but are not.
But it doesn’t stop there. Paul is saying that they arrive at the most extreme form of wickedness in that they are not only proud of their worst perversions, but they also applaud the same in other people.
4. Their captivations are short-sighted
Notice once more verse 19 – they set their minds on earthly things.
Paul effectively informs the church in Philippi that for these unbelievers, earth will be the closest they will ever get to heaven.
But that doesn’t have to be the case for you, it’s not too late there is still time today for you to come to faith in Christ.
IV) Your Eyes are Watching for His Return (3:20-21)
True citizens of heaven are watching for Christ’s return. Scripture exhorts us to watch, pray, be ready, eagerly expect, wait for and look for the return of our Savior.
Our citizenship is in heaven! When Jesus comes, we’re going home! No wonder we should be eagerly watching for him!
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