"Citizens of Heaven" (Philippians 3:10-21)

Philippians 3:10-21

 

In Paul’s letter to the church of Philippi, he gives and them, and us, much advice about what we need to do before we get to heaven and be with Jesus. First, we have to admit our journey is continuing and not over, yet.

 

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.

Philippians 3:12 ESV

 

Some Christians believe that once we accept Jesus as our savior, we are done. However, we need to remember that accepting Jesus is just the beginning of our Christian walk. We must repent of our sins and bear our cross daily. 

 

If we start to think that we are more righteous than others, we judge. Accepting Jesus as our savior does not make us more righteous.  In fact, the church is a place where we come together to encourage each other. It does not help to pick apart one another from their mistakes. Jesus has told us not to judge others because He has the job to judge. In Matthew, Jesus tells us this.

 

For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Matthew 7:2-5 ESV

 

Second, we must discipline ourselves to be better Christians.  Philippians 3 does not give precise instructions about what we are to do, but it does give some clues about what not to do.

 

Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

Philippians 3:19 ESV

 

Paul did not tell us to stop eating but alerts us to the problem of self-centeredness.  These people whose stomachs are their gods have little concern or love for others. They only want their own glory. Earthly things are those things that do not focus on heaven.

 

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Philippians 3:20 ESV

 

Heaven is where God is reigning. If God is not in you, you are in hell. It depends on who is in you and not where you are. Wherever you go, you can be in heaven because God is with you. When God is in us, it is easier to live a God centered life which focuses on pleasing God and putting God first before my own desire and myself.

 

In conclusion, we need to be patient and be practical while we wait. Let us make efforts to discipline ourselves to please Jesus, so we will be even more ready to meet him when we do.

2023-01-22 Worship Songs

Come Now Is The Time To Worship 주께 경배드리세

Enough 부족함 없네 (주님의 그 모든 것이)

In Christ alone 예수안에 소망있네