Citizens of Heaven

I’m going to display some images on the screen and I want you to think about how they make you feel. The first is a picture of our country’s flag, the stars and stripes. We see it waving in the air on the flagpole outside the school, or in front of the courthouse, or at the park in the stadium before a football game. The second picture is of a group of children reciting the pledge of allegiance at school. This is how most students start the day.  You can probably say those lines by heart. The next picture displays fireworks, from a Fourth of July celebration. We just celebrated the fourth a few weeks ago, and while many of the displays were cancelled, we still saw plenty of fireworks in the sky as people lit them off themselves. My father-in-law Phil and I had a good time in Michigan putting on a show for our family. Another picture takes us to the cemetery, where a group of Boy Scouts are decorating the graves of veterans. I remember doing this when I was in scouts, on Memorial Day.  It was a reminder that there was a cost for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.  There were brave men and women who have served in the armed forces and many gave their lives.  I want to show you one more picture. This is a group of people who are taking the oath of citizenship.  They have come from all different parts of the world, some are escaping tyranny and oppression, others are searching for a better life, and as they complete the process of becoming citizens they are so proud to call America their home.

As we look at each of these photos we feel a spirit of patriotism stirring in our hearts.  We love our country and we love our community.  We are grateful for the privileges we enjoy here, that many people in other places around the world do not share.  Even during times like this, when we may not be happy with all of the decisions our leaders are making, we realize how blessed we are to be citizens of this nations.

Scripture reminds us that wherever a person might live, to whatever nation he belongs, Christians are citizens of a higher country.  Our citizenship is heaven.  That is our true home.  That is our destiny.  That is where we fix our hope.  This present world is only our temporary dwelling, but we have an eternal residence that has been prepared for us in glory.  During our time on earth we are like pilgrims on a journey through a strange and foreign land; but with each step we take we draw closer to home.

In our passage this morning, in Philippians 3:17-21, the apostle Paul uses the imagery of citizenship to show believers how they ought to live.  There are so many around us who set their minds on earthly things, but the Christian is called to set his mind on things above.  To make this point he reminds us that we are citizens of heaven.  This was a concept that would have meant something to the Philippians.  Their city held the special status of being a Roman colony, and that granted them the rights and privileges of citizenship.  This wasn’t the case for most cities across the Empire.  But in 31 BC there was a significant battle that took place nearby, and afterwards a number of Italian soldiers settled there in Philippi.  As a result, it became a Roman colony which mean that even though they were living in northern Greece, far away from the capital of the empire, it was as if they were living on Roman soil.

Being a citizen in the ancient world was a huge deal.  It gave them certain exemptions from taxes.  Other towns had to pay an annual sum as tribute for the privilege of being included in the empire, but the Philippians were Romans so they weren’t required to pay.  It gave them legal protections.  It was against the law for a Roman citizen to be scourged by the courts.  Paul reminded the magistrates of Philippi about this law, after they had him beaten and thrown into prison in Acts 16:37.  “Hey, isn’t it illegal to treat a Roman citizen this way?”  When they found out he was a citizen they were afraid they were going to get into trouble, and begged him to leave town.  Citizens had the right to be tried in Roman court, when accused of wrongdoing.  This was something Paul did later on in Acts 26 when the governor of the region was planning to have him stand trial in Jerusalem.  As a Roman citizen he had the right to appeal to Caesar, and so he was sent to Rome.  Jeff shared some thoughts with me awhile back about what citizenship meant from a historical perspective.

Roman citizenship is the foundation of our citizenship laws today.  Like our citizenship, Roman citizenship could not be lost – once a citizen, always a citizen.  Even in prison Paul retained his citizenship.  Thus, for Paul, teaching the concept of eternal security was easily understood by his audience in using the example of citizenship.  Roman citizenship was highly valued in all the colonies like Philippi where some people were citizens (likely most were in Philippi by the time of this writing), some people were not citizens.  Citizenship was the path to social and political power and mobility, land ownership, and the right to participate in the culture.  Citizenship valued above all other things for without citizenship all social, political, and legal doors were closed.  There was no hope of ever getting out of the position of being second class or, even worse, being a slave. [i]

So we can understand why the people of Philippi would have felt a sense of patriotism and civic pride.  They were Philippians, citizens of Rome, even if they had never actually visited the capital of the empire.  The apostle Paul uses this concept to explain our special status as citizens of heaven. Even though we have never actually stepped foot in the heavenly city, it is our home.  We enjoy the rights and privileges that go along with that as well as the responsibilities of being citizens.  This should change our focus and the way we live. If our citizenship is in heaven, we ought to fix our eyes on things above not on the things of this earth.

As citizens of heaven, we long for home.

Our passage reminds us that it is heaven. Look at Philippians 3:20 (NASB95), where Paul writes, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Philippians had a homeland. They took pride in their city, their culture, and their association with the Roman Empire. It was okay for them to feel this way.  Elsewhere, Paul expresses the same kind of feeling towards Tarsus, which was the city where he was born (Acts 21:39).  But he reminded them that this wasn’t their true home.  Yes, from an earthly perspective you are Philippians, and while you are here you seek to be good neighbors to those around you and promote the well-being of your city.  But on a deeper level you are the people of God and belong to a heavenly kingdom.

Each of us has a physical address, where we reside – the name of the street, the house number, the zip code. Maybe you have lived there for a very long time, and have seen families come and go. Or maybe you just moved a couple of weeks ago and are still learning your way around.  Either way, we need to remember that this is only our temporary residence.  The Christian is a long ways from home.

In a sense, we are like Abraham who lived in tents as a wanderer on this earth. Hebrews 11:9–10 (NASB95) says,

9 By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

We too are strangers and aliens in this world, longing for that glorious city we will enter one day. Heaven will be beautiful, shining with the splendor God. It will be filled with the sounds of angelic praise.  It will be filled with the redeemed community from all the ages.  It will be far greater than anything we can comprehend, untarnished by the effects of sin

We are to fix our eyes on heaven, being careful not to grow overly attached to this present world.

It’s like a young man, who has been away at summer camp.  He is a long ways from home, bunking in a cabin by the lake surrounded by pine trees and sand dunes.  He has been living out of a suitcase and sleeping on a cot.  It wasn’t extravagant, but for the past week he has thought of it as a home away from home.  He is thankful for the time he has spent there.  Memorable things have happened.  He has met lots of people who have made an impact on his life and he has had a chance to make an impact on their lives.  Now the week has drawn to a close and he sees cars pulling in to the parking lot, as parents show up to pick up their kids.  There is a part of him wishes that it would last a little longer, but another part of him is anxious to return home.  He has made the most of his time at camp, but he understands this was only a temporary dwelling.

This is only our temporary home. We’re just passing through, as strangers and aliens on this earth. We are thankful for each day that we have been given.  While we are here we love the people around us,  and care for our neighbors.  We strive to be salt and light on this earth and desire to make this world a better place.  But at the same time a yearning in our heart for heaven.

In John 14:2–3 (NASB95) Jesus told his disciples,

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

As citizens of heaven, we abide by God’s law.

God back to Philippians 3:17–19. The apostle Paul reminds us that believers are called to follow Christ in everything that we do, and that means living by a different standard and different values from those of this world. He says,

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

As citizens of Rome, the Philippians were called to live according to certain laws and ordinances. The Roman Empire prided itself in maintaining order throughout all of their territories, and citizens were expected to carry themselves a certain way.

But the apostle reminds us that Christians live by a higher law. Yes, we strive to obey the laws of the land so long as those laws do not contradict God’s commands. But more importantly our lives are to be governed by God’s Word.  Paul reminded the Philippians of the example they saw in him during the time he spent in their city.  He gave them a pattern they could follow for living the Christian life.  His desire was that in all things his words and actions would be pleasing to God.  This was how he wanted them to live.  He told the churches, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.”

This stands in sharp contrast the pattern of this world. It broke the apostle’s heart to think of those who rejected God, and rejected God’s Word. They lived by their own standards, seeking only to please themselves.  For such people, the only god they really worshipped was their own sinful appetite.  Rather than feeling a sense of conviction for violating God’s commands, they actually gloried in their shameful deeds.  They were only thinking about earthly things, living for today.  The apostle wrote these words with tears in his eyes because he knew that if they continued along this path it would lead to their destruction.

Even though we live in this world, we are not to imitate this world. Christians are called to live by a different standard. We have the Spirit of God guiding us to live for the Lord, and he is shaping our values to line up with the teaching of Scripture.  This is the constitution that governs our lives.

There are times when we have to make a choice whether to follow the pattern of this world or the pattern we have in Christ. Everyone else is doing it. When in Rome, do as the Romans, right?  No, that’s not how it works for us.  We need to remember that we are Christ’s ambassadors in this world, and that means reflecting his character.

One commentator writes,

Here was a picture the Philippians could understand. Philippi was a Roman colony… The great characteristic of these colonies was that, wherever they were, they remained fragments of Rome. Roman-style clothes were worn; Roman magistrates governed; Latin was spoken; Roman justice was administered; Roman morals were observed. Even in the most remote regions, they remained unshakably Roman. Paul says to the Philippians: ‘Just as the Roman colonists never forget that they belong to Rome, you must never forget that you are citizens of heaven; and your conduct must match your citizenship.’[ii]

If your child was staying over with a friend, you give them a talk before they go.  “You know our rules.  You know the way that we act in this house.  That family might not have the same rules.  They might let their kids stay up past midnight.  They might watch shows that we don’t let you watch.  But I want you to conduct yourself as if you were in our house.  Do you understand?”  They answer, “Yes dad.”  Sometimes our kids will be playing with friends outside, and one of their friends using the Lord’s name in vain.  Our kids will quickly say, “That’s not a nice thing to say.  We’re not allow to talk like that.”  Charity and I look at each other and say “yes, we’re doing something right.”

Wherever we are, whether in church on Sunday, or in the workplace during the week, or in our homes at night, God wants his children to behave as citizens of heaven. It doesn’t matter where you are, you are a child of God, and we are conduct ourselves by his law. The people around us may live by a very different set of morals, but we are to stay true to our calling.

1 Thessalonians 2:10–12 (NIV84) says,

You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

What pattern do we follow? The pattern of this world, or the pattern we have in Christ? Do we stand out?  Do we march by a different drum?  Do we look unique?  

As citizens of heaven, we honor the King of kings.

Again, Philippians 3:20-21 (NASB95) tell

 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

Throughout the Roman Empire, Caesar was considered the highest authority in the world. His image was printed on coins. His name was spoken with reverence.  His word carried tremendous weight, as no one dared defy him.  There were even temples set up in his honor where people were expected to burn incense as pledge of loyalty and declare “Caesar is Lord.”  Of course, this was something Christians were not able to do in good conscience.  They understood that as powerful as he might have been, the emperor was just a man.  Christ alone is Lord.

We believe there is no greater power or authority in the universe that could rival our Savior. He is the King of kinds and the Lord or lords. His throne is at the right hand of the Father in the heavenlies, far above all rule and dominion not only in this age but also in the age to come (Eph. Eph. 1:21).   We bow our hearts before him in reverence and declare his praise.

Knowing this gives us tremendous confidence in our lives. When this world seems chaotic and out of control, when the powers of darkness seem to be gaining ground, we take comfort knowing that Christ is still on the throne. We believe that one day he is coming again to reclaim this fallen world and set things right again.

This also keeps us from placing our trust in earthly rulers. There is no king or leader who can solve the problems of this world. During election season the candidates try to convince our nation that they have the answers, but despite the promises they make or the or the plans they offer, we know that only Christ can fix what is broken in this world.

Our king is coming. The passage tells us that we wait eagerly for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. One day all of his people will be caught up together to meet him in the clouds.  Those who have gone before us will descend with him from heaven, and in the twinkling of an eye we will be transformed, clothed in resurrection bodies that resonate with his glory.  He “…will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory…”  These earthly bodies of ours are lowly and weak, as a result of the fall.  We get tired after spending the day in the sun.  We are susceptible to illness or disease.  We are mortal beings.  But just as Christ rose from the grave never to taste death again, our resurrection bodies will also be raised imperishable.  Imagine what it will be like to have the resurrection power coursing through hour veins, strong, vibrant, full of life, completely healthy, restored to God’s perfect design.  We will finally be set free from the consequences of the fall.  Like a king riding in to deliver his people from the enemy, Christ will arrive to deliver us to glory.

He will not only set us free, but will also reclaim the universe that is rightfully his. Ever since the garden, this world has been in rebellion against God. But one day he will judge evil and conquer the forces of darkness once and for all.  He has the power to subject all things to himself.  Earlier in the letter Paul tells us that one day every knee will be and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

We should look forward to his coming with expectation and longing.

Imagine driving through the city when traffic suddenly comes to a halt.  There is a parade making its way down main street and crowds of people are standing alongside of the road watching with excitement.  You roll down your window and ask the first person who walks by, “what’s all the commotion about?”  He answers, “The king!  The good and gracious king of a distant country has come, and he is visiting our city.”  Wouldn’t that be exciting?  Wouldn’t  you want to rush out with the crowd to see a glimpse of him as he passes by?

How much more should citizens of heaven long for the coming our king. This is our hope, our destiny. What a glorious day it will be.

1 Corinthians 15:52–57 (NIV84) says,

52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Godly Citizens

Today this is our dwelling.  We are citizens of the United States, Ohioans, living in buckeye country, members of the Ada community.  This is a good place to live, and I am thankful to be here.  We strive to be good neighbors and make our world a better place.  But always in our mind is the reality that this earth is not our true home.  Our citizenship is in heaven from which we eagerly wait for a Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.

So don’t get too comfortable here in this earthly home, or allow yourself to be distracted by the pleasures of this life.

Be careful not to imitate the customs of this world, but rather imitate the pattern set for us in Scripture, holding onto the values, principles, and beliefs of our Christian faith.

Pledge our allegiance to Christ our King, longing for the day when we will stand in his presence and see him face to face.

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[i] Dr. Jeff Price

[ii] Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, pp. 81–82). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

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