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Philippians 3:17-4:1/Our Heavenly Citizenship

Philippians 3:17-21: Our Heavenly Citizenship
I.                   Context
a.     Paul is warning the Philippians about false teachers--the Judaizers--who put confidence in the flesh by demanding that the Gentiles be circumcised
b.    Paul sarcastically lists reasons he could be confidence in the flesh
c.     Paul insists that righteousness that is by faith in Christ, but makes sure they understand that pursuing righteousness is the goal of the Christian life
II.                 Verse 17
a.     Paul implores the Philippians to follow his example—leaning on Christ but striving for holiness
b.    He calls on them to take note of those who are serving Christ and to follow their example
III.              Verses 18-21
a.     Paul gives us describes the difference between the citizens of Christ’s Kingdom and the enemies of the cross
b.    The enemies of the cross are defined by:
1.    Their end is destruction
2.    Their god is their belly
3.    The take glory in their shame (Matthew Henry: “Sin is the sinner’s shame, especially when it is gloried in.”)
4.    They mind earthly things
c.     By contrast, the citizens of Christ’s Kingdom are defined by:
                                                             i.      Heavenly priorities
                                                           ii.      Hope of the Resurrection
IV.             Application
a.     Where are our priorities?  Are we focused on money, sex, and entertainment?  Or are we focused on God's Kingdom and serving Christ?  MH: “Christ came by his cross to crucify the world to us and us to the world; and those who mind earthly things act directly contrary to the cross of Christ, and this great design of it.” 
b.    Are we choosing the right people to emulate?  Are we following the servants of Christ or the enemies of His cross?  MH: “It is good having fellowship with those who have fellowship with Christ, and conversation with those whose conversation is in heaven.”
c.     Are we looking for the Resurrection by living as citizens of Heaven now?  If I, an American, went to China, they would know that I was from a foreign country because of my clothes, speech, and actions.  Does the world recognize that we are citizens of another country/Kingdom?  MH: “There is good reason to have our conversation in heaven, not only because Christ is now there, but because we hope to be there shortly.”



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