Scripture Reading
Philippians 3:17–21 NLT
“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, offers both a heartfelt encouragement and a sobering warning. He reminds believers that the life we live on earth is not to be consumed with temporary pleasures but aligned with our eternal citizenship in Heaven. As Christians, our eyes are fixed not on the shifting sands of this world, but on the eternal promises of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.”
Paul sets himself as an example, not out of arrogance, but because his life had been so thoroughly transformed by the grace of Christ. He urges the church to look at faithful believers and imitate their walk. Every Christian leaves footprints in the sand for others to follow—whether toward Christ or away from Him.
As disciples, we must ask: who is influencing us, and whom are we influencing? Are we pointing others toward Jesus, or are we leaving a trail of confusion? The true example we follow should always lead back to Christ.
“For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.”
Paul speaks with tears, not anger. His sorrow reveals the depth of his compassion. Those who live as enemies of the cross are not necessarily loud opponents of Christianity; often, they are people who quietly give themselves over to the passions of this world. Their stomachs, their pride, and their worldly pursuits are the things that rule them.
This warning is for us today. In a society that glorifies indulgence, self-promotion, and material wealth, it is easy to become so entangled with the world that we forget eternity. What consumes our minds and hearts? Are we more concerned with worldly gain than heavenly treasure?
“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”
In sharp contrast to those who think only of this life, Paul reminds us of our true identity: we are citizens of Heaven. Just as earthly citizenship brings rights and responsibilities, so does our heavenly citizenship. Our values, our conduct, and our hope must reflect the Kingdom of God, not the kingdoms of this world.
We eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ. This anticipation shapes how we live. We are called to walk as foreigners and ambassadors here, pointing others to the eternal Kingdom.
“He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”
Paul assures us that our frail, mortal bodies will not remain as they are. At the coming of Christ, they will be transformed into glorious bodies like His resurrected body. This hope gives us courage in the midst of suffering, sickness, and aging. Christ’s power is not only sufficient to change us; it is sufficient to bring the entire universe under His authority.
This promise reminds us that the best is yet to come. Our faith is not in vain, our sacrifices are not wasted, and our struggles will one day give way to glory.
Beloved, we are not of this world—we are citizens of Heaven. Paul calls us to follow the right examples, to reject the pull of earthly distractions, and to fix our eyes on Christ. The temporary pleasures of this life cannot compare to the eternal glory awaiting us in Him.
Let us live faithfully today as ambassadors of the Kingdom, shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs hope. Keep your eyes lifted heavenward, for the Savior is coming again.
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So, I say to you, “May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.”
