Paul begins this last section of his conclusion by reminding the people of Philippi that all mature Christians will eventually agree with him that while perfection is unattainable, the process of striving after Christ-likeness must continue. Paul boldly holds himself up as an example to emulate, but also reminds the people that God has placed good examples of Christian maturity within their own church; heroes are important, but we can find experience and advice close at hand to help us.
Having already proclaimed the need to strive toward Christ-likeness, Paul now concludes by contrasting the "enemies of the cross of Christ" whose focus is upon themselves as evidenced by their minds which "are on earthly things", with those whom God has redeemed whose "citizenship is in heaven". To be citizens of heaven is a bold claim that alters our entire worldview, allowing us to let go of the past (before Christ) and embrace the future which God has in store for each of his own. As citizens of heaven, we eagerly await the return of Christ (no matter how we understand the events of the End Times), when not only the earth will be brought under his dominion, but our own bodies will be restored to the perfection that God originally intended before the Fall. Whatever the future holds, for ourselves, our church, or our nation, our faith rests upon the promises of God, he will one day transform the world, he will on day transform us because we are citizens of heaven.
To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video
This blog serves as an outreach for Pastor Randy Powell of the First Baptist Church of Franklin, PA. Feel free to ask questions or send me an e-mail at pastorpowell@hotmail.com
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