Loved ones, the Apostle Paul expounds on the concept that although we physically live on the earth, everything else about a Christian is heavenly (Philippians 3:20). He speaks of a contrasting view of life, citizens of the heavenly world vs. citizens of the worldly community. We live in the world, but our allegiance is to the heavenly.
Sometimes Christians will misunderstand, trying to be citizens of both communities but our affection the object of our contemplation MUST be heavenly (Colossians 3:2). Peter expounds on this thought: “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).
Don’t regard the earth as our home, don’t allow attachments or arrangements to hinder the journey to heaven. As we are engaged in life here [marriage, school, work] out thoughts and affections must be on the object of our contemplation, heaven. As strangers, aliens, and sojourners, our residence in this world is temporary. We are not citizens of this world.
The second part of Peter’s exhortation speaks of how earthly things [fleshly appetites] hinder our progress toward heaven (cf. Galatians 5:24; 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Peter 1:14). They war against the soul – the conscience, the understanding, and our discernment, which can change the direction of our journey and destroy the objection of our contemplation (Philippians 1:27).
Returning to Philippians 3:20, because our citizenship is in heaven we should be eagerly waiting for our Savior, Jesus Christ to return. Until He comes again, we remain wanderers, pilgrims, sojourners, pursuing heaven, while preparing for His return.
We must live above the world as we earnestly watch for Him (Matthew 24:42; Luke 12:37; Acts 1:11). One of the distinct characteristics of Christians, is that they are expecting, eagerly awaiting the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11). The fact that Christ will come again should exert a great influence on our lives, the thoughts of our hearts, and the actions we chose every day.
Heaven is the object of our contemplation, and the return of our Savior should encourage us in time of need, cheer us in times of trial, guide us when temptation comes, and make us dead to the world while leading us to be looking toward the heavens with an eye of anticipation. God is so good. Love you. Samuel – 23 August 26
