Chapter 9 Philippians 3

Beware Of False Teachers And Ideas

Paul was not sarcastic, nor unduly harsh in his assessment of the weakness of humanity; the expression dogs, refers to a person of an impure mind, and one who is wanting in modesty, having a self-assurance accompanied with a disregard of others. The term dog is also used in the Old Testament as a term of contempt. (See 1 Samuel 17:40–43; 2 Kings 8:12–13.)

In Bible times as in some countries today, many dogs are strays that have no owner and wander about. And such were the individuals Paul spoke of, for despite their profession of religion, they were not under the lordship of Christ. These teachers referred to as dogs sought to propagate their false ideas. Paul is likely speaking of Judaizing teachers, who perverted the gospel. Paul tells the church to beware of them, for though they claimed to believe the gospel, there work was evil, for there teaching if accepted would undermine the redemption that is in Christ alone by grace through faith.

Paul’s expression mutilation or as translated in the King James conscion, is used to draw attention to the pretensions which the Jews made to piety by the mere cutting of their flesh. Circumcision was given by God to Abraham, and was a sign of the covenant and was a mark of distinction as being set aside from other people. “And he [Abraham] received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised” (Romans 4:11).

The Jews as a people had largely rejected the new covenant in Christ and salvation by grace through faith alone. And for those Jewish Christians who held to the idea that Old Covenant ritual was necessary for salvation, their circumcision was rendered uncircumcision for they did not have faith in the gospel of Christ to save. Paul refers to their circumcision and the trust they had in this, and other rituals, as merely mutilation for it had no value to gain acceptance with God and to make a person righteous.

Paul says that Christians are the truly circumcised ones, for “[true] circumcision is of the heart, a spiritual and not a literal [matter]” (Romans 2:29 AMP). “For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love” (Galatians 5:6 NLT). Further to be truly circumcised as Paul states Christians are to be spiritually, is to be “separated from the unclean multitude and truly consecrated to God, [it is] the extinction of passions and the removal of spiritual impurity.”¹

As by grace through faith our sin-hardened hearts are changed, we are to worship God, but not in form or with ceremony and ritual. Rather, we worship God in spirit, trusting in the merits of Christ alone and offering to Him our love, life, heart, our all.

Some in Paul’s day and people presently trust in church membership, their long years of profession, or to ritual and tradition. However all of this is powerless to change the heart and bring to us salvation. Salvation is of the Lord, and in Him, we should rejoice, placing no confidence in what we can do or in any tradition or religious practice to recommend ourselves to Him. Our motivation for service is in the fact “ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV).

Philippians 3:4–6  Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Human Tradition And Religion Is Valueless

Some of the Jewish converts to Christianity believed their religious lineage and the traditions of their fathers faithfully followed was an important component of true religion. In addition, with great zeal they sought to bring even the gentile converts to their position. Paul meets these arguments by saying he above all others could rightly have confidence in the flesh, if indeed that was the means to gain acceptance with God.

Paul was circumcised according to the law as an infant. He was not a Jewish proselyte but was born from the tribe of Benjamin, a tribe with a history, for from Benjamin came Saul, Israel’s first king. The tribe of Benjamin also remained loyal to the kingdom of Judah when the nation of Israel was divided shortly after the death of king Solomon.

There was no foreign blood in Paul’s lineage he was of pure Hebrew stock. Paul also grew up in observance of the way of the fathers for he was “the son of a Pharisee” (Acts 23:6).

When it came to following the law Paul was very scrupulous in doing so. Paul not only sought to follow the law and the prophets but also belonged to the sect of the Pharisees. This group was very strict in their outward observance of external rites and outward forms of piety, they as well engaged in ceremonial washings, fasting, prayers, and alms giving. Paul could rightly say, “that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee” (Acts 26:5).

When it came to zeal in defending orthodoxy and what he believed to be truth, Paul put his whole effort in seeking to stamp out the presumed heretical sect, of those who believed in Jesus as the Messiah. Later as a Christian, when he was brought before the Jewish council he could truthfully say to his accusers, I “was zealous toward God as you all are today. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished” (Acts 22:3–5).

Paul in his efforts to stamp out Christianity, while sincere in his effort to do so, was really a religious bigot and was responsible for inflicting pain, hardship and even death upon the innocent. Despite these actions with all sincerity he could say, concerning the righteousness, which is in the law, I was blameless. What a strange infatuation comes upon the human heart when religion becomes our god, in distinction to a relationship with the true God, and living by His principles. God said through the prophet:

Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23–24)

The Old Testament Scriptures are filled with many revelations of the merciful character of God and what He desired in the life of those who followed Him. God spoke through another prophet, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Sadly as it was with Paul, it has often been the case with religious zealots throughout history, and will be to the end of time, that human religion often supercedes a knowledge of the true God. This is why Jesus told the disciples, which is counsel that is still applicable, “the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me” (John 16:2–3).

Whenever our view of God and religious duty includes the denial of life, liberty or the peace of others not in agreement with us, this clearly indicates that neither Jesus nor the Father is in our life.
 
Paul could say, “I obeyed the law without fault” (Philippians 3:6 NLT), and he believed he was righteous before God for doing so. However, his righteousness was merely in the satisfaction and mistaken belief that what a person does can secure God’s acceptance. Paul’s claim to keep the law as God gave it and intended it to be kept was a falsehood. His Pharisaical righteousness was centered on tradition and ritual to the point that God’s requirements were often set aside. Before Jesus revealed Himself to Paul and healed his blindness of understanding, his experience was like the Pharisees Jesus addressed. “Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:28 NLT).

Philippians 3:7–11  But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Loss That Is Gain

Paul was at one time convinced that his life and his practice of religion were pleasing to God and he was on the path to eternal glory. However, once the eyes of his understanding were opened, he saw clearly that what appeared to him to be light and life was really darkness that would end in eternal loss.

Paul was well respected, and no doubt well connected. He had a bright future before him so far as religious and social privilege, and all that comes with such a life. For many individuals, social standing, educational or professional attainments and respect within a religious community provides life’s highest success. Sadly, there are those who fail to realize that the attainments of this world to do not translate to an eternal reward.

Paul responded to the grace of God and for all who do the same, life as commonly lived and pursued is brought into sharp perspective. Whether we are high or low, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, our life is but a vapor. And in light of eternal truth and the reality of God, many of life’s pursuits that we often consider as important “is all meaningless—like chasing the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14 NLT).

Paul finally saw what God’s will is for all to see and know, and that is the way of Christ and the pursuit and knowledge of the path of the just is the superior way. Paul gave up much in the eyes of his contemporaries and fellow Jews, and outwardly, it appeared he threw his whole life away. Yet, with clear discernment he saw his past life and what was accounted as valuable was by eternal considerations, waste of the lowest sort, it was merely dung. In mans sight, Paul gave up everything but he understood he really gave up nothing that was truly of value. Paul secured that which was excellent or greater than all human knowledge and obtainments, the knowledge of Christ as Savior and Lord. We too have the privilege of obtaining a like experience, but as with Paul it requires we respond to the grace of God. “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

From the fall of Adam onward, to our own time, righteousness could not, and never will be obtained by what we do. Righteousness before God was never secured by the observance of moral or ritual law and the Jews as with many throughout time lost sight of that fact. The law was the gospel in symbols, and a schoolmaster to lead an individual to look to God and the Messiah to come for righteousness. Thus, it is written, “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Romans 4:2–3).

Paul had rightly learned Abraham’s lesson and desired that all would know, that righteousness that makes a person acceptable to God and gains eternal life, is only by grace through faith. Paul wrote of his fellow Jews, the experience that was also once his own and said, “Whereas Israel, though ever in pursuit of a law [for the securing] of righteousness (right standing with God), actually did not succeed in fulfilling the Law. For what reason? Because [they pursued it] not through faith, relying [instead] on the merit of their works [they did not depend on faith but on what they could do]. They have stumbled over the Stumbling Stone” (Romans 9:31–32 AMP).

Paul’s life work was to remove the stones of stumbling, which are false ideas of God and all erroneous religious practices. He wanted all to know as he did, that righteousness comes through faith, “And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (Ephesians 2:8–9 NLT).

Paul knew the satisfaction of the righteousness and religious heritage that came from being a Jew and a Pharisee, yet he did not know God. Therefore his testimony to the Philippians and us of the purpose of his new life, was “that I may know Him [Jesus] and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10). To know Christ should be the motivation of our life. “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:14–15).

A correct knowledge of Christ is for us to experience the power of the resurrection, and this is not only the future hope of rising from the grave. This includes believing that Jesus died for my sins and rose again for my justification. (See Romans 4:25.) To know the power of the resurrection is to believe that Christ’s life becomes mine, and having died to sin, I live a new life by faith in Him.

The Fellowship Of Suffering

Paul suffered a great deal because of his faith and in his work of spreading the gospel. From shipwreck to stoning, imprisonment to slander. While few of us will suffer as he did, living by the principles of the kingdom of light in a world of darkness will inevitably bring to us some degree of adversity. Indeed we are told, “it is through many hardships and tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22 AMP).

We “received God’s Spirit when He adopted [us] as His own children. Now we call Him, “Abba, Father.” For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later” (Romans 8:15–18 NLT).

What is the nature of the suffering that comes to every believer regardless of the time, and the circumstances we live under; and is the result of experiencing the power of the resurrection and knowing Christ by faith? “Since Christ suffered in the flesh for us, for you, arm yourselves with the same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having the mind of Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God], So that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living by [his] human appetites and desires, but [he lives] for what God wills” (1 Peter 4:1–2 AMP).

Paul lived his life by faith that was motivated by love and it is to be the same in our life. Paul was constantly facing the danger of martyrdom, which is not likely our case. Yet we too are to live “sharing in His [Christ’s] death” (Philippians 3:10 NLT). How is this done? “We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin” (Romans 6:4–6).

Paul’s expectation of the resurrection was a hope that was also central to the belief of the early church. For at the resurrection life was to be restored, for at that time, “this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:53–59 KJV).

When Paul wrote, “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead” (Philippians 3:11), he was not indicating many pathways to the glory of eternal life. There is one path, the righteousness of God by faith in Christ, bringing to us the power of a new life. Any deviation from this path would leave Paul, or you and I short of the goal of eternal life. Our security and hope for a resurrection from the dead is a consistent life of faith, pressing on the upward way and bearing our individual cross of trials and temptations. We are to allow God to work in us, “giving [us] the desire and the power to do what pleases Him” (Philippians 2:13 NLT).

Philippians 3:12–14  Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Pressing Toward The Goal

Paul led a consistent life of faith and trust stirred by love for Christ and he had a strong hope and assurance of eternal salvation. However this did not lead him to carelessness, by believing “once saved always saved,” it matters not what I do or how I live.

Paul did not live in fear or doubt of God’s love or of His desire to save to the uttermost, and neither should we. His assurance was in the fact he had given to Christ heart, mind and strength, in response to Christ’s spirit of grace. Paul recognized, as we must, that it is “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).

Though we can rejoice in the hope and promise of salvation, we have a work to do, for our hope is not yet a present reality. Knowing the power of the gospel and the renewing of the Holy Ghost is to be our present experience. At the same time we are to continually press onward, seeking to know and serve God and more completely surrender all to Him. For we are not yet perfected, we have not yet attained, for the Christian experience is a life long quest for God and holiness of life and purity of heart.

Christ was the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). And the purpose of His death and the reason He has laid hold of or called us, is “that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4). We must be faithful until our journey of life shall end. Then at the resurrection we shall hear “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful …. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21).

Paul told the brethren in Christ that neither he nor they had yet apprehended, obtained or appropriated “the result [outcome, consummation] of our faith, the salvation of our souls” (1 Peter 1:9 AMP, word in italics added). Paul admonished the believers and sought himself to live with singleness of purpose, and we are to do the same now. While we are to learn from the past, we cannot dwell on the past, either the mistakes or the victories. Our life purpose is to be ever pressing up the pilgrim pathway the narrow road that leads to life.

Paul’s use of the expression reaching forward means “to stretch out to or towards.”² He draws this term from the races in which the athlete puts forth the utmost exertion in reaching for the prize. We have a heaven to win and a hell to shun, and the Christian life is not one of passivity merely making a profession. Paul understood, as we must, that the price of eternal security, the surety of our hope and reward is living by faith. This means, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

To obtain the eternal glories of heaven is a worthy goal, especially in comparison to the death and darkness that is the present reality of this world. “It is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). To obtain the glories of eternity we are to be faithful to the end, and our aspiration should not only be heaven. Our high calling, is the knowledge of God. Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). A knowledge of God means knowing His love, character and eternal purpose for us as reveled in His Word and through the revelation of Christ.

Peter describes for us the result of knowing God and what our high calling is. The following experience is what prepares us for the heavenly reward. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:2–4 KJV).

Many want heaven and may claim to believe in Jesus, yet shun or neglect the mark that has been set before us. Heaven is only the final result of a relationship with Christ entered into and lived by faith. “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life” (Romans 6:22). We are to walk with Christ through this life and with Him ever by our side, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13–14).

Philippians 3:15–16  Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

Seeking Maturity

Those who are mature and growing up into Christ and becoming rooted and grounded in love, will strive for the fullness of Christian grace and experience. Neither present self-satisfaction nor bitter regret of the past should mar our walk of faith and love.

Paul warned at the beginning of this chapter in verses two and three of the need to avoid getting caught up in ritual and tradition, for this undermines the glory and light of the gospel. He says further to the Philippian brethren, if any of you still have questions regarding the validity and importance of Jewish ordinances in relationship to your Christian faith, God shall reveal even this unto you. For as you live your life sincere and upright, seeking the knowledge of Christ, then He that has begun a good work in you, will reveal and make plain the truth and your duty.

To the degree we have known the love and grace of Christ, let us keep right on seeking to know and follow Him more fully. The grace that has drawn us to Christ and given us a new life is the rule or standard by which we are to continue to live. As individuals and as a body of believers we are to direct our mind and strength of purpose continually striving toward the mark of the high calling of God.

Philippians 3:17–19  Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

Being A Godly Example

We are not to look to our fellow men as the fullness of God’s purpose and expectation for us. We all have one divine pattern, which is Christ, and one goal which is “the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Yet, to the degree an individual lives a life of faithfulness and uprightness in God’s grace, they can provide encouragement and evidence that others can do the same.

Paul pointed out the errors of life and doctrine of those who perverted the gospel. And in like manner, he called the attention of the churches to dedicated workers as an example of the commitment of faith each believer was called to. Without drawing undue attention to man and thereby eclipsing Christ, Paul was saying, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). You and I can rightly say we are not another persons example. However, we should live our lives so that we do not cause another to stumble. We should also live in such a way that we can be an encouragement as we live by the pattern of God’s Word and follow Christ.

Enemies Of Christ In The Church

In every age of the church there are faithful and true in the ministry and the congregation. And there are those who while professing Christ and the gospel are actually enemies of both. In Paul’s day, these enemies included Judaizing teachers, and those who departed from true faith, or taught false doctrine.

Paul was saddened to the point of tears over those who departed from the faith themselves and sought to influence others to leave the path of the just. Who are the enemies of God today, and what are the characteristics of such individuals?

• Your enemies take Your name in vain. (Psalm 139:20)

Many people think they know about the way of salvation. They may even be able to prove their doctrines to be scripturally sound. But the way in which they live denies the Savior. Our religion is vain if we hear God’s words but do not follow them, it makes us His enemies. Jesus warned us of the nature of vain religion. He said to the people of His day, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:8–9). This principle applies to our day as well.

• For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (Romans 5:10)

Regardless of our religious profession and belief in God, we remain His enemies if we deny, change or undermine the gospel and the reconciliation and restoration that comes only through Christ.

• And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled. (Colossians 1:21)

Individuals may profess a belief in Christ and the gospel, yet if our heart is not surrendered to God day by day it shows we have not been truly reconciled. If we are not reconciled, we will regularly take pleasure in activities, pastimes, thoughts and actions that are not holy, just and true. This shows that we are God’s enemy for our hearts preference for sin shows we are still estranged from Him.

• Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. (Romans 8:7)

Individuals who make a profession of religion, claim a belief in God, and even say they believe in Jesus and the gospel, may still be God’s enemies. This enmity or antagonism is shown by our carnality that is demonstrated in not having the law of God written upon our hearts, and lived out in our life.

• You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. (James 4:4 NLT)

To be a friend of the world is to bring its principles, ideas, attitudes and practices into our life or the church. When we claim heaven is our home and Jesus is our savior but do not live by the principles of heaven, we are still of the world and God’s enemies.

• In the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves.… Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 2:1–2, 5)

To love ourselves is to refuse to take up the cross of self-denial, which is the path of every pilgrim desiring heaven. (See Mark 8:34.) A mere profession of religion when we do not bring heart mind and soul into submission to Christ leaves us largely powerless to both seek and do the right.

• Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21–23, verse 21 TLB)

Those who choose to follow their feelings and impressions, and what they think is right rather than following God’s will as given in His Word, are in grave danger. Despite so much being done and practiced in the name of Jesus, iniquity or sin was yet part of the life. This shows that a person is still carnal, unconverted, and therefore unfit for heaven. No wonder Paul was moved to tears thinking of the fate of those who deluded themselves and others into thinking they were God’s children when in fact they were yet His enemies. Regardless of our profession or philosophy when we have religion but not Christ, this places us on the broad road to destruction.

Those who make God their belly are often controlled by appetite and passion rather than by grace working through faith and love. They live for the here and now while still believing they are bound for heaven. Sensuality in life and religion takes the place of a “calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP).

As we submit to Christ in love, walking in the Spirit, we will seek to “glorify God in [our] body and in [our] spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). In contrast, others while professing religion turn the glory of God into the shame of sinful liberty. God says to such, “How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood?” (Psalm 4:2). To those claiming the favor of God but not living by grace through faith, we are told, “Get some sense and quit your sinning. For to your shame I say it, some of you are not even Christians at all and have never really known God” (1 Corinthians 15:34 TLB).

Those who set their mind on earthly things show they are not converted, whatever their profession may be. Their ministry will be tainted by worldly principles, while earthly matters mold the life and occupy the attention. We are to live to do God’s will by bringing the principles of heaven as revealed in Scripture into our life, failure to do so will give a place for the pulls of the world to control us.

Philippians 3:20–21  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly [vile] body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Our Citizenship Is In Heaven

While many can make a profession of religion and the truth, there is in the end only two paths we can follow. We are living either as citizens of the earth or of heaven. Apart from the grace of God continually at work in our life, individuals “follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them” (Jude 19 NLT). This is what it means to live as citizens of the earth.

In contrast, Paul had a hope for his readers and this is God’s desire for us, that we would live as citizens of heaven. To be a citizen of heaven means we have been adopted becoming the children of God, and our allegiance and the way we think and conduct our life has been changed. We no longer follow the principles of Satan’s kingdom, which are the ways of the flesh. To be a part of Gods kingdom means we live a life that progressively is filled with the fruit of the Spirit “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). If our citizenship, hope and allegiance are in heaven, we will live for God and long for Christ’s coming. “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).

Our redemption began when through the grace of Christ our hearts were touched and convicted of our need of God and of our lost condition, and we accepted Jesus as Savior. As we begin to live a new life, the power of God’s love continually transforms us as we surrender our will and way to the Spirit’s molding. The consummation of our redemption comes when our mortal body and spirit is raised to immortality when death is finally conquered at the second coming of Christ.
 
If Christ has indeed touched our life by His grace, bringing to us a new life lived for Him, this is the assurance we “were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:13–14).

Endnotes:

1. Greek Lexicon, in The Online Bible CD-Rom, Macintosh Version 2.5.3 (Niagara Falls, NY: Cross Country Software, www.online-bible.com, 1996).

2. Ibid