Citizenship 

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ”
Philippians 3:20 (NIVUK)

When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi in Asia Minor he wanted to encourage the believers there to continue to follow Jesus Christ, no matter what was happening around them.

“Whatever happens”, he explained to them, “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (1:27). Even though others around them may be arguing and debating and pursuing their own interests, let’s “do everything without arguing and complaining”. Christians are “children of God” “in a crooked and perverse generation”. Therefore “shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life” (2:14-17).

Today, just as in Philippi, we live in a society where “everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ” (2:21), and Paul’s words speak to us just as surely as they did to the Philippians.

In the midst of the business and politics of life, let’s “press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of” us. (3:12). In fact, although we are residents of different countries, we have been called “heavenwards” (3:14), and in faith our citizenship is actually in heaven. Let that be our focus, and let that dictate how we behave from day to day.

Let’s remember to whom we belong. We belong to Jesus, for whom we wait eagerly, and we are citizens of his kingdom.

Prayer
Thank you, Father, that we are yours in Christ Jesus, and help us to conduct ourselves as people whose citizenship is in heaven. In Jesus’ name.
Amen

Study by James Henderson ________________________________________________

About the Author:
James Henderson is the National Ministry Leader for Grace Communion International in the UK and Ireland. This week James will be in our Leeds congregation.

You are welcome to attend any of our local congregations in the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, www.gracecom.org.uk under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

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