June 28 2026

Sunday June 28

Our Citizenship is in Heaven

Philippians 3:20-21

Welcome to Pastor's Chat. Today we come to the conclusion of Philippians chapter 3. After warning us about those who mind earthly things, Paul now lifts our eyes to heaven. Listen to these wonderful words in Philippians 3:20-21: "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." What a contrast to verse 19! There Paul described those whose minds are fixed on earthly things. But in verse 20 he says, "Our conversation is in heaven."

The word "conversation" here does not refer to our speech. It means our citizenship or our commonwealth—where we really belong. The Philippian believers immediately understood this illustration. Philippi was a Roman colony. Although it was located hundreds of miles from Rome, its citizens enjoyed all the rights and privileges of Roman citizenship. They lived in Macedonia, but they belonged to Rome. They dressed like Romans, followed Roman laws, and were proud to be Roman citizens. Paul says that is exactly how Christians should live. We live on earth, but we belong to heaven. This world is not our home.

Peter calls us "strangers and pilgrims" in this world. We are simply passing through. Our names have been written in heaven. Our King is in heaven. Our treasure is in heaven. And one day, we are going to heaven. That is why our values should be different. Our priorities should be different. Our conduct should be different. As citizens of heaven, we should represent the King of heaven here on earth.

Paul goes on to say that from heaven "we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." The word "look" means to wait eagerly with expectation. The early Christians lived every day believing that Jesus Christ could return at any moment. Oh, my friend, this same hope should fill our hearts today. Titus 2:13 calls it, "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." The return of Christ is not merely a doctrine to debate. It is a promise to encourage us, comfort us, and motivate us to holy living. John also wrote in 1 John 3:2-3: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purified himself, even as he is pure."  Jesus Himself said, "If I go away, I will come again." (John 14:3).

Then Paul goes on to tell us that Christ, "shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body." The word "vile" here does not mean sinful. It refers to our lowly, humble, earthly body. This body grows tired. It grows old. It becomes weak. It experiences sickness, pain, and sorrow. One day, unless the Lord returns first, it will die. But when Jesus Christ returns, He will transform these mortal bodies into glorified bodies like His own resurrection body. No more sickness. No more pain. No more weakness. No more death. No more tears. What a glorious hope we have! We will be like Jesus.

How will He accomplish this? Paul says, "According to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Now listen—this is powerful. The same Lord who spoke the universe into existence... The same Lord who calmed the storm... The same Lord who conquered death and walked out of the tomb... The same Lord who reigns over every king and every kingdom... has all power to complete His work in us. My friend, nothing is too hard for Him.

As we conclude Philippians chapter 3, remember the great contrasts Paul has given us. Do not put your confidence in the flesh—put your confidence in Christ. Do not look backward—press forward. Do not follow worldly examples—follow those who follow Christ. Do not set your mind on earthly things—remember that your conversation, your citizenship, is in heaven. And do not lose hope. Jesus is coming again. May we live today as faithful citizens of heaven while we eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to return. He could come at any moment.

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, thank You that our citizenship is in heaven. Help us to live every day in a way that honors our King. Keep our hearts fixed on eternal things as we eagerly await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You for the wonderful promise that one day You will transform these weak, earthly bodies into glorious bodies like His. Until that day, may we faithfully represent You wherever we go. We pray this in Jesus' precious name. Amen.

God bless and may you have a wonderful wonderful day!