Philippians 3:30 But we are citizens of Heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior.

In chapter 3 of Philippians Paul writes about the Joy of Believing- The priceless value of knowing Christ.

Paul reminds Christian’s that we are a citizen of Heaven, that we are seated with Christ in heavenly places. As believers in our salvation through Jesus Christ we are no longer of this world. We belong to Heaven.

Citizens of Heaven?

KJV Definition of citizens an inhabitant who enjoys the freedom and privileges of the city in which he resides. A permanent resident in a city or country.

Many Christians today are still consumed by their earthly desires. We forget where we have been citizenized and that we are transformed by our new homeland. To live as if we are in heaven with Jesus today. [Citizenied: to admit to the rights and privileges of a citizen]

All of this stuff around us is temporary. But our life everlasting with Jesus is not.

Everyday we get up and get ready to start our day. We walk through our house and pick this and that up. We make a list of what we need to keep our home running. We clean, repair and buy the next greatest gadget to make sure we are not left behind in the world around us.

But what are we doing everyday to keep our homestead with Jesus Christ up and running?

What are we doing for our homeland that others can see? We know they can see our new car, that we have the greatest and biggest TV, and what about the house we live in? It’s all out there for the world to see.

Paul writes we are transformed from a citizen of this world [to admit to the rights and privileges] and speak of our Heavenly citizenship.

On bad days we are to long for Christ and for the joy of Heaven. On good days you are to bask in the joy of the Holy Spirit within you and enjoy your right to Heaven.

We will be persecuted in this world by the unsaved; in a world that is not ours. Paul encourages beleivers to press on. Vrs20b ‘wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ’.

Throughout chapter 3 in Philippians Paul shares how to continue to pursue Christ in our temporary home.

*we live dependent on the Spirit and Gods word

*don’t try to buy or earn your salvation. It’s not for sale

*Build on a relationship with Christ everyday

*don’t become unteachable or unhumble

*find people that lift you up towards Christ

*think about Christ coming back [we eagerly wait]

*ask him to come

We live here in our temporary home. The land of the free. Free to make the choice to follow Jesus as your personal Savior. The home of the brave. Where our friends and family have died to give us that freedom so that on that day when Christ returns you can go home.