Scripture:
Philippians 3:17-21 NKJV
[17] Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. [18] 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: [19] whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. [20] For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will transform our lowly 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.
Observation:
I have been thinking about this group of verses all night. It came to my mind and I just couldn’t stop over and over again GOD has brought it to me. So I feel like it’s something I need to write about. Not that I feel like I am smart enough because I question my ability to write at all. But let’s do our best to see what Paul is saying. He starts in verse 17 by identifying who he is talking to saying “Brethren” This is a clarifying statement identifying that Paul is speaking to believers. Those who know Christ as their LORD and SAVIOR. Then he makes a pretty bold statement by saying, “Join in following my example.” Which says to me that Paul had confidence in his walk with Jesus. He knew that he was in the right standing with GOD through Jesus Christ. Continuing in verse 17 he also tells his readers to take note of others who walk in the same manner. Use them as a pattern to mold your walk after. Paul’s transition in verse 18 is heartbreaking in itself. You can tell that the sins that so easily beset them are troublesome to him as well. He calls them enemies of the cross. I believe he is talking about the Jewish leaders who did not believe that Jesus is the son of the living GOD, and thought that they could earn their way to heaven by following the sacrificial system that was set in place in the Book of Leviticus. The sacrificial system that was put to death on the cross with Jesus. Verse 19 just kind of lets them have it. Speaking a lot of truth that they probably did not want to hear. They had their mind on earthly things. The way they were recognized in the Synagogue. The respect they got in the town square. Blowing a trumpet when they did some kind of good deed so that others could see. Their mind was set on earthly recognition, not their heavenly Father. In verse 20 Paul seems to refocus on true believers again, saying,” Our citizenship is in heaven, or, in other words… we don’t belong here. We are sojourners just passing through. Looking forward to a glorious future with Jesus Christ when HE returns. Verse 21 tells us that’s when the struggle with our flesh will go away. We will be fully conformed to HIS image.
Application:
I believe the purpose of this scripture is to keep us looking forward to HIS glorious return. Knowing that one day it will all be made right. Like a great reset. I guess that just brings me to a question… do you ever feel out of place? Like you just don’t belong here. I do. For years now my heart has been longing for heaven. Crying inside for HIS return. It’s like I know deep within me that this is not my home. I see the sinful condition in this fallen world and yearn for HIS glorious return when all will be made right including but not limited to me. As I continue to walk with HIM. The path I’m on gets narrower and narrower. Things that used to be OK are just not OK anymore. Not that I have been made perfect, but my heart convicts me now in areas that used to not bring conversation. My desire is to be conformed to HIS image. To put it simply for us to understand all sin breaks my heart. One day we will all be made perfect and the redemption process will be completed. But in the meantime, we need to do our best to walk as close to Christ as we can and grace will meet us where we are at. As we renew our minds and shape our lives to be more like HIM knowing that one day HE will return and finish the process. I want to stay focused on my future with HIM. I know this earth is not my home. I can feel it in my spirit. I just don’t fit in anymore. My desire is for HIM not the things of this earth. Now that being said we are still stuck here until HE returns so we have to make the best of it. Paul says to model our lives after HIM. So we need to know what he did. Looking back over his letters we can see what he did. Written to the churches encouraging them to strengthen them, and keep them focused on the fact that one day it will all be over and we will be in heaven with Christ. Walking in perfection. This world is not our home. So if you feel out of place it is because you are turning your eyes toward heaven. After all, our redemption draws near.
Prayer:
Father, our hearts long to be with you. Every day that passes is a day that brings us closer to our home. Honestly, I have never felt so out of place here. But we are just looking forward to seeing you cone on that cloud hearing the trumpet sound and knowing that it’s all over and all is made right. I want to walk with you in the cool of the day. To conversate with you as we walk down the streets you have prepared. In wonder and amazement know that your perfect redemption plan has finally come to pass. Until that day happens let us remain busy telling others about you and sharpening not only our sword but the sword of others as well. All we are asking is that you keep our eyes fixed on you in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.