The church of Christ 

At Granby, MO

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Where Is Your Citizenship?
 (Philippians 3:17–4:1

Introduction )
Charles Dutton once said that the secret to his success after years in prison was simple: “I never decorated my cell.” He refused to view his prison as home. In the same way, Christians must never settle into this world as their permanent dwelling. We are longing for a better country—a heavenly one (Hebrews 11:16).

 

Looking Out

Paul encouraged believers to observe and imitate those faithfully walking after Christ. “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern” (Philippians 3:17). The Christian life is both taught and caught; we learn from the examples of others. As Paul imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1), believers are called to do the same.

 

Older men and women are to model reverence and godliness for younger Christians (Titus 2:1–8). Such examples strengthen the entire congregation, shaping the next generation in holiness.

 

Paul also warned against those who live as enemies of the cross (Philippians 3:18–19). Their minds are fixed on earthly desires, their appetites rule them, and their end is destruction. They glory in shameful things and lead others astray. These enemies of Christ include those who abandon sound doctrine for worldly acceptance.

 

Those who live only for this life set their minds on earthly things, but God calls His people to seek those things which are above (Colossians 3:1–2). We are to fix our attention on those who walk after the Spirit and avoid the influence of those who walk after the flesh.

 

Looking Up

Paul reminded the Philippians that their true citizenship is not earthly but heavenly. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

 

Philippi was a Roman colony, and its people took pride in their Roman identity. In the same way, Christians are citizens of heaven and must live as representatives of God’s kingdom. Our fellowship is with the saints (Ephesians 2:19), and our hearts are set on spiritual things.

 

This world should feel foreign to us. We are pilgrims passing through, anticipating the return of our King. Just as the apostles saw Jesus ascend into heaven, we await His promised return (Acts 1:9–11). Until that day, our loyalty and hope remain in Him.

 

Looking Forward

Paul looked to the glorious transformation that awaits believers. “Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Philippians 3:21).

Our frail, mortal bodies will be changed to reflect Christ’s glory. This transformation fulfills the promise of resurrection. “We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). Our present body is perishable, but it will be raised imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:42–44).

By His divine power, Christ will subdue all things to Himself and complete the redemption of His people. Therefore, Paul concluded, “So stand fast in the Lord, beloved” (Philippians 4:1).

Christians live with steadfast hope, awaiting the day when faith becomes sight and mortality is swallowed up by life.

 

Where Is Your Citizenship? Sermon Outline:

  • Introduction:

    • Illustration of Charles Dutton and the Christian’s attitude toward the world

    • Text: Philippians 3:17–4:1

    • Theme: To examine where our citizenship truly lies

     

  • I. Looking Out

    • A. Follow those who imitate Christ (Philippians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 11:1)

    • B. Observe faithful examples in the church (Titus 2:1–8)

    • C. Beware of enemies of the cross (Philippians 3:18–19)

        1. Their end is destruction

        1. Their god is their belly (Galatians 6:12–13)

        1. Their glory is in their shame (Galatians 6:14)

        1. Their mind is set on earthly things (Colossians 3:1–2)

         

  • II. Looking Up

    • A. Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20)

    • B. We are fellow citizens with the saints (Ephesians 2:19)

    • C. We eagerly await our Savior’s return (Acts 1:9–11)

     

  • III. Looking Forward

    • A. Christ will transform our lowly body (Philippians 3:21)

    • B. We will be like Him (1 John 3:1–3)

    • C. Our resurrection body will be incorruptible (1 Corinthians 15:42–44)

    • D. Stand fast in the Lord (Philippians 4:1)

     

  • Conclusion:

    • Stand firm in faith as citizens of heaven

    • Maintain conviction and submission to Christ’s authority

     

  • Invitation:

    • Examine your citizenship. Is it in heaven or on earth?

    • “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20)

     

Call to Action

Each of us must decide where our true citizenship resides. If our hearts are fixed on earthly things, our hope will perish with them. But if our minds and affections are centered on Christ, our lives will reflect His glory. Let us live as heavenly citizens today, faithfully awaiting His return and serving as ambassadors of His kingdom.

 

Key Takeaways

  • True citizenship for Christians is in heaven (Philippians 3:20)

  • Follow godly examples and reject worldly influences (1 Corinthians 11:1; Titus 2:1–8)

  • Earthly pursuits end in destruction; spiritual pursuits lead to eternal life (Colossians 3:1–2)

  • Christ will transform our bodies to share His glory (Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:42–44)

  • Stand firm in the Lord and eagerly await His coming (Philippians 4:1; Revelation 22:20)

Scripture Reference List

  • Philippians 3:17–4:1 – The Christian’s heavenly citizenship

  • Hebrews 11:16 – Desire for a better, heavenly country

  • 1 Corinthians 11:1 – Paul’s example of imitating Christ

  • Titus 2:1–8 – Godly examples in the church

  • Philippians 3:18–19 – Enemies of the cross

  • Galatians 6:12–14 – Warnings against boasting in the flesh

  • Colossians 3:1–2 – Setting minds on things above

  • Ephesians 2:19 – Citizenship with the saints

  • Acts 1:9–11 – Promise of Christ’s return

  • 1 John 3:1–3 – Hope of transformation

  • 1 Corinthians 15:42–44 – Resurrection body described

  • Revelation 22:20 – The closing promise: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus”

Sermon Series on Philippians: Lesson 9

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

 

Library of church of Christ Sermons and Outlines
 

What Must I Do To Be Saved?
What Does the church of Christ Teach?
 

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Matt 11:28-29
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

The church of Christ in Granby Missouri

 516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
 (417) 472-7109

Email: Bobby Stafford
Email: David Hersey