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Read: Philippians 3:20-21
Listen: Philippians 3

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20

Citizenship is a central concern in Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. Philippi was a Roman colony that got special benefits from the emperor—tax breaks, land grants for retired soldiers and protection. Everyone living there wanted to be a Roman citizen because of the advantages. Paul is concerned with Jesus followers becoming citizens of their time and place by putting what is culturally desirable first. He tells them they are citizens of a far more powerful kingdom with much better benefits. Paul wants them to view citizenship in heaven as more glorious than Rome and the gospel as their constitution.

Citizenship in the United States also comes with prestige and benefits. Yet our guiding constitution should be the gospel, not the cultural moment of our time and place. During this political season, we are called to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of our true citizenship (Philippians 1:27). This week, we will see that citizens of God’s Kingdom should be devoted to the progress of the gospel and the practice of love in our lives. Our behavior should give others a glimpse of what heaven will be like.

TODAY: With open hands, pray for a heart that is open to the gospel being the constitution by which you live. Ask God to help you be concerned with standing firm in unity with other citizens of God’s Kingdom.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Jeremiah 40-42. Highlight anything that points to Jesus.