Philippians 3:17-21·~1 min

Citizenship in Heaven

Paul urges the brothers to imitate him and observe those who walk by the same pattern, because many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is appetite, their glory is in shame, and their minds are set on earthly things.

J¹⁷oin one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you. ¹⁸For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.

But the church's citizenship is in heaven, and from there it awaits the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. He will transform the believers' lowly bodies to be like his glorious body by the same power through which he subjects all things to himself.

²⁰But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

Section summaryPaul calls the Philippians to imitate his example and the example of others who walk the same way, because many live as enemies of the cross with minds fixed on earthly things. In contrast, believers belong to a heavenly commonwealth and wait for the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform their lowly bodies to be like his glorious body by the power with which he subjects all things to himself.

Role in the chapterThis closing section contrasts two ways of belonging and two ends. It steadies the church by fixing its identity and expectation in Christ's coming rule.