On this Fourth of July holiday weekend, we have a unique opportunity to discuss the struggle many Christians are feeling as they attempt to live as citizens of heaven while also citizens on earth. Living in Babylon (or St. Louis) with all of its Babylon-ness and attempting to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ isn't easy. What does it look like? Let's allow God's word to answer the question.

Philippians 3:17-21

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

OUTLINE

The Struggle with Dual Citizenship

Citizens of Heaven

• Walk in a Different Direction (vv. 17-18)
• Have Different Desires (vv. 18-19a)
• Think Differently (v. 19b)
• Arrive at a Different Destination (vv. 20-21)