“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”– Philippians 3:20
Philippians 3:20 Meaning
This verse brings a beautiful message to our lives as believers in Jesus Christ. It reminds us of our true home and destination: heaven. As followers of Christ, we are not meant to feel completely at home in this world. Our citizenship is in another place, one that is full of glory, peace, and joy. By stating “our citizenship is in heaven,” Paul emphasizes the idea that, even though we live on earth, our allegiance lies with God and His eternal kingdom.
When we understand that our identity is rooted in our heavenly citizenship, we can find comfort and purpose in our everyday lives. The world around us may seem chaotic, and things might not always go according to our plans, but we have a greater hope in Jesus. This verse helps us look beyond the temporary challenges of our current life. Instead, we are called to set our sights on Jesus and the promise of eternal life with Him.
Philippians 3:20 Commentary and Explanation
In the letter to the Philippians, Paul wrote this verse to encourage the believers facing difficulties and opposition. He wanted to remind them of their higher calling and the hope they have in Christ. It serves as a great reminder for us today to hold onto the belief that our lives here are just a small chapter in a much larger story that God is unfolding.
Being a citizen of heaven means we have access to God’s promises and provisions. It means we can experience peace, joy, and purpose even amidst life’s storms. When our focus is on our heavenly citizenship, we learn to trust God fully in our decisions and circumstances. This is where we find strength to face trials and tribulations, knowing that our struggles are temporary, and we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.
This verse also calls us to maintain a sense of urgency in our faith journey. We await a Savior who will come back for us. The phrase “eagerly await” reflects the anticipation we should have about Christ’s return. It encourages us to live with hope and expectation, actively seeking to live out our faith. Our actions and behaviors should reflect our true identity as citizens of heaven, loving others, and spreading the gospel with joy and compassion.
Looking at other scripture passages helps us further understand this message. For instance, in 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul tells us that we are ambassadors for Christ. This means we represent Him and His kingdom on earth. Our thoughts, words, and actions should reflect that representation. Our true citizenship, which gives us our identity, is crucial to how we live our day-to-day lives.
Context of Philippians 3:20
This verse comes from a letter where Paul addresses the Philippian church, a community of believers he deeply cares for. The Philippians were living in a Roman colony, a place where they experienced both blessings and challenges as they navigated life as followers of Christ. Paul encourages the believers to stand firm in their faith, reminding them of their shared hope and purpose in Christ.
In the chapters leading up to this verse, Paul discusses the importance of knowing Christ and striving for spiritual maturity. He warns them against false teachings and encourages them to rejoice in the Lord. He recognizes that trials can lead us to feel like outsiders or even discouraged. However, he lovingly redirects their focus back to their heavenly home, which inspires strength and perseverance. It’s as if he’s saying, “When life gets tough, remember who you are and where you belong.”
Paul’s relationship with the Philippians was strong and filled with mutual encouragement. He was writing from prison, yet he exudes joy and hope, reminding them that even in trials, they are not alone. This context enriches our understanding of Philippians 3:20, as it showcases a deeply personal plea from a devoted leader who desires for his followers to remain anchored in Christ and His promises.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Philippians 3:20
Examining the individual components of Philippians 3:20 helps us appreciate the depth of its message. When Paul refers to “our citizenship,” he points to a community, one that’s not defined by borders or ethnicity, but by our shared faith in Christ. It binds us together, no matter where we come from or what languages we speak.
As Paul continues with “is in heaven,” we are reminded of the amazing promise of eternal life with God. Heaven symbolizes a perfect and complete existence, in contrast to the hardships we face in this world. It’s a reminder to look forward to the future God has in store for us. We can find comfort in knowing that our true home is waiting for us.
The phrase “we eagerly await” adds a dynamic element to this verse. It encourages us to look ahead with hope, knowing that Christ will return to gather those who believe in Him. This “waiting” is not passive; it’s an active anticipation that motivates us to live according to Christ’s teachings with purpose and urgency.
Finally, the title “Savior” calls our attention to Jesus’ loving and rescuing nature. He is the one who promises to save us from our sins and bring us into eternal life. It emphasizes His role as the one who provides our ultimate hope and assurance in the face of uncertain circumstances. This portion of the verse ultimately points us back to our reliance on Christ and the centrality of His work in our lives.
Lessons From Philippians 3:20
We can take away several important lessons from Philippians 3:20 that can help us grow in our faith and orientation towards life. First, it calls us to remember our identity as citizens of heaven. We are more than just the roles we fill or the experiences we have on Earth; we have a divine purpose that transcends our earthly existence.
Secondly, this verse teaches us to keep our eyes focused on what truly matters. Material concerns, social status, and worldly pressures can easily distract us, but we are reminded to direct our attention to heavenly matters. This doesn’t mean we abandon our responsibilities on Earth; rather, it invites us to approach them with a heavenly perspective, allowing God’s values to guide our actions.
Additionally, the excitement of awaiting our Savior should be a source of motivation for our daily lives. With our hope rooted in Christ’s return, we can find peace even amid struggles. Instead of being consumed by worry or fear, we can choose to live joyfully, sharing God’s love with others in tangible ways.
Lastly, we learn about the importance of community within our faith. By understanding that we share a citizenship with fellow believers, we can engage in relationships that uplift and support one another. Being a part of a church or community enables us to navigate life’s ups and downs together, encouraging one another to stay true to our shared heavenly identity.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Philippians 3:20 is a powerful reminder of our identity as citizens of heaven. It encourages us to live with purpose while looking forward to the hope that comes from being in Christ. By centering our lives around this truth, we can face challenges with confidence and rely on God’s promises. Our shared faith unites us and strengthens our journey as we eagerly await our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us hold onto this truth in our hearts and share it with others, reminding them that there is hope beyond today.
As we reflect on our citizenship in heaven, let us also consider exploring more topics related to hope and faith. For instance, check out Philippians 3:19 to learn how Paul contrasts our heavenly calling with worldly desires. Together, let’s grow in our understanding and love for God through His Word.