Go! And Live As Citizens Of Heaven - Philippians 3:20 Series

Go! And Live as Citizens of Heaven - Philippians 3:20

Philippians 3:20 (NLT): “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Saviour.”

Introduction: Living for a Homeland You’ve Never Seen

Imagine living in a foreign land, knowing it’s not your true home. That’s the image Paul paints in Philippians 3:20 — a reminder that Christians are not of this world. We are citizens of heaven. Our allegiance is not to earthly systems but to the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

This message is not just theological; it's transformational. It calls us to live differently, think eternally, and walk faithfully. Let’s unpack what it truly means to go and live as citizens of heaven.

1. You Belong to a Better Kingdom

“But we are citizens of heaven…” (Philippians 3:20a)

Paul writes this letter from prison, likely in Rome, to the Philippians — citizens of a Roman colony, proud of their status. Yet Paul reminds them, and us, that there's a higher citizenship.

The Greek word for “citizens” is “politeuma” (p???te?µa), which refers not just to where you live, but where your identity and rights come from.

Philippi was a Roman colony. Though geographically in Macedonia, the citizens of Philippi enjoyed the benefits and privileges of being Roman — law, protection, and culture. Paul uses this to illustrate our spiritual identity. Earth is not our home. We live under heaven’s rule and await heaven’s King.

John Piper said: “The citizenship of heaven is not a future reality—it is a present one that changes everything about how we live now.”

Amen. This isn’t about escapism. It’s about engaged obedience. Knowing who we are shapes how we live.

If you are a believer in Christ, then heaven is your homeland. You’re not just passing through this world—you are representing another Kingdom. Let your values, speech, and actions reflect your heavenly identity.

2. Our King Lives – And He’s Coming Again

“…where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Saviour.” (Philippians 3:20b)

The word “eagerly waiting” is “apekdechomai” (?pe?d???µa?) — it speaks of intense anticipation, like someone waiting at the airport gate for a long-lost family member.

Acts 1:11 (NLT): “Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

This promise fuels our hope. Jesus lives. Jesus reigns. Jesus will return.

Charles Stanley once said: “The dark moments of our life will last only so long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose. Then will come the morning.”

We wait with expectation, not despair. The King is coming to bring justice, peace, and full redemption.

Are you living like Christ could return today? What if He did? Would He find faithfulness in you? Let this blessed hope stir urgency in your walk and mission.

3. Turn From Earthly Distractions to Eternal Devotion

Let’s read just a few verses earlier:

Philippians 3:18–19 (NLT): “For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction… their mind is on earthly things.”

Paul weeps for those who claim to follow Christ, but live for the world. This is sobering.

Tim Keller said: “If you want God to be God, you must be willing to let Him rule every part of your life.”

Friends, you cannot walk with one foot in heaven and the other in the world. The cross demands your all.

Colossians 3:1–2 (NLT): “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven... Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”

To live as a citizen of heaven is to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ every day.

The Passport Analogy

When you travel abroad, your passport identifies your nationality. You may be in another country, but you carry the authority of your homeland.

Christian, your passport says “Heaven.” You’re in the world, but not of it. You represent the King wherever you go.

4. The Gospel Is Our Foundation

You cannot be a citizen of heaven unless you've been born again.

John 3:3 (NLT): “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

Christ died, was buried, and rose again to make us citizens of His Kingdom. Not because we earned it — but because He loves us.

Max Lucado wrote: “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.”

This is the Gospel: Jesus Christ lived the life we could not live, died the death we deserved, and rose again to give us new life. He offers citizenship in heaven to anyone who will repent and believe.