Introduction: Navy’s requirements for sailors on leave in foreign countries
Background: Paul continues the contrast of the enemies of the Cross
Purpose Statement: As citizens of heaven we ought to…
I. Keep Our Minds On Things Above (v. 20a)
A. Are you living like a Christian or a Cretan?
1. Paul pointed to dual citizenship of the Philippians
2. Our allegiance is first and foremost to God
3. Do we live like the ambassador for heaven that we are?
B. I’ve never been there (Heaven) but I hear it’s great
1. Unknown Region with a well known inhabitant Illustration
2. Three wonders in Heaven Illustration
C. It’s not about a place it’s about a Person
1. Those who love Him must be preoccupied with Heaven because that’s where He is
2. We pursue Christlikeness in expectation of His return
II. Eagerly Await Christ’s Return (v. 20b)
A. Do you say “not yet Lord or Maranatha?”
1. Why are so many Christians so reluctant to be with Jesus
2. It should be a positive thing
3. Meditating on Heaven gives us motivation, accountability and security
B. Only those with something to hide fear the return of the master
1. Matthew 25
2. Neither are we to be passive or disinterested in His return
C. It’s not about an event, it’s about a Person
1. The majority of my problem with the Jack Van Impe’s and Hal Lindsey’s of the world is they are event centered
2. Americans are fascinated by end times theology, re: Left Behind success> Turn their facination toward Christ
III. Prepare for His Coming (v. 21a)
A. He’ll transform our body upon His return
1. Paul tells us this corruptible cannot inherit the incorruptible
2. 1 Corinthians 15:
3. For many of us we thank God for that
B. Our soul was, is being and will be transformed in the here and now
1. For now we war with our flesh
2. Salvation means so much more than being freed from Hell. It is being transformed into His image.
3. MacArthur Quote
IV. Trust in God’s Promises (v. 21b)
A. Do you believe that Heaven will be a better place than here?
1. I don’t believe the majority of us do, why is this?
B. He is able because He has subjected all things to Himself
1. Colossians 1:16
2. If He can do all this, certainly He can take care of you too.
Conclusion: As they run the spiritual race, believers must look to godly examples for inspiration and instruction. They must also look out for those enemies of the truth who would lead them astray. Finally, they must focus on the glorious hope that is theirs at the return of Christ Jesus – the transformation of their bodies into conformity with His. Then, regenerated fully in soul and body, they will be suited to eternal, holy glory and joy.
UNKNOWN REGION WITH A WELL-KNOWN INHABITANT
We know very little about heaven, but I once heard a theologian describe it as “an unknown region with a well-know inhabitant,” and there is not a better way to think of it than that.
Richard Baxter expresses the thought in these lines:
My knowledge of that life is small,
The eye of faith is dim,
But it’s enough that Christ knows all,
And I shall be with him.
To those who have learned to love and trust Jesus, the prospect of meeting him face to face and being with him forever is the hope that keeps us going, no matter what life may throw at us.
Your Father Loves You by James Packer, Harold Shaw Publishers, 1986, page for September 23
THREE WONDERS IN HEAVEN
John Newton said that when we get to heaven, there will be three wonders:
1. Who is there
2. Who is not there, and
3. The fact that I’m there!
MATTHEW 24:44-51
44 "For this reason you be ready too; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think {He will.}
45 "Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?
46 "Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.
47 "Truly I say to you, that he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
48 "But if that evil slave says in his heart, ’My master is not coming for a long time,’
49 and shall begin to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards;
50 the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect {him} and at an hour which he does not know,
51 and shall cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; weeping shall be there and the gnashing of teeth. (NAS)
1 CORINTHIANS 15:53-54
53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory. (NAS)
MACARTHUR QUOTE
The combination of a redeemed spirit and a glorified body will enable all believers to perfectly manifest the glory of God. Sin, weakness, sorrow, disappointment, pain, suffering, doubt, fear, temptation, hate, and failure will give way to perfect joy, pleasure, knowledge, comfort and love.
“The MacArthur New Testament Commentary on Philippians, John MacArthur Jr., Moody Press – Chicago, 2001. pg. 263.
AGE 120
A widely respected man known as “Uncle Johnson” died in Michigan at the incredible age of 120. Perhaps his advanced years could be credited in part to the cheerful outlook that characterized his life.
One day while at work in his garden, he was singing songs of praise to God. His pastor, who was passing by, looked over the fence and called,
“Uncle Johnson, you seem very happy today.”
“Yes, I was just thinking,” said the old man.
“Thinking about what?” questioned his pastor.
“Oh, I was just thinking that if the crumbs of joy that fall from the Master’s table in this world are so good, what will the great loaf in glory be like! I tell you, sir, there will be enough for everyone and some to spare up there.”
COLOSSIANS 1:16-17
16 For by Him all things were created, {both} in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created by Him and for Him.
17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (NAS)
