Phil 3:12-21

1. Phil 3:12-21 • 12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. On Wong 2010

2. Phil 3:12-21 • 15All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave 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.  On Wong 2010

3. Phil 3:12-21 • 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, 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. On Wong 2010

4. On Wong 2010

5. Are You an Alien? Phil 3:12-21 On Wong 2010

6. Introduction On Wong 2010

7. Introduction • To obtain Roman citizenship • every child born of Roman citizens • outstanding service to the Roman republic • buy citizenship, but at a very high price. On Wong 2010

8. We are Citizen of Heaven(Phil 3:20) • Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household On Wong 2010

9. Rejoice, We are Citizen of Heaven (Phil 3:1; 4:4) • Rejoice, our Citizenship is free (Phil 3:12) • Ephesians 2:8-9 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. On Wong 2010

10. Rejoice, We are Citizen of Heaven • Rejoice, we have fellowship in Christ • Phil 2:2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose On Wong 2010

11. Rejoice, We are Citizen of Heaven • Rejoice even in time of trouble • Phil 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. On Wong 2010

12. Rejoice, We are Citizen of Heaven • Rejoice when Christ is preached • Phil 1:18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, On Wong 2010

13. Live Like an Alien • Live like an Alien in this World (Phil 3:18-19; 3:8) • 1 Peter 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. On Wong 2010

14. Be Ready • Be Ready, we will be Home soon! • Phil 3:20-21 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour 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. On Wong 2010

15. Conclusion • Do not take your Citizenship of Heaven for granted! • Are you a Joyful Alien who is ready to go back to heaven? • Phil 1:27a Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. On Wong 2010