Brookfield Church of Christ
Dec 21, 2025 Sun a.m. - Philippians 3:20-21
We Look to Heaven
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      • Philippians 3:20-21NIV2011

  • CENTRAL IDEA: As Christians, our true citizenship resides in heaven, which fundamentally shapes our perspective and conduct on earth, motivating us to eagerly await the transforming return of our Savior, Jesus Christ.​
    INTRODUCTION
    Paul reminds us that we, as followers of Christ, how we ought to view our lives and our ultimate destiny. Our earthly existence is but a temporary dwelling, for our true home and our ultimate hope lie far beyond this world.

    1. Conjunction Junction

    Philippians 3:12–19 ESV
    Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
    Philippians 3:20 ESV
    But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

    2. Our Heavenly Citizenship: A Present Reality

    Note that our citizenship IS in heaven
    “Is” is the present form of the verb “to be”
    1 John 5:13 ESV
    I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
    Our Primary Allegiance is to the Lord in heaven: Our names are written in the Book of Life, making us subjects of a Kingdom that is not of this world
    John 18:36 ESV
    Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
    A football referee does not hold allegiance to a particular team. He reports to the governing body of the Football Association. UNIFORM
    Managers report to the president of the company - not to the union of the employees
    Our eternal allegiance to the God

    3. Our Eager Expectation: A Future Hope

    Philippians 3:20 ESV
    But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
    The Return of the King: We do not look for a political leader or a social movement to save us; we look for the Lord Jesus Christ
    Hebrews 9:28 ESV
    so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
    Readiness and Watchfulness: Our expectation should lead to a life of readiness, as the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night
    1 Thessalonians 5:2–4 ESV
    For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.
    We await the Jesus of scripture - not the one imagined in our minds

    4. The Transformation

    Philippians 3:21 ESV
    who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
    Our current bodies are subject to "lowliness"—decay, sickness, sin, and death.
    Romans 8:23 ESV
    And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
    This transformation is the final victory where "death is swallowed up in victory"
    1 Corinthians 15:51–54 ESV
    Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
    CONCLUSION
    We look to heaven because we know that Christ is currently reigning and will continue to reign until every enemy, including death, is put under His feet
    Where is your citizenship currently rooted?

      • Philippians 3:12–19LEB

      • Philippians 3:20LEB

      • 1 John 5:13LEB

      • John 18:36LEB

      • Philippians 3:20LEB

      • Hebrews 9:28LEB

      • 1 Thessalonians 5:2–4LEB

      • Philippians 3:21LEB

      • Romans 8:23LEB

      • 1 Corinthians 15:51–54LEB

      • 1 Corinthians 11:23–24NIV2011

      • 1 Corinthians 11:25–26NIV2011

      • 2 Corinthians 9:7NIV2011

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Brookfield Church of Christ
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