Page 16 - October 2025 - Truth & Tidings

n the final reference to the Person of above, not on things on the earth” (Col
Christ in Philippians 3, Paul specifi- 3:1-2). This will mean that we become
Ically exhorts us to “look for the Sav- something of an enigma to the unsaved,
iour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (v20) as our because what motivates the believer
1
coming Deliverer. He is the subject of our means nothing to them, and their earthly
gaze upward, as we expectantly await His interests should not be the primary focus
coming forth from heaven as the Saviour of our attention. We belong to different
and Redeemer of our mortal bodies. He worlds; the unsaved can only mind earthly
has the divine ability to fit us physically things, but as citizens of heaven our “life is
for the eternal glory of heaven, transform- hid with Christ in God” (v3). We are here
ing our bodies to be made like His own in this world “as strangers and pilgrims”
glorious body, and any that might seek to (1Pe 2:11); heaven is our home.
obstruct that mighty work will be made Philippi was a colony of Rome (Act
subservient unto Himself. 16:12). The Philippians knew what it
Our Heavenly Citizenship meant to be closely associated with that
distant city; they enjoyed great privileges
The example that Paul wanted to set as citizens of Rome, and they were respon-
before the saints as worthy to be followed, sible to represent Rome, and be subject to
and would bring maturity and unity to the the rule and authority of Rome. As citizens
saints of God (vv15-17), was of one who of heaven, believers in the Lord Jesus
was heavenly minded, whose “conversa- enjoy the blessings of heaven, but we are
tion [citizenship, Newberry] is in heaven” here in this world to represent heaven,
(v20). This would be in stark contrast to and to be subject to the mind, rule and
those earthly minded false teachers of Ju- authority of heaven in our lives.
daism who were dishonouring the work of
Christ on the cross (vv18-19). Nothing of Our Bodily Redemption
any lasting value is here on earth; heaven
is the place where divine Persons are, The redemptive work of Christ has not
where all our spiritual blessings belong, yet touched our bodies physically, and
and from where our life is to be governed so we are eagerly looking up to heaven
and controlled. for the Lord Jesus to come forth as the
We are to “seek those things which are Saviour of our bodies. We know Him
above, where Christ sitteth on the right as Saviour of our souls now, and we are
hand of God. Set your affection on things judicially fitted for heaven now, knowing
“there is therefore now no condemnation
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Rom
unless otherwise noted. 8:1). But our physical bodies still need to

304 TRUTH kTidings October 2025