Citizen of Heaven: Hold Past to the Gospel! – Philippians

Stephen Dellinger   -   March 15, 2026

Citizen of Heaven, Hold Fast to the Gospel!

Together Church  |  Pastor Stephen Dellinger

March 15, 2026  |  Series: Philippians

Philippians 3:17-4:1

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 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.

4 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Let’s focus on chapter four, verse one again.

Philippians 4:1

4 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Paul said, “Therefore”, people. He said the thing! Some of you know what I am talking about already. What is the purpose of the word “Therefore”? If you have heard Jerry or Brandon a few times, then you know that “therefore” is a signal to the reader saying, “Based on all of these previous  things, then this is what you must do as a response…” it’s an important point that should inform our perspective on all those things stated beforehand.

Paul urges the brothers at Philippi, those brothers he feels deep affection for, to stand firm in what? The Lord. Specifically, we can see from the whole text and from Paul’s own example, that he was speaking of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Chris. He wants them to stand firm (also translated as “to hold fast”). The word used here is στήκω (stēkō) which has several meanings or related images. The idea is to hold your position or to stand your ground, without giving way to opposition. Think of a soldier who is supposed to keep a specific area against the enemy. So Paul is telling the Philippians to plant themselves solidly in the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this same way. That is his summation in Philippians 4:1 and it should color how we look at the preceding text. Think you got it? Are you tracking with me? Here is the question then…

How do we hold fast to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? According to Paul we must…

1. Follow Paul’s example, and the example of those who walk like he does.
2. Live as a citizen of heaven rather than as an earthly citizen.

Paul tells us to join in imitating him. This is the first point:

1. Follow Paul’s example, and the example of those who walk like he does.

Philippians 3:17-19

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

How do I keep my eye on the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, like we heard Paul did last week in Philippians 3:14? How do we live as citizens of heaven?

We are given an answer at the beginning of this passage in verse 17 (place Phil 3:17 up again).

Imitate the right examples! Specifically, Paul refers to himself first.

Another way of saying this is that we need to identify the right examples and follow their pattern of life.

And then, as a bonus point, identify those who are not good examples (those whose god is their belly, etc.) and do not follow their pattern of living.

Let’s consider Paul as an example in this letter—I mean, since he told the church to do so. He was confident enough in his identity in Christ that he called the church to join in imitating him and to keep their eyes on those who were the same examples. Wow! That’s a lot of confidence but it was not because Paul was arrogant, that is, he was not confident in his flesh and in his own works. As we learned last week, he had no confidence in the flesh and counted it all as trash, but rather his complete confidence was in Christ’s work—that is, his confidence was in the Gospel. Paul shared the Gospel with those who did not believe, and then he sought to strengthen those who did believe by building up. This was a man who CARED deeply for others and that depth of care resulted in his sharing the Gospel. Look at Philippians 3:18 again with me.

Philippians 3:18

18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Paul was crying as the letter was being written. When was the last time you cried? What were you crying over? I have found that as time passes, year after year, I more easily cry and, really, it could be at anytime. My wife makes fun of me ruthlessly about it. Sometimes there will be something happening in a kid’s movie, and I will be explaining to my children the importance of the scene. And then I choke up. I am unable to continue speaking for a moment because I have become emotional over what’s happening. I understand the cost of what is happening better than my children and it causes me to respond this way because I am empathizing. I am relating with this character as they make some big choice that will cost them.

Paul spoke of those who were enemies of the cross of Christ through tears. THROUGH tears. He was not some guy separated from the rest of humanity on a mountain, judging others without remorse or pity. He cared deeply for the body of Christ and desired for people to come to saving faith in the Lord Jesus. In fact, in Romans 9:3 Paul says this regarding his Jewish brothers and sisters, “For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” (Romans 9:3, ESV). Does that sound like the absence of care to you? One way to identify the right example: they get “worked up” for the right reasons—that is when the Gospel is on the line. Why was Paul crying as he spoke of these enemies of Christ? He gives the reason in the next verse…

Philippians 3:19

19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

For Paul, whose faith was in Jesus and whose hope was set on eternity, it was like watching an out-of-control car, full of people, driving off a cliff in slow motion. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was the core of His focus and this changed how he perceived these people. He did not hate these enemies of Jesus— Paul saw clearly where their path ended. Their end was destruction. Their god was their belly. Their minds were set on earthly things. And seeing that reality moved him to tears.

Have you ever seen someone else destroy themselves as a result of their choices? Their lives and maybe even the lives of their loved ones were ruined as a result? It’s not funny and its not quaint when it happens. It hurts to watch if you are compassionate—which if you are in Christ, compassion is a part of your identity. It’s like watching someone destroy themselves while celebrating it. It’s not “just too bad”… it’s horrifying. The eternal consequences of judgement before the God of the universe are serious. Paul knew and believed in the absolute necessity of the Gospel, which impacted his view on everything, including the enemies of Christ.

Philippians 3:19 is also good for reference when considering Christ-like examples who are like Paul. The right examples are…

• Not destined for destruction but for eternal life with their God and Savior, because of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Not worshipers of the desires of their flesh but worshipers of the God who created and saved them from death and sin.
• Not those who glory in their own works but those who glory in Jesus Christ and His finished work.
• Not focused on what earthly citizenship can offer but their eyes are fixed on the heavenly citizenship they have through Christ.

So to hold fast to the Gospel we need to…

1. Follow Paul’s example, and the example of those who walk like he does.

Next, we need to…

2. Live as a citizen of heaven rather than as an earthly citizen.

Let’s read the next two verses together.

Philippians 3:20-21

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 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.

This is our second point, that we need to…

2. Live as a citizen of heaven rather than as an earthly citizen.

I remember being a child and having this conversation with my father: I was driving in the car with my dad and we were talking about stocks and investments. You need to understand that I was twelve years old at the time—I was not considering the volatility of the stock market. However, my dad shared a story of how a young man around my age started investing early and by the time he was thirty years old, he had obtained millions. I remember listening to my father tell me this story. Likely he had hopes he could inspire his youngest son to invest into his financial future at a young age. He wanted me to be successful because someday I would be an adult with responsibilities and, likely, a family. He already had a clear picture of my future as an adult in his mind’s eye. He had his eyes set on my future!

You want to know what I recall thinking at that time? Vividly?

“I won’t even like living anymore at thirty. All of my best times are right now.”

AT TWELVE I thought this!

Can any of you relate to this? Was this you, or do you love someone in your life who acts like this as well? Yeah? Some of you are thinking to yourself, “Yep. That’s my cousin Jim. I do not think he even knows what day it is today.”

This is what happens in life: your perspective changes overtime. I hope that all of us here can agree that my mindset was immature when I was twelve—I just did not see the reality of the bigger picture. I could not see my future as an earthly citizen and prioritize my life around it then. When we are young and immature there are things that seem essential—earth shattering in their importance—that just do not matter anymore when you have matured to a certain point. More meaningful and weightier things replace those things that are inconsequential in comparison. A short example: currently, my three-year-old son cries when his banana breaks in half before he takes his first bite. That is earth shattering to him right now.

Well, as for myself… I am thirty now. I have reached what twelve-year-old Stephen considered the end of his life. However, I am pleased to inform you that I do, in fact, still like living.

The apostle Paul was spiritually mature. He had the mature mind that was discussed in last week’s sermon with Pastor Jerry. He was able to see the bigger picture and prioritize his, and others’, eternal futures despite living here on earth. He considered himself a citizen of heaven—as having an eternal home with his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, that surpassed anything he could acquire here. That’s where his mind and heart were set. Do you know that our eternal future is so much more vital than any of our years right now? Paul understood this. There are so many things that the world says are important, that will simply not matter in eternity. When you and I live our lives for what we can see in front of us only, our priorities are just as skewed as an immature child in comparison to a responsible adult.

Paul was calling the body of Christ, to live in their eternal citizenship in heaven. He was calling them to not focus on the things they could feel and see and touch and taste and hear and gain while here on earth, but to live believing in and prioritizing the better, more wonderful future with God that they already had through Jesus Christ! Why does this matter? It matters because when I forget about my heavenly citizenship it’s so easy to get lost in the different citizenships of this world!

Paul contrasts those individuals from verses 18 and 19, to followers of Christ whose citizenship is in heaven. He states that from it (heaven), “we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ 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.”

There is a lot to unpack here.

Let us talk about our citizenship. When you are citizen somewhere, that place or nation bestows certain benefits to you based on its power or it’s ability. This was a common concept back in Paul’s day. If you are following the small group curriculum, we saw him use his earthly, Roman citizenship at the end of Acts 16 when he requires that the local magistrates come and personally retrieve him and Silas from prison. Roman citizens had the right to a trial PRIOR to being dealt punishment.

However, Paul was not only a Roman citizen! He was a citizen of Israel, and a citizen of the tribe of Benjamin. These different citizenships came with their own rights, benefits, and their own special sets of expectations for the citizen.

Paul uses the word for citizenship — politeuma — the language of political belonging. Our English word for politics is rooted in this word used for citizenship.

Paul’s focus was not on the politics of Rome or of Israel. His focus was on the politics of heaven—what was most important to Paul was his heavenly citizenship. By heavenly citizenship Paul meant his membership in the eternal Kingdom of God. And here is what He knew. Heaven is a theocracy. A theocracy is type of government ruled by a king and that king is Jesus Christ. After Jesus rose from the dead, He ascended into heaven and all authority was given to Him in heaven and on earth.

Those people who believe in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin are given the right to be citizens of heaven. There is literally no possible way to fake our heavenly credentials—there will be no clerical errors or oversights with God’s judgement. This will not stop people from trying, but the effort is futile. To be in heaven you must become a citizen and to become a citizen you must put your faith in Jesus Christ and the work that He performed to save you from sin. If you do not have those credentials given to us by Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit, then you will be cast out of this heavenly kingdom. There has never been a more impossible cost for citizenship than heavenly citizenship, but conversely there has never been a more accessible citizenship because of the overwhelming grace of Jesus Christ. Consider that. How strange and wonderful! It’s not like anything else here on Earth.

Being a citizen of heaven has incredible rights too! Citizens of heaven have the right to…

• be called the children of God and the eternal people of God. (Jn 1:12; Rom 8:16-17)
• live in the eternal presence of God. (Rv. 21:3; Ps 16:11)
• receive the eternal provision of God. (Rv. 7:16–17)
• heaven where there is no pain, there is no sadness, and all will be made right. (Rv. 21:4)
  • Consider that! Those things that make human existence and suffering so unbearably hard do not exist.
• bodies like Jesus’ glorified body. (Ph. 3:21; 1 Cor. 15:52–53; 2 Cor. 4:16)
  • Paul calls special attention to this in verse 21. This is a big deal for many reasons, but a major reason is the glorified body in uncorrupted by the flesh and the desires of the flesh. Right now, our inner man is being renewed day by day, but our outer man is wasting away. Paul was looking forward to heavenly citizenship in a glorified body like Christ’s, with God, for eternity!

To stand firm for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you and I must focus on our citizenship in heaven rather than the different citizenships that we may have in this world. It is so easy to be tantalized by citizenship in the world and to be caught up in the varying expectations and loud voices of these citizenships. When we do, we become like twelve-year-old Stephen, acting based off of the impulsive and ever-changing desires of what is here and now. However, when we fix our eyes on our heavenly citizenship, like Paul did, then we are able to cut through the noise to what is most essential according to the Gospel.

Conclusion:

Our two points were…

1. Follow Paul’s example, and the example of those who walk like he does.
2. Live as a citizen of heaven rather than as an earthly citizen.

Here is the thing: to live like a citizen of heaven, first you must be made a citizen of heaven. This is those, “heavenly credentials” I was talking about. This ties directly back to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Church.

Paul’s whole life was devoted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was the number one focus.

In I Corinthians Paul sums up the Gospel in this way.

1 Cor 15:3-4

³ For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

ESV

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is that Jesus is the Son of God who became the Son of Man who died for our sins. He was buried and then raised from the dead according to the scriptures.

Anyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

This grace from God transforms those who believe into the children of God. This is not a metaphorical transformation, but a true transformation of the inner man that begins now. We still live in a fleshly body with all its desires, but our inner man—our spirit—is made brand new! Amazing!

There was nothing that was more important to Paul than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was willing to sacrifice everything for the Gospel. Everything included his right to have a family, his right to have a home, his right to have a wage, and his physical wellbeing.

Paul wanted the church to follow his example by having the same devotion to the Gospel that he had. He understood that not everyone was called to make the exact same sacrifices that he made. But to stand firm for the Gospel in Philippi he knew that the main message of the church had to remain the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

INVITATION:

Have you believed in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit? Have you been transformed by the grace of God into a child of God? Once more, I am not talking about this flesh we live in. I am talking about the old man, your spirit that was dead and a slave to sin, has it died and are you a new creation in Christ? I am going to give you the opportunity to do that here today. Would you stand and pray with me right now?

If you’ve become a citizen of heaven, your declaration of that citizenship is baptism. Jesus himself was baptized when he walked the earth. Then during the Great Commission in Matthew 28, He commanded His followers to go into all the world, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptism is something our Lord and Savior commanded us to do after believing in Him (see Acts 16:31), so we obey and follow His own example. It’s a clear picture of the Gospel and Christ’s work in our lives. The old man, that is our old sinful spirit, dies and is buried with Christ. Then the new, spirit filled man, is risen to walk in newness of life with Jesus Christ. Have you been obedient, acting as a Citizen of Heaven, to Jesus’ command to be baptized as a believer? If not, today is that opportunity! Right now, while we are all standing, you can come forward to my right. The waters are ready and we want to baptize you. Come forward at this time.

What if you are a new creation in Christ? How does this sermon apply to you? Paul was writing to those believers in Philippi! You need to follow Philippians 4:1 and hold fast to the Gospel of Jesus Christ (put up the list again).

• Have you let some other thing, anything at all, take preeminence in your life other than the Gospel? Follow the example of Paul, and those like him, by making the Gospel the core of your life’s purpose.
• Have you acted like the rest of the world, as if all that mattered to you was today? Live as people on mission for a short while, who are promised eternity with an infinitely good God!
• Have you elevated the desires of your flesh in some way, rather than enjoying the God who saved you? Walk in the Spirit and do not satisfy the desires of the flesh. It’s who He has made you!