GLORIFICATION
“Because our citizenship is now in heaven, we must act accordingly. Our world-view now includes the hopeful expectation of the arrival of our Savior Jesus Christ. Because everything is subject to Him, He will change our carnal bodies and give them a life and a form like His own body, according to the exercise of His mighty power.” (paraphrased)
vv. 20-21
The connecting term for or but links verse 19 with 20 and shows the contrast between Believers and false teachers. Paul indicates heretics will not inherit heaven, for they “mind earthly things” (v. 19) However, we must set our affections on things above, for we are headed for a different destination under a different administration (Col. 3:2).
The KVJ word “conversation” is the same term used in 1:27 to refer to the Christian lifestyle. Paul’s terminology is emphatic as he writes about the reality of our heavenly citizenship. We begin to enjoy the benefits of this privilege the moment our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev. 21:27).
Believers at Philippi can easily relate to Paul’s analogy of being heavenly citizens. As a colony of Rome, they enjoy certain rights and privileges that non-citizens do not. As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we have a “homeland security” sinners can neither appreciate nor appropriate. Some of the benefits we enjoy as heavenly citizens include the complete absence of death, tears, terrorism, alcoholism, gambling, pornography, hate crimes, gangs, road rage, homosexuality, suicides, murders, cursing, bad weather, pain, oppression, prejudice, disease, pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, child and spousal abuse, abortions, pedophiles, divorce and immorality.
Although our bodies are subject to disease, aging and death, Jesus has the ability to totally transform them. Since we are citizens of heaven, it stands to reason we will be given “extreme makeovers” suitable to that environment (I Cor. 2:9). He will transform our bodies to be similar to His resurrected body. He is able to do this, for He has authority and power over all things. That we will soon possess a glorified body like His is a perpetual source of encouragement.
We are to prepare for His arrival by focusing on heaven, not on things in this earthly realm. Because we are heaven bound, we should search the skies in earnest expectation of our Lord’s return. Whether we die here or return with Him in the Rapture, the raising of Believers to resurrection life is proof of His power “to subdue all things unto Himself” (v. 21).
GLORIFICATION – STUDY QUESTIONS
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. According to Revelation 21:8, who will not be heavenly citizens?
A. sorcerers
B. murderers
C. unbelievers
D. liars
E. all of the above
2. According to Revelation 21:4, what things will also be absent in heaven?
A. death
B. sorrow
C. crying
D. pain
E. all of the above
3. Ephesians 2:19 makes mention of:
A. angels
B. thrones
C. heavenly citizens
D. lake of fire
E. all of the above
GLORIFICATION – REFLECTION
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR COUPLES
1. Discuss with your spouse things that you would like to do in heaven together.
2. Make a list of departed saints that you want to visit in heaven
3. Name some things on earth that you are tempted to “set your affections on” (Col. 3:1-2).
ESSAY QUESTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS
1. Write a list of activities you would like to do in heaven with your loved ones.
2. Make a list of departed saints that you want to visit in heaven
3. List some things on earth that you are tempted to “set your affections on” (Col. 3:1-2).