Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. (18) For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: (19) whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame – who set their mind on earthly things. (20) For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (21) who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (4:1) Therefore, my beloved and longed for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul while he was a prisoner in Rome because of his gospel. Philippi was a Roman colony of Roman culture and customs. Paul uses this political relationship as an analogy between the status of citizens of Rome and citizens of heaven. He is saying Christians should live up to their status – to live as they believe. Paul speaks of those who are not real children of God – they profess Christianity but are not true – the craving of their unbelieving nature leads and governs them; they were religious BUT cling to the world, love the world, which makes them enemies of Christ. It is religious emotion, not Christ. Paul writes of the terrible position of these people whose end is destruction – the lower element of their nature controls them. All that gains for them the admiration from their fellows is inevitably degrading. Our verses plainly show that Paul believed in the possibility of utter ruin.

We are aliens in this world. Rebirth in faith in Christ has made us different in our being and children of God. Our citizenship in heaven is as definite now as it will be then – spiritually we are there already. Time is our training school.

I find the steps of the Big Book – Alcoholics Anonymous – and in particular step 11 – useful for principled holy living. “We consider our plans for the day. Before we begin we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self seeking motives.” Further, “As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action. We remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day “Thy will be done”. We are then in much less danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self pity, or foolish decisions.”