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| Citizenship Classes (Philippians 3:20-4:1) | |||||
 Printer Friendly Version - opens in separate window Philippi was a Roman Colony and the Philippians were proud of their city's status, an honour conferred by the Emperor Octavian in 42BC. A Roman Colony followed Roman law, custom, language, culture and dress and has been described as "A little piece of Rome abroad". Many of the Christians at Philippi would have been Roman citizens and this would have brought certain privileges. You will remember that when Paul was mobbed in Jerusalem he appealed to his right as a Roman citizen to be tried by Roman law and custom (Acts 21-27). With citizenship comes privilege and status. Of course, it also brings responsibilities.We see the same happening today as people seek citizenship here in the UK in order to better their lot in life. It is something they value and perhaps we take too much for granted, but we have our own law, customs, language (languages?), culture etc. Paul is very cleverly comparing the privilege of Roman citizenship with the privilege of Heavenly citizenship. Paul is reminding us that "Our citizenship is in heaven". It is something of which we should be rightly proud and that we should value more than anything. It is a greater honour than anything this world can offer. As citizens of heaven we look forward to: The return of the King of Heaven (v 20) The completion of our salvation And the transformation of our lowly bodies into glorious bodies (v 21) It is for this that we live and these are the privileges that accompany our Heavenly citizenship. Furthermore, we may be impressed by the kings and emperors of this world but when Jesus returns his power will "enable him to bring everything under his control". This is the citizenship we offer those to whom we reach out in the name of the King we represent, therefore... In other words, in light of all this, Paul tells us how we should stand firm in the Lord, valuing our citizenship, enjoying its privileges, honouring its responsibilities, looking to its King and knowing that our citizenship did not come cheap. Let us reflect on these verses this week and remember who we are, whose we are and the privilege of our citizenship. |
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