These notes accompany the sermon found here.

Introduction

• Past: Philippians 3:4-11.  Paul was a more than exemplary Jew, but he counted all acts of self-righteousness as rubbish compared to knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection.  When he was converted, he received the righteousness of Christ.
• Present: Philippians 3:12-19.  Presently he strives forward, forgetting what lies behind, and pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  We then should think this way, and follow his example to avoid the following the ways of the enemies of the cross.
• Future: Philippians 3:20-21.  As citizens of heaven, we look forward to the return of our Savior, and our own glorious transformation

Enemies of the Cross

• Their god – their belly. Philippians 1:15, 2:21, 3:19; Ephesians 2:1-3;
• Their glory – their shame. Philippians 3:19; Galatians 6:13-15; Hosea 4:7.
• Their mindset – earthly. Philippians 3:19; Romans 8:5; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15;
• Their destiny – destruction. Philippians 3:19;  Matthew 7:21-24; 2 Peter 2:1-3;

Citizens of heaven

• Our God – the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 10:13; John 20:28; Acts 2:36.
• Our glory – Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:2-3; Romans 2:28-29;
• Our mindset – heavenly. Philippians 3:20, 4:8; Colossians 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:4.
• Our destiny – Christlikeness. Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 15:49; Colossians 3:10; 1 John 3:1-2.

Stand Firm thus

• Philippians 1:6, 1:27, 4:1; Psalm 125:1; Acts 4:24-31; Revelation 19:11-16.

Applications

• Stand Firm in your citizenship, confident of the return of your Savior.
• Embrace your citizenship. Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 2:6, 19; John 17:13-19.
• Think this way. Philippians 2:5, 3:15; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 2:15-17.
• Find godly examples to follow.  Philippians 3:17, 4:9; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Hebrews 13:7; Psalm 37:37; Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; Hebrews 6:12.