Philippians 3:17–4:1 — JOY in our Heavenly Citizenship

Christian by Birth, American by the Grace of God

This Sunday, we will be in Philippians 3:17–4:1 talking about finding joy in our heavenly citizenship. After speaking about justification and sanctification, the Apostle Paul now points us to glorification and reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven.” The Philippians understood the value of their earthly citizenship because although they were in Macedonia, Philippi had the privilege of being a Roman colony. They took pride in belonging to Rome. But the Apostle Paul reminds them that our identity is not found in any earthly nation, but in heaven, from where we eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we approach the 250th birthday of our beloved nation, we should be thankful for the earthly citizenship God has allowed us to have. America is not perfect, but one of the things that has made this nation so great is that it was built upon Christian values and shaped by truth of God’s Word. America’s founding was built on faith in God, and His blessings.
This is why no other nation has been blessed with the freedoms we have. Many people around the world do not enjoy, especially the freedom to worship the Lord, preach the Gospel, and live openly for Christ. We should not take those blessings lightly.

If Christian values have helped make America the greatest nation on earth, then how much better will heaven be, where Christ Himself reigns in perfect righteousness, peace, truth, and glory? Good citizenship on earth matters, but it must always be shaped by our greater heavenly citizenship. Because heaven is our home, we must not live as those whose minds are set only on earthly things. We follow godly examples, reject earthly-minded living, long for our heavenly home, hope in the return of Christ, and stand fast in the Lord. America may be our temporary residence, but heaven is our eternal home. And our greatest hope is not in any earthly kingdom, but in the Savior who will one day transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

People say, “American by birth, Christian by the grace of God.” I was not born in America, so I say, “Christian by (spiritual) birth, American by the grace of God.” I became a Christian through a second birth through His Spirit, and by His grace, God blessed me by bringing me to this great country. There is nothing greater than saying, "I am an American," except to say, "I am a Christian." So this Independence Day, I pray that like me you are deeply grateful for America, but longing for heaven even more. Happy 4th of July!

P.S., you can read the thoughts of two Calvary Chapel pastors, one on the West Coast and another on the East Coast, on the 250th birthday of our country here.