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Citizenship in Heaven
This passage sets two ways of living side by side. It calls readers to follow faithful examples, warns with tears about people opposed to the cross of Christ, and points to a heavenly citizenship and future hope in Jesus.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
Here the writer gives direct instruction to fellow believers. First comes a call to imitate a trustworthy pattern of life and to notice others who walk the same way. Then comes a sorrowful warning about many whose minds are set on earthly things. The passage ends by lifting attention to heaven, the Saviour, and the future change Jesus will bring.
Philippians 3:17–21Main takeaway
This passage teaches believers to recognise faithful examples, take seriously the danger of earthly-minded living, and wait for the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Notice the right patternThe passage begins with a shared command: “be imitators together of me”, and then adds, “note those who walk this way”.
Explanation
The passage begins with a shared command: “be imitators together of me”, and then adds, “note those who walk this way”. The word “walk” describes a person’s regular way of life. The focus is not only on one example, but also on others whose lives match that same pattern.
02A warning spoken with tearsThe reason for this command appears straight away. “Many walk” in a very different way, and the writer calls them “the enemies of the cross of Christ”.
Explanation
The reason for this command appears straight away. “Many walk” in a very different way, and the writer calls them “the enemies of the cross of Christ”. This warning is repeated, not new, and it is given “even weeping”. The tone shows grief, not triumph, about their condition.
03What earthly-minded people are likeThe next verse explains these people with a series of strong descriptions. “Their end is destruction.”
Explanation
The next verse explains these people with a series of strong descriptions. “Their end is destruction.” “Their god is the belly” shows rule by bodily appetite. “Their glory is in their shame” means they boast in what should disgrace them. The summary is clear: they “think about earthly things”.
04Citizenship in heavenIn contrast to earthly thinking, the passage says, “our citizenship is in heaven”. From there believers “wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”.
Explanation
In contrast to earthly thinking, the passage says, “our citizenship is in heaven”. From there believers “wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”. Their identity is tied to heaven, and their expectation is fixed on Jesus. This future-facing hope stands against the mindset that stays centred on earthly things.
05The hope Jesus will completeThe Lord Jesus Christ will “change the body of our humiliation” so that it is “conformed to the body of his glory”.
Explanation
The Lord Jesus Christ will “change the body of our humiliation” so that it is “conformed to the body of his glory”. This promise rests on his power, described as the working by which he can “subject all things to himself”. The passage ends with confidence in what Jesus is able to do.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What two actions does the passage give about faithful examples?
Look closely at Philippians 3:17 and name both commands: to imitate and to note those who walk in the same way.
02Which words make the warning about the enemies of the cross so serious?
Use Philippians 3:18 and Philippians 3:19 to identify the repeated warning, the tears, their destruction, and their earthly mindset.
03What future hope is connected to citizenship in heaven?
Philippians 3:20 points to waiting for the Saviour, and Philippians 3:21 explains the change he will bring.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Philippians 3:17–21
17Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.
18For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ,
19whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things.
20For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.