Philippians 3:20

The reason we should follow Paul’s example and not that of these sensualists is that as Christians we have a citizenship in heaven as well as one on earth. Our heavenly citizenship and destiny are far more important than our brief earthly sojourn (cf. Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 11:10). The Roman citizenship the Philippians enjoyed meant a great deal to them (Acts 16:12; Acts 16:21). All believers need to learn to live as foreigners and pilgrims on this earth (Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11). [Note: See John A. Witmer, "The Man with Two Countries," Bibliotheca Sacra 133:532 (October-December 1976):338-49.]

"Jews expect perfection now by keeping the Law; Christians yearn for the future at which time perfection will be achieved." [Note: Hawthorne, p. 170.]

The Greek word apekdechometha, translated "look for," is a strong compound.

"The compound emphasizes the intense yearning for the Parousia . . ." [Note: H. A. A. Kennedy, "The Epistle to the Philippians," in The Expositor’s Greek Testament, 3:463.]

"The expectation of the Lord’s personal and imminent return gave joy and power to the early Christians and to the Christian communities." [Note: James Montgomery Boice, Philippians, p. 247.]

"One of the greatest incentives to holiness in the New Testament is that we might be ready for him when he returns." [Note: Motyer, p. 228.]

Furthermore it is from our heavenly kingdom that a Savior will come to deliver us out of this present evil world and take us to our home with Him above (John 14:1-2). The prospect of our Lord’s return should motivate us to live as citizens of heaven even while we are still on earth (1 John 3:2-3).

". . . Paul prefers ’justification’ to describe what has already been done in the Christian by God’s action in Christ, while he reserves ’salvation’ for what yet remains to be done (Beare; cf. Romans 5:9-10)." [Note: Hawthorne, p. 172.]