Philippians 3:17-21 (ESV)17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 

Philippians 3:17-21 (ESV)20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

LIVING IN LIGHT OF ETERNITY

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

LIVING IN LIGHT OF ETERNITY“BEING CITIZENS OF HEAVEN”

Philippians 3:17-21

Introduction

Main Idea

Living in Light of Eternity means living as a citizen of heaven 

OutlineI. Look In – Saying Yes to God’s Kingdom, Saying No to the World II. Look Up – Looking to God for strength to persevere III. Look Out – Loving others with God’s love

I. Look InSaying Yes to God’s Kingdom

• God’s Sovereignty – God is in charge

• Heaven is our Home - God is our treasure

• Finding Pleasure in Him - God is our Joy

• Turning Weakness to Strength – God is our Strength

I. Look InSaying No to the World

Too Busy for God

Too Worried to be who God intends for you to be

Too Focused on Relationships

Too in Love with Money

I. Look In

Reflection – How does having relatively unlimited choice in our culture make it harder to say "yes" and say "no"?

II. Look UpLooking to God for strength to persevere

Philippians 3:20-2120 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

II. Look Up“Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs.”

– Jonathan Edwards

II. Look UpFirst - don’t go after worldly things as your chief goodSecond - Commune much with God and Christ in prayer & meditation and think often of all that is in heavenThird - be content to pass through all difficulties in the way to heaven.Fourth - fix your eyes on Jesus, who has gone to heaven as your forerunner and will returnFifth - see that you live a life of love

III. Look OutLoving others with God’s love

The Inclusive, Exclusive Kingdom of God

III. Look OutThe Inclusive Kingdom Of God

Ephesians 3:4-6 - When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

III. Look OutThe Exclusive Kingdom Of God

John 14:6 -  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Matthew 7:13-14 - “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.