Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven.
Philippians 1:27
Citizens of Heaven See Beyond Earthly Circumstances
Paul knew a thing or two about citizenship. His status as a Roman citizen served him well on several occasions, and many of his readers would likely recall the magistrates’ unfortunate neglect of his status on his first visit to the city (Acts 16:37-39). Now he reminds the Philippians of their true identity. Perhaps they’ve been acting as if they are merely citizens of Rome or residents of Philippi, or even just citizens of earth. If so, they’ve been caught up in the small picture instead of the grand vision.
A Kingdom Lens Changes Everything
Paul has spent much of the first part of his letter reorienting their view, demonstrating how radically a redeemed and faith-filled perspective can reveal the Kingdom at work behind the scenes.
Citizens of Heaven Live with a Greater Vision
- “You’re having some problems with each other? Don’t worry; God will keep growing you toward full maturity.”
- “You’re concerned about my imprisonment? If you could only see what God is doing through it!”
- “Self-centered preachers are trying to make a name for themselves? Okay, but they’re still publicizing the name of Christ, and more people are hearing about him.”
- “You’re concerned for my life? Yes, I might die. But you know what? Either way, I win!”
When Nothing Is as It Seems
The apostle who appeared to be near the end of his ministry and stuck in a place of fruitlessness pulled back the curtain to unveil the plot behind the plot, and it was magnificent. By Kingdom criteria, nothing was as it appeared. God’s work was flourishing.
That’s the lens to look through, and Paul here turns toward the readers and hearers of his letter as if to say, “Now take everything I’ve been saying about my circumstances and apply it to yours.” The implications are monumental: With this vision, they would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, stand together in unity of purpose, become fearless in the face of their enemies, and endure their suffering well. A proper vision is more than just an encouraging view. It changes everything.
Citizens of Heaven Align with God’s Priorities
That’s why Paul positions it as a singular focus—“above all.”
Why “Above All” Matters
This focus is a priority because it’s powerful. It aligns us with the heart and vision of God.
Citizens of Heaven Live from Heaven to Earth
Most Christians live with an earth-to-heaven orientation. We’re on earth trying to pull down the blessings of heaven through prayer, faith, and service. We see ourselves as lacking heaven’s resources, so we plead with God to give them to us.
A New Way to See Your Identity
But what if we’re already seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6)? What if we’ve already been raised with Christ and our life is wrapped up in him, where he is (Colossians 3:1-4)? What if the difference between answered and unanswered prayer is a matter of recognizing what we’ve already been given and believing it, or experiencing the Kingdom is a matter of uprooting ourselves from a worldly point of view? What if it’s entirely legitimate to live with a heaven-to-earth orientation even while we’re on earth?
Citizens of Heaven Change the Way You Live
Seeing yourself as a citizen of heaven—a thought further developed later in the letter (especially Philippians 3:20)—comes with a multitude of implications: unshakable faith, fearlessness, a clearer vision of God’s Kingdom and your place in it, rightly ordered priorities, eternal values, a spirit of endurance, and deep roots in the love of God, to name a few. The issue is not striving for what you want to receive; it’s believing what you’ve already been granted. And it begins with changing the way you see.
Adapted from Philippians: A Devotional Commentary by Chris Tiegreen.
