Venetia - Where is my Citizenship? (Phil. 3:12-21)

After reading Philippians 3: 12 -21, I would rename the passage to "Where is My Citizenship?"...... this passage served as a reminder and warning to the church in Philippi as to where is their ultimate "citizenship" - in heaven or on earth (v. 18-19) ? He reminds them to stay focus on their heavenly citizenship while acknowledging that he himself is still in the process.

In the Amplified Bible, the translation inserted "and make it my own" in regards to following the Lord. What spoke to me was to focus on making and following the Lord's teaching in making it really "my own". Paul also encouraged the Philippians to trust Him in making the "uncleared" cleared (v. 15).

This passage was a good reminder that our citizenship is with God in heaven and to have that position in front of us until the return of Jesus Christ.

Melanie's Reflection Philippians 3:12-21: "Press On"

"Press On"
I read this passage to my son and husband. My husband and I were discussing it and bouncing off ideas. He relates things to music and there is a song entitled, "Press On" by Robert Randolph and the Family Band. My son (who is three) said, "Cowboy," when I asked him what he thought. :)

To answer the questions posed to me on page 724 of Faith in Action. The text is one where Paul is asking Philippians to follow in his path to the future of being in Heaven. Obviously, he distinguishes between those who are Earthly-based (bad) and Heaven-bound (good). He wants people to not focus on the materialistic and daily activities of the Earth, but instead to "press on" toward the future of Heaven where we are true citizens. I should evaluate those things that lead to a path of righteousness with Jesus Christ in Heaven and forget about the worldly goods of daily life.

Philippines 3:12-21. PPenrose

Philippines 3:12-21 says to me that even though we learn the word of God we should continue to look at ourselves and what we have learned and see if we can develop more from each lessons that God gives us. We can grasp the word and believe we have complete understanding but we need to continue to follow and re-evaluate what we are taught by God. I feel that we need to live up to what we have learned from God before we can move on to understand more. We need to take hold of each lesson live it and understand it to be given more.

Teresa's response to Philippians 3: 12-21

This scripture reminds me of the ultimate goal in striving to live my life in accordance to the will of the Lord. That it may not be easy, but I need to hold fast to the principals in my life. I must also keep those around me who desire the same things I do.

Kate's Reaction to Philippians 3:12-21

This text reminds me that my goal and my prize is in Heaven. I should move forward - fixing my heart on the Lord. It gives a clear vision of what I should not do (fix my mind on earthly things, have my stomach as my god and to find glory where there should be shame) while at the same time reinforcing that I should be eagerly awaiting my Savior. I am called to be a woman "after God's own heart" and live my life in a way that shows that I am a "citizen" of Heaven.

Dave's Reflection on Philippians 3:12-21

Using the questions on page 724 as a guide I believe Paul is helping us distinguish good from bad and truth from error. He states that all of us who are mature should forget what is behind and strive toward what is ahead. The goal being eternity in Heaven.

The goal the text is asking me to pursue is to stand firm in the Lord and not let our minds dwell on earthly things. Our citizenship is in heaven.

Based on the reading, I think God is telling us that living our lives for Him is the only way to eternal life with Him. The only other altenative is to live in and for this world which will only lead to destruction and shame.

I think what God would want me to do is spend time reading and praying over His Word. This would help me to mature and ultimately lead me to focus more on Him and His goals for my life.

Tammy T's reflection on Philippians 3:12-21

I really enjoyed reading this portion of scripture this morning. Of course, it was just what I needed. There is always so much to do in life and when something doesn't turn out quite the way I had hoped, I can become easily discouraged. This portion of scripture addresses this issue by encouraging me (us) that I will keep pursuing the goal of living. When I say living I mean the opposite of being consumed by worldly concerns and being sucked into the downward pull. To live is like being in the Holy of Holies. There is a thick curtain that separates us from the negative aspects of life and allows us to taste of His goodness. That is what I want to do everyday... so everyday has to start with letting go of the past and pressing on toward the goal.