Philippians 3:17-21 – The call to be watchful

Up to this point, Paul had candidly shared with the Philippians his personal passion, ambition and mission. In the closing paragraph of this chapter, he was calling on the Philippians to pattern their lives after his. Paul wanted to alert them to the dubious characters that existed among them. He knew that they would be susceptible to wrong influence. Hence, pointing out those duplicitous characters was essential. And while showing them what they should not emulate, he also reminded them that their citizenship was in heaven. It is interesting to note how tender he was in dealing with the whole situation. One can almost imagine the tears trickling down his cheek when he warned them against those people, saying, “… of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping ….”

Paul said three things about such people: Firstly those people were heading for destruction. Paul knew their final outcome and saw no hope for them. Secondly, those people worship themselves. Being self-absorbed, they were consumed with the appetite to selfishly satisfy themselves only. Thirdly, they only delighted and gloried in things they ought to be ashamed of. As a result, their concerns were only for earthly things. But in contrast, the Philippians were citizens of heaven and should have a different desire and longing.

Having pointed out to them that they were citizens of heaven, Paul painted to them some contrasts. While the enemies of the Cross set their minds on earthly things, believers should have a different concern. They should eagerly wait for the return of the Lord. This is especially so since believers are citizens of heaven. They should, therefore, set their focus on the return of their Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. The second return of the Lord Jesus Christ is the ultimate hope for all believers. As it was in Paul’s days, it is also in ours.

Paul said here that at Christ’s Second Return, believers would be greatly transformed. Their earthly bodies would no longer remain in the humble state, but would be changed to be in conformity with Christ’s glorious body. Paul left no doubt about the certainty of this experience. He enforced it with the idea that Christ has the absolute, available and invincible power in Himself to subject all things to Himself.

To follow Paul or to follow those dubious characters? In these verses we have two sets of examples set before us. Paul called us not only to be careful but also discerning, so as not to be enticed by evil. Christian life is not as easy as we sometime think. We can never avoid the tension and struggle as we seek to live a godly life. We must choose to be obedient and be blessed or we can choose the way of disobedience and be cursed. Which path would we rather take?