1. Above all else you must live as Citizens of Heaven
Philippians 1:27-30

2. Paul’s concern for his friends at Philippi
That they can stand as a team in a hostile environment
One for all and all for one

3. How a switched on team operates
First things first
Loyalty
27a Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven,
Obligation
27b conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.

4. The obligation of a Citizen of Heaven
Paul’s Principle “in a manner worthy of “
For our witness to have impact, our manner of life should define us as Christian.
The Citizen of Heaven
Pledges allegiance to King Jesus and
Fulfils his obligations to the Good News cause.

5. The practicalities of advancing the cause
Paul’s heart for them
27c Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that …
That they operate as a unit for the sake of the Good News
27d you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
Cohesive in defending or advancing the Good News Cause

6. The practicalities of advancing the cause
Paul’s heart for them
27c Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that …
That they be unflinching in the face of provocation
28a Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.
This will be token proof to them that from God’s perspective
They are on the losing side, and that ….
You will be saved

7. The pain and the glory of citizenship
The pain and the glory of citizenship - the rationale for not being intimidated
Citizenship is a provision of God’s Grace.
The pain of becoming battle hardened is a provision of God’s Grace
29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ
but also the privilege of suffering for him.
Others have prevailed before us
30 We are in this struggle together.
You have seen my struggle in the past,
and you know that I am still in the midst of it.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 ESV