Y.O.L.O.?

Philippians 3:17-4:1 | Ben Potloff | Multiple times in the New Testament, Paul refers to the Christian’s citizenship in heaven. Those who are citizens of God’s kingdom are welcomed into his family, given grace, and united together with him. Citizens of the Kingdom of God have different, allegiances, live for a different purpose, and live differently than the citizens of the Kingdom of Darkness. Paul describes those in the Kingdom of Darkness as those who live in sin and unrepentance; they are enslaved to their appetites, celebrating shameful sin, and serving the things of the world. Unlike them, citizens of heaven may reside on earth but their allegiance is to God in heaven. This is the God who is sovereign over all things and in whom we eagerly await his return and redemption of our broken souls and bodies. Until that day, Paul encourages us to stand firm in our faith against the influences of the world remembering to whom we belong.MAIN IDEAWe live in light of Christ’s return.OUTLINEI. A mind set on earth brings destruction. (vv. 18-19)II. A mind set on heaven brings hope. (vv. 20-21)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Who is someone you have imitated or ought to imitate in ways related to the Christian life? What qualities make them worth following?2. When you think about people following your example as a Christian, how do you respond? Does it make you cringe, hesitate, or dodge it entirely?3. What are areas of your life where you find yourself obliging the appetites of your flesh or tend to have your mind set on earthly things?4. Paul writes that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). How does remembering this truth bring us comfort when we live differently from the rest of the world?5. Paul encourages Christians to “stand firm in the Lord.” Examining your own life, where are you currently struggling to stand firm in the Lord? What is the cause? What can your community do to help you stand firm?