Conversation in Heaven Philippians 3:20

The Philippian church members were told by Paul the apostle that there were “enemies of the cross of Christ”. These enemies had an end that was “destruction”, their God was “their belly”, their “glory” was “their shame”, and they minded “earthly things”. In chapter three and verse twenty of Paul's letter to the church, Paul contrasted the fate of the church with those who were it's enemies where he wrote:

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

The verse begins, “For our conversation is in heaven;” As Paul began his contrast for the believer's fate verses the enemies of the cross of Christ he used the word “for” which means “because or on account of”, and then he employed “conversation” or “the administration of civil affairs or of a commonwealth or manner of living” to describe their state. The manner of living of the saints of God “is in heaven”, and rather than having their attention focused mainly on “earthly things”, Christians have their focus on things above.

The verse goes on to say, “...from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” Paul goes on to add that the lovers of the cross “look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”. When Jesus departed from the earth, the angels promised that He would return again. We read in the book of Acts in chapter one and verses nine through eleven:

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, You men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven.

Therefore, in addition to being “heavenly minded”, the lover of the cross of Christ is looking for Jesus to return as He said.

As we think about Paul's words, would we consider ourselves “earthly minded” or “heavenly minded”? Do we find ourselves mostly thinking temporary thoughts or eternal thoughts? How long has it been since we have thought about Jesus' return, and are we looking for Him daily as Paul declared? Perhaps this verse will inspire us to consider our thoughts and ways, and may the Lord Jesus help us as we adjust our “manner of living” toward heaven, and our thoughts toward seeing Him who is the Lord of all.

Next time Paul tells the Philippians what Jesus will do for those who believe in Him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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