”Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.“ Philippians 3:17-21 (NIV)
Enemies of the cross of Christ:
Definitely life here became a struggle to many even among so called believers, but this is also one of the enemy, the Satan’s plan to get us distracted and diverted from our destiny. We should be very careful about his stealthy plans. Many also satisfied with worldly possessions which they have stored up for even to their grand and great grand children and are relaxing; thinking everything is going well with their lives. This too the tricks of the enemy not allowing you to think and plan for the citizenship in heaven and secure that before time runs out here on earth. Paul is saying so in one way or other they are enemies of the Cross of Christ Jesus – their god is their stomach and their glory is in their shame. 2 Peter 2 :17-22 (NIV)
”But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.“ 1 Peter 2:9-11 (NIV)
Royal priesthood, Holy nation:
We should know who we are in Christ Jesus so that we live a spiritual life showing to the people around who we are —chosen people of God, Royal priesthood, Holy nation, God’s special possession — that we should proclaim the praises of God who brought us out of darkness into His marvellous light!! Let us be very clear where we stand in the sight of God, as people of God who obtained grace and mercy. We are all foreigners and pilgrims passing by in this world to reach our promised citizenship in heaven. These kind of teachings are no more popular, but very much needed. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
”Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.“ Matthew 16:24-27 (NIV)