Philippians #059 - Learn the Bible Broadcast - Philippians 3:20-21
Pastor Andrew B. Ray

Antioch Baptist Church
5709 North Broadway
Knoxville, TN 37918
http://www.LearntheBible.org

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Philippians #059 - Learn the Bible Broadcast
Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

C. The Conversation of the Saint (Philippians 3:20-21)

1. Our present conversation (Philippians 3:20)
a. Conversation defined
(1) Modern usage of the word conversation seems to indicate a situation where two people speak to each other.
(2) The Bible uses the word conversation in a different manner.
a) Conversation is done “without the word” (1 Peter 3:1).
b) It is connected to works (James 3:13; 1 Peter 2:12).
c) A conversation is something that others can behold (1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:2) and consider (Hebrews 13:7).
d) A basic scriptural definition would be our way of life in the presence of others.
(3) Consider the following—as believers we should have a(n)
a) Change of conversation
i) Our conversation was vain (1 Peter 1:18).
ii) We are new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17).
iii) We should put off the former conversation (Ephesians 4:22) which fulfilled “the desires of the flesh and of the mind” (Ephesians 2:3).
iv) We should follow Paul’s example (Galatians 1:13, 23).
b) Simple and sincere conversation (2 Corinthians 1:12)
c) Becoming conversation (Philippians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:15; 2 Peter 3:11)
d) Exemplary conversation (1 Timothy 4:12)
b. The location of our conversation—“in heaven”
(1) Note the opening word…For. This reminds us to consider the previous verses. Speaking of those who walk contrary...
a) They “are the enemies of the cross of Christ:” (Philippians 3:18).
b) Their “end is destruction” (Philippians 3:19).
c) Their “God is their belly” (Philippians 3:19).
d) Their “glory is in their shame” (Philippians 3:19).
e) They “mind earthly things” (Philippians 3:19).
(2) Notice the contrast
a) We are reconciled and on friendly terms (Romans 5:10).
b) Our end is life in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).
c) Our God is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 8:6).
d) Our glory is “in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).
e) We have set our “affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).
(3) Consider the implications
a) Our manner of life is in heaven
i) We are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).
ii) We are seated together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-6).
iii) This testifies to the validity of our lives already being in heaven.
b) Note: Consider this problem with modern translations.
i) “But we are citizens of heaven” (CEV)
ii) “But our citizenship is in heaven,” (HCSB)
iii) “But our citizenship is in heaven.” (NIV)
iv) “For our citizenship is in heaven,” (NKJV)
v) Note the difference
(a) Conversation—manner of conducting oneself
(b) Citizen—inhabitant of a city
(c) Citizenship—status, rights, privileges, and responsibilities of a citizen
(d) Other words remove our responsibility.
c. The look of our conversation
(1) The place we watch—heaven
(2) The person we are watching for (1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Titus 2:13)
a) The Saviour
b) The Lord Jesus Christ