Philippians 3:16-4:1

STP Devotional for the Week of 02/23/26

In our last devo we talked about pressing on – continuing to strain forward, forgetting what was behind us. This week we’re going to look at standing firm. Firm in the gospel. Firm on the solid rock.

Paul says in verse 16, “let us hold true to what we have attained.” So, according to Philippians 1-3, what have we attained? We attain righteousness through faith in Jesus. When we place our faith and trust in Him, His righteousness is credited to us. It seems amazing, doesn’t it? We are so unworthy, yet He wants us for His own.

In the next verse, Paul tells the Philippians to imitate Him. Do you remember why Paul claims to be a good example to follow? He’s given up everything of the world to follow Christ.

So, what are we imitating? In Chapter 1, we learned we are to imitate thanksgiving, prayer and living for Christ. Chapter 2 told us to emulate humility, being a light in the world and looking out for others. Chapter 3 tells us to gain our righteousness through faith in Christ, to strain toward the goal of following Christ, and to boast in Christ.

Why should we imitate these things? For one thing, we can identify the false teachers. In verses 18 and 19, Paul again warns us what will happen to these false teachers.

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

They are headed toward destruction. To focus on things of the world will give only momentary pleasure.

We also want to imitate because our citizenship is in heaven. We are promised a new, heavenly body just like Jesus has. We’ve talked a little before about being a citizen. What does the word “citizen” mean? A citizen is a person who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to protection from it. Allegiance is devotion or loyalty. So being a citizen of heaven means we owe our devotion to God and in turn He will protect us! There are so many wonderful verses in the Bible about God’s protection. It is comforting to know He always is looking out for what’s best for us.

Paul begins Chapter 4 by saying, “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.” He is telling us that we should not be swayed this way and that or be deceived by whatever the latest craze is in the world. We need to stand firm in Christ, relying only on His gospel and bringing others to get to know Him. If we keep our eyes fixed on Him instead of short-term satisfaction, it means focusing on the promise that Christ will return again victorious.

Stand firm!

AT HOME:

• How would you live differently if you decided to live each day gripped by the reality that you are a citizen of heaven?

• In what ways does a Christian stand out from the world as a citizen of heaven?

• Why is it so hard to put aside things of this world? What can you do to help yourself stay focused on Him?