Philippians 3:20-21

What Does Philippians 3:20-21 Mean?

Being a citizen of a country means you belong there – it’s your home and it has your loyalty. Paul says our true home is Heaven, not Earth. And from Heaven, our Savior Jesus is coming! When He does, He will transform our bodies – the same power that holds the entire universe together will change us to be like His glorious resurrection body. That is an unimaginable upgrade!

Hero Challenge

Think about what it means to represent your home country – you follow its values and bring its culture with you. This week, live like a Heaven citizen in your school, your home, and your neighborhood. How would a citizen of Heaven treat people? Act that way every day!

Did You Know?

Philippi was a Roman colony, which meant its citizens were actually considered Roman citizens – a huge deal in that world! Paul used that cultural context cleverly: just like Philippians were proud of their Roman citizenship, followers of Jesus have an even greater citizenship in Heaven. Paul’s readers would have immediately understood how special and powerful that idea was.

Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question

If Heaven is your true home, how do you think you should act while you’re here on earth?

Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question

What does it mean to “await” a Savior? How is waiting for Jesus different from just waiting for any other thing?

Ages 10-13: Champion Question

Paul says Jesus has power to subject ALL things to Himself. How does that level of power make you feel about trusting Jesus with the hardest things in your life?