As Paul wrote from Rome, his friends in Philippi would have quickly caught on to the word pictures he painted. The winner in an athletic race was announced when a herald proclaimed his name and brought him up to receive a prize. Similar to how an Olympian is recognized and rewarded with a prize, so too will the follower of Jesus be recognized and called heavenward to receive his or her prize in Christ Jesus. Citizenship in Philippi automatically caused one to be a citizen of Rome. Those in Philippi received the full rights and privileges as any other Roman citizen. For the Christ-follower, your citizenship in heaven is secure. Focused on our sure citizenship in heaven, living in light of God’s promises, we fix our eyes on our eternal reward in Jesus.
