“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.  
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”‍

Philippians 3:12-14

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"In our series, 'The Lowly,' Pastor Luis Guerrero breaks down a profound truth: as citizens of Heaven, our lives are governed by a higher standard, distinct from the culture of earthly cities. Emphasizing our identity, allegiance, and ultimate destination as followers of Christ, we are called to untie earthly attachments and embody our heavenly citizenship.

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What is the context?

• Writing from prison to the church in Philippi, Paul had an understanding of what citizenship entailed, being a Roman citizen himself.
• In that era, the title "Lord" was reserved for Caesar, making Paul's bold declaration of Jesus Christ as Lord a direct challenge to the cultural norms and authority.

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If we want to live with a heavenly perspective, we must understand that…

We are not of this world

• Our allegiance should be submitted to Jesus. In him, we have become a new creation. 
• In admitting that we’ll never reach our full potential here on earth, we’re able to press on in humility, looking towards heaven as our guide.
• Citizenship in Heaven means we are to reflect His Kingdom. We don’t operate in the way that the world does. Others should see Christ reflected in us. 
• There is an invitation to experience true peace when we enter into the rest that God promises. 

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We have a different craving

• While the world hungers for success, wealth, attention, as citizens of Heaven, we have a different appetite. We crave holiness, intimacy with God, and Christlikeness
• As we fix our eyes on Christ, our grip on worldly cravings loosens. Our desires and appetites transform, and we come to realize that only God can truly satisfy.

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We press on

• As a parent eagerly waits for the arrival of their child, we don’t passively wait for Christ. Instead, we live with intentionality and expectation. We live in a way that shows we are ready for eternity.
• Eagerly waiting involves intentionality in prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit into every part of my day, and in walking out our faith daily.
• Paul, even in chains, had internal freedom and joy regardless of external circumstances. Despite what may be points of tension or anxiety in our lives, we can press on in knowing that the best is yet to come.