Philippians 3:20 10/6/2020*

“For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

We must never forget that this is an “away game”.

If we do not feel at home in this world - it is because we are not…  We should not expect a home field advantage. 

When you play an away game, you do not anticipate applause. You come prepared to be harassed and taunted…It does not discourage you it motivates you.   

As a Christian if you are looking for applause you have overlooked where the game is ... If you are surprised at what you see on the news you have forgotten where you are...

The fact that this is not our home becomes clearer every day, but that should not depress us…it should inspire us…Some people are enemies of the cross. But we do not despise our opponents because we were once enemies of the cross ourselves.

We are not here to defeat them – we are here to rescue them. We are here to bring them truth even though that will not always make us popular. That’s OK because that’s not the goal - our mission is to make followers of Christ, not followers of us. 

Jesus is coming back, but until He does we are behind enemy lines. We cannot forget that we are “in this world” not “of it” …In fact, if you are universally accepted and appreciated it may be because they do not know what team you’re on…Make sure it is evident Who your King is…We’re not here to make enemies - but we are here to be different.   

Live boldly in this foreign land - Be salt and light – Refuse to blend in, knowing your King is coming soon. 

You are not a tourist - and your popularity is not the goal … your objective is to never water-down the truth…and get the gospel to as many people as you can…That, after all, is the only reason you are still here. 

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” - Jesus