https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil+3%3A15-21&version=NIVUK

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

Philippians 3:17

It is useful to remember a piece of historical information: the city of Philippi was a loyal municipality to Rome, and many of its residents had military backgrounds. To them, their citizenship absolutely belonged to Rome, and it was something they took great pride in. Paul uses this imagery to say that our citizenship belongs to heaven (v. 20). Thus, in this citizenship language, are implied our loyalty, allegiance, pride, background, battles, comradeship, etc. This also explains the Holy Spirit’s forceful march forward, single-mindedly leading us to the goal (vs. 13–14). So powerfully led by this General Holy Spirit, Paul can say without being conceited, ‘Follow me!’ (v.17) More precisely, it would be ‘Follow me follow Him!’ Our body seems weak, but the power of the head can transform even our faulty bodies (v. 21) from following our stomach (v. 19) to following the General Holy Spirit instead. How fortunate this is.

Lord, I accept the fact that I, without you, follow my own stomach, my belly, and my appetite. Let me be disgusted by my own tendency to only desire what’s convenient and fashionable for myself. Let me give thanks that you still have mercy and exert your power of transformation upon me today despite my resilience.

• The Holy Spirit is often (mis)understood as a kind of passive, soft, introverted spirit who quietly helps with some side jobs. Do you confess him as a powerful, almighty God too?
• You absolutely need him in order not to follow your own instincts and gut feelings. In what area do you need his intervention most urgently today?
• What does it mean that your citizenship belongs to heaven? How does it compare to your present earthly citizenship and the vows and privileges you have because of it?