Citizenship is an important part of life and Paul reminds the Philippians in chapter 3:12-21 what it looks like to be a citizen of the heavenly kingdom.
There were those who didn't believe they were bound by any law, be it scriptural, moral or civil because of they had freedom in Christ. Today we call these folk antinomian. It might sound a little extreme or far fetched but this is an increasing problem in the church today. It has in part produced a sizable section of the church who don't look anything like Christ. They are described as enemies. Paul hopes they will not be the example for the church, and says, "their god is in their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things." They seek what will satisfy in the short term, boasting of their meaningless conquests, and all the while looking to themselves for wisdom.
Paul's encouragement is to keep straining forward, to keep pressing in, to continue to advance. His call to them is costly but is not without reward. Don't look at the perishable but the perennial. They are citizens who are saved by Christ and will be gloriously transformed by God who has power over all things. Live a life reflective of the God we know and worship. Who is pleased to call us sons and daughters. The freedom we have in Christ is not liberty to do what ever we want because we have been saved, it is meant to give us life to live not as a person who is dead but alive.
We must imitate those who are mature and therefore learn from an imperfect person what it means to strain, press into, reach out and long for what is ahead. This is why Paul asks the Philippians to imitate him. It is why he is sending Timothy to be with them and why he hopes to make it back to them.
We must live as responsible citizens in relationship with a big God.
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