Citizens of Heaven: Embracing Our Spiritual Identity
Summary
As Christians, we are called to be a separated people, distinct from the world around us. This separation is not about pride or a "better than thou" attitude, but rather a recognition of our identity as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as we assert our national identities, we must also embrace our spiritual identity, acknowledging that we have been taken out of the world and set apart for God's purposes. This separation is fundamental to our faith and should be a source of joy and assurance in our Christian walk.
Being part of this Kingdom means we are bound together by a common allegiance to our King, Jesus Christ. This allegiance unites us under His authority, laws, and way of life. It is not merely about being part of a visible church organization but about a mystical, organic connection to Christ and His body. The true church is not defined by external membership but by a living, spiritual relationship with Christ.
The Kingdom of God is not of this world; it is wherever Christ reigns, both in the hearts of individuals and in the collective body of believers. It is an eternal Kingdom, transcending earthly boundaries and lasting forever. To enter this Kingdom, one must be born again, experiencing a spiritual rebirth through Christ and the Holy Spirit. This new birth is not based on heritage, nationality, or personal achievements but solely on Christ's redemptive work.
As citizens of this Kingdom, we enjoy unparalleled privileges. Our King is the King of kings, and our citizenship is in heaven, with the New Jerusalem as our capital. We are part of a vast, diverse community of believers from every nation and tongue, united by our allegiance to Christ. Our fellow citizens include the saints of old, the apostles, and great Christian leaders throughout history. This fellowship is a source of great joy and encouragement, reminding us of our shared destiny and eternal home.
Key Takeaways:
- Christians are called to be a separated people, distinct from the world, not out of pride but as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. This separation is fundamental to our faith and should be embraced with joy. [19:51]
- Our common allegiance to Christ unites us under His authority and laws, forming a mystical, organic connection to Him and His body, beyond mere organizational membership. [22:00]
- The Kingdom of God is not of this world; it is eternal and transcends earthly boundaries. Entry into this Kingdom requires a spiritual rebirth through Christ and the Holy Spirit. [27:41]
- As citizens of God's Kingdom, we enjoy the privilege of having Christ as our King and our citizenship in heaven, with the New Jerusalem as our capital. [35:19]
- Our fellowship with the saints, apostles, and great Christian leaders throughout history is a source of joy and encouragement, reminding us of our shared destiny and eternal home. [40:06]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[18:53] - The Call to Separation
[19:21] - Embracing Our Spiritual Identity
[20:23] - Allegiance to the King
[22:00] - The Mystical Church
[24:33] - The Nature of Christ's Kingdom
[26:11] - Entering the Kingdom
[27:41] - The Necessity of New Birth
[29:33] - The Price of Freedom
[31:12] - Privileges of Citizenship
[33:05] - Our King and His Kingdom
[35:19] - Citizenship in Heaven
[37:15] - A Diverse Community
[39:50] - Fellowship with the Saints
[41:27] - The Heavenly Jerusalem
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 3:3-5 - "Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.' Nicodemus said to him, 'How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?' Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.'"
2. Philippians 3:20 - "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
3. Hebrews 12:22-24 - "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the significance of being a "separated people" as Christians? How does this separation differ from a "better than thou" attitude? [19:05]
2. What does the sermon say about the nature of the church and its connection to Christ? How is this different from merely being part of a visible church organization? [23:17]
3. How does the sermon describe the Kingdom of God and its relationship to earthly kingdoms? [24:50]
4. What are the privileges mentioned in the sermon that come with being a citizen of God's Kingdom? [31:29]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "born again" as described in John 3:3-5 relate to entering the Kingdom of God? What does this spiritual rebirth entail? [26:54]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our allegiance to Christ unites us as believers? How does this unity manifest in our daily lives? [22:00]
3. How does the sermon explain the eternal nature of God's Kingdom, and what implications does this have for Christians living in the world today? [25:35]
4. What does it mean to have our citizenship in heaven, as stated in Philippians 3:20, and how should this influence our perspective on earthly matters? [35:19]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: In what ways do you feel distinct from the world as a Christian? How can you embrace this separation with joy rather than pride? [19:51]
2. Consider your relationship with the church: How can you deepen your mystical, organic connection to Christ and His body beyond just attending services? [23:17]
3. Think about your daily life: How can you actively live out your allegiance to Christ in your community and workplace? What specific actions can you take this week? [22:00]
4. Evaluate your spiritual journey: Have you experienced the spiritual rebirth described in John 3:3-5? If so, how has it transformed your life? If not, what steps can you take to seek this rebirth? [26:54]
5. Reflect on your priorities: How does knowing your citizenship is in heaven influence your decisions and priorities? Are there areas in your life where you need to realign your focus? [35:19]
6. Consider your community: How can you foster a sense of fellowship and unity with other believers, recognizing the diverse community of God's Kingdom? [37:15]
7. Think about your spiritual heritage: How does the knowledge of being fellow citizens with the saints and apostles encourage you in your faith journey? How can you draw inspiration from their lives? [40:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Heavenly Citizenship
As Christians, we are called to be a separated people, distinct from the world, not out of pride but as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. This separation is fundamental to our faith and should be embraced with joy. Our identity as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven is not about superiority but about recognizing our unique calling and purpose. Just as we take pride in our national identities, we should find joy and assurance in our spiritual identity. This separation is not a burden but a privilege, as it aligns us with God's purposes and sets us apart for His glory. [19:51]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively embrace your identity as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven today, and how might this change your interactions with the world around you?
Day 2: United Under Christ's Authority
Our common allegiance to Christ unites us under His authority and laws, forming a mystical, organic connection to Him and His body, beyond mere organizational membership. This connection is not about belonging to a visible church organization but about a living, spiritual relationship with Christ. It is a bond that transcends earthly affiliations and unites us with believers across time and space. Our allegiance to Christ calls us to live under His authority, following His teachings and embodying His love in our daily lives. [22:00]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your spiritual connection to Christ and His body today, and what steps can you take to live more fully under His authority?
Day 3: The Eternal Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God is not of this world; it is eternal and transcends earthly boundaries. Entry into this Kingdom requires a spiritual rebirth through Christ and the Holy Spirit. This new birth is not based on heritage, nationality, or personal achievements but solely on Christ's redemptive work. The Kingdom of God is wherever Christ reigns, both in the hearts of individuals and in the collective body of believers. It is a Kingdom that offers hope and assurance, as it is not subject to the limitations and changes of the earthly realm. [27:41]
"Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.'" (John 18:36, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your spiritual rebirth. How does recognizing the eternal nature of God's Kingdom influence your perspective on earthly challenges and priorities?
Day 4: Privileges of Heavenly Citizenship
As citizens of God's Kingdom, we enjoy the privilege of having Christ as our King and our citizenship in heaven, with the New Jerusalem as our capital. Our King is the King of kings, and our citizenship is a source of unparalleled joy and assurance. We are part of a vast, diverse community of believers from every nation and tongue, united by our allegiance to Christ. This citizenship offers us a sense of belonging and purpose, as we are part of a divine narrative that transcends time and space. [35:19]
"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering." (Hebrews 12:22, ESV)
Reflection: What privileges of your heavenly citizenship bring you the most joy, and how can you share these blessings with others in your community?
Day 5: Fellowship with the Saints
Our fellowship with the saints, apostles, and great Christian leaders throughout history is a source of joy and encouragement, reminding us of our shared destiny and eternal home. This fellowship is not limited to the present but connects us with the faithful who have gone before us. It is a reminder of the continuity of God's work and the hope of our eternal home. As we journey through life, this fellowship offers us strength and encouragement, knowing that we are part of a larger story that God is unfolding. [40:06]
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can the legacy and example of past saints inspire you to live out your faith more boldly today, and who in your life can you encourage with this shared hope?
Quotes
If we are Christians, we are separated people. We are no longer like everybody else. Oh, but you say, isn't that being physical? Isn't it being proud? Not at all. The Pharisee did separate himself from everybody else. It was the way in which he did it that was wrong. It wasn't the separation that was wrong; it was the spirit in which he did it. [00:18:39]
As a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven, I am different from those who are not citizens of that Kingdom. You see how ready we are to assert this on the national level. I'm an Englishman or whatever else it is. We are very careful to emphasize the distinction that we are not something else. [00:19:12]
Being thus separated, we are separated for certain specific objects and purposes. There was always the head to a city. He might have been a king or he might be somebody appointed, but there was always a head. There is always the head to a state. There is always a king in a kingdom. [00:20:42]
The Apostle's whole idea is Mystical. It's organic. It expresses itself externally, but the vital thing is this internal principle. For alas, it's possible to be a member of the visible external church and yet to be completely ignorant of Christ, not to know him, not to be truly vitally related to him. [00:22:57]
Christ's kingdom is wherever Christ reigns. Christ's Kingdom can be in the heart of an individual. Therefore, he reigns in the heart of all who belong to him and who have submitted themselves to him. Christ's kingdom is on Earth and in heaven in his people. His kingdom is not of this world. [00:24:36]
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God unless he be born of water and of the spirit. He cannot enter into the kingdom of God. But you notice you can't even see it, leave alone enter it, unless you are born again. Nicodemus hadn't understood that. [00:26:36]
By Nature, we all belong to the kingdom of the devil. We are under the Dominion of Satan. As I've quoted Paul already, the first epistle, first chapter of Colossians, we have to be translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's Dear Son. [00:28:52]
Ye are not your own, says Paul to the Corinthians. Ye have been bought with a price, with a great price obtained I this Freedom, says the captain, and I say the same thing this morning. I've obtained my freedom out of the kingdom of darkness at the cost, at the price of the precious blood of Christ. [00:29:35]
Our King, people burst about their citizenship, about their countries, and these are the things that they quote. They quote their history, the Great Hero. They put up monuments. They write about them in books. Alfred the Great, marvelous. I belong to a country where such a man lived and reigned and so on and so forth. [00:31:57]
Our citizenship is in heaven. We are here on Earth, but our citizenship is there. Somebody's translated it like this: we are a colony of Heaven. Yes, we are on Earth, but we are only a colony. There's the capital, not London, Paris, or New York, Heaven itself. [00:35:19]
The citizens of this kingdom are scattered throughout the whole Earth. It includes people out of all Nations and tribes and kingdoms, peoples and tribes, as Isaac Watts has just put it, of every tongue dwell on his love. What a kingdom, what a sphere. [00:36:42]
We are fellow citizens with Abraham, the greatest gentleman who's ever lived, the one who was distinguished by being called the friend of God. Isn't it a marvelous thing to believe, to understand, and to know that you belong to the same city, the same Kingdom as Abram? [00:39:50]
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