Embracing Our Heavenly Citizenship Together

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of living as citizens of heaven, drawing from Philippians 3:17-21. This passage invites us to embrace a life that reflects our heavenly citizenship, a life that is not bound by earthly limitations but is enriched by divine purpose and community. We are reminded that our identity is anchored in heaven, and this should influence how we live and interact with the world around us. The journey of faith is not a solitary one; it is a communal experience where we learn and grow together, supporting one another in our walk with God.

The imagery of a highway in the heavenlies, where angelic battles are fought and won, serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual realities that surround us. Our prayers and faith play a crucial role in paving the way for God's work to be accomplished. As we engage in this heavenly citizenship, we are called to move beyond a self-centered existence, recognizing that our lives are meant to be a conduit of God's love and grace to others.

We also delved into the idea of covenantal relationships, contrasting them with contractual ones. Our relationship with God is not based on transactions but on a deep, abiding covenant that transforms us and calls us into a life of co-laboring with Him. This covenant invites us to dream with God, to participate in His work, and to experience the fullness of life He offers.

As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the covenantal language used by Jesus, symbolizing the intimate relationship He desires with us. This act of communion is a powerful declaration of our acceptance of all that Jesus offers and our commitment to live out our heavenly citizenship here on earth.

Key Takeaways:

- Heavenly Citizenship: Our identity as citizens of heaven should shape our lives, moving us from a self-centered existence to one that reflects God's love and grace. This transformation is a journey of learning and growing in community with others. [24:36]

- Spiritual Realities: The imagery of angelic battles and heavenly highways reminds us of the spiritual dimensions of our faith. Our prayers and faith are instrumental in paving the way for God's work to be accomplished. [18:21]

- Covenantal Relationships: Unlike contractual relationships, our relationship with God is covenantal, inviting us into a transformative journey of co-laboring with Him. This covenant calls us to dream with God and participate in His work. [40:04]

- Communal Faith Journey: The journey of faith is not solitary; it is enriched by community. We are encouraged to learn from one another, supporting each other in our walk with God and embracing the rhythms of a life lived in heavenly citizenship. [26:28]

- Communion as Covenant: Communion is a powerful declaration of our acceptance of Jesus' offer and our commitment to live out our heavenly citizenship. It symbolizes the intimate relationship Jesus desires with us, inviting us into a life of abundance and purpose. [50:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:36] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
- [06:47] - Mission Trip to Colombia and the Amazon
- [10:36] - Prayers for the Mission Team
- [21:03] - Introduction to the Sermon
- [21:59] - Philippians 3:17-21: Citizenship in Heaven
- [23:31] - The God of Angel Armies
- [24:36] - Living as Citizens of Heaven
- [26:28] - Community and Faith Journey
- [29:25] - The Me-Oriented Life
- [32:33] - Beyond the Golden Ticket
- [37:38] - Covenant vs. Contractual Relationships
- [45:33] - Visuals for Worship and Communion
- [49:22] - Communion: A Covenant Moment
- [52:03] - Closing Prayer and Worship Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:17-21

Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he refers to "citizenship in heaven" in Philippians 3:20? How does this concept contrast with earthly citizenship?
2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned the imagery of a "highway in the heavenlies" where angelic battles occur. How does this imagery help us understand the spiritual realities surrounding us? [18:21]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between covenantal and contractual relationships, particularly in the context of our relationship with God? [40:04]
4. What role does community play in our journey of faith according to the sermon? How is this reflected in Philippians 3:17? [26:28]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might understanding our identity as citizens of heaven influence our daily decisions and interactions with others? [24:36]
2. The sermon discusses the idea of moving beyond a self-centered existence. What are some practical ways this transformation can manifest in a believer's life? [29:25]
3. How does the concept of covenantal relationships with God challenge the way we typically view our commitments and responsibilities? [40:04]
4. In what ways does the act of communion serve as a reminder of our heavenly citizenship and covenant with Jesus? [50:27]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current lifestyle. In what ways does it reflect your heavenly citizenship, and where might it still be influenced by earthly values? [24:36]
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of community in our faith journey. How can you actively engage with your faith community to support and be supported in your walk with God? [26:28]
3. Consider a relationship in your life that feels more contractual than covenantal. What steps can you take to transform it into a more meaningful, covenantal relationship? [40:04]
4. The sermon highlighted the role of prayer in spiritual battles. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to align with God's work? [18:21]
5. During communion, we are reminded of Jesus' covenant with us. How can you carry the significance of this covenant into your everyday life, especially in moments of decision-making? [50:27]
6. Identify an area in your life where you feel self-centered. What is one practical step you can take this week to shift your focus outward and serve others? [29:25]
7. The sermon encourages us to dream with God and participate in His work. What is one dream or vision you feel God is calling you to pursue, and what is your next step in that journey? [40:04]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Heavenly Identity
Our identity as citizens of heaven calls us to live lives that reflect God's love and grace. This identity is not just a label but a transformative reality that should influence every aspect of our lives. As citizens of heaven, we are invited to move beyond a self-centered existence and embrace a life enriched by divine purpose and community. This transformation is a journey of learning and growing together, supporting one another in our walk with God. By living out our heavenly citizenship, we become conduits of God's love and grace to the world around us. [24:36]

"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 intentionally reflect your heavenly citizenship in your interactions with others today?


Day 2: Engaging with Spiritual Realities
The imagery of angelic battles and heavenly highways serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual dimensions of our faith. These spiritual realities are not distant or abstract; they are present and active in our lives. Our prayers and faith play a crucial role in paving the way for God's work to be accomplished. By engaging with these spiritual realities, we participate in the unfolding of God's kingdom on earth. This engagement calls us to be vigilant in prayer and steadfast in faith, recognizing that our actions have eternal significance. [18:21]

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate a greater awareness of spiritual realities into your daily prayer life?


Day 3: Covenant Over Contract
Our relationship with God is not based on transactions but on a deep, abiding covenant that transforms us and calls us into a life of co-laboring with Him. Unlike contractual relationships, which are often conditional and self-serving, a covenantal relationship invites us into a transformative journey with God. This covenant calls us to dream with God, to participate in His work, and to experience the fullness of life He offers. By embracing this covenant, we are invited to move beyond a me-oriented life and into a life of purpose and partnership with God. [40:04]

"And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you." (Genesis 17:7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can actively participate in God's work today, viewing it as a covenantal partnership rather than a task?


Day 4: The Communal Journey of Faith
The journey of faith is not a solitary one; it is enriched by community. We are encouraged to learn from one another, supporting each other in our walk with God and embracing the rhythms of a life lived in heavenly citizenship. This communal aspect of faith invites us to be vulnerable, to share our struggles and victories, and to grow together in love and understanding. By engaging in community, we reflect the unity and diversity of the body of Christ, strengthening our faith and witness to the world. [26:28]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to today for encouragement or support in their faith journey?


Day 5: Communion as a Covenant Declaration
Communion is a powerful declaration of our acceptance of Jesus' offer and our commitment to live out our heavenly citizenship. It symbolizes the intimate relationship Jesus desires with us, inviting us into a life of abundance and purpose. Through communion, we are reminded of the covenantal language used by Jesus, which calls us into a transformative relationship with Him. This act of communion is not just a ritual but a profound expression of our faith and commitment to live as citizens of heaven. [50:27]

"And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:27-28, ESV)

Reflection: As you partake in communion, how can you renew your commitment to live out your heavenly citizenship in practical ways this week?

Quotes


"I see as we've been praying I see this picture of this pathway in the Heavenly is almost like a highway and there was much at the beginning much um there there was there was a a battle that was going on on this highway and then I recognized it was angels and and there was war going on in the heavenlies and um Heavenly Angels were winning the battle very decisively and smoothing the way preparing the way for you to go and and part of part of what was ushering you along were the prayers from this body." [00:18:21]

"Living as a citizen of Heaven we have a relational context with the three who are one the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit and um you know as we've gone in church you know the roots of this church um have been very charismatic and in the beginning years as children you know that was quite an experience having your parents become Holy Rollers um just a lot of stuff that came along Ong with that um and also things that there was the excitement of jumping into Holy Spirit life um but there was also some really weird stuff that happened that you couldn't always make sense of and and the Holy Spirit maybe is also like that maybe we're not always supposed to make sense of everything." [00:34:37]

"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 that is also a really beautiful invitation into Community you know when we or or how we study in our life the speakers we tend to gravitate towards um the people that we tend to watch and and are like how do they do that that's amazing how they live out their life Community of Faith is a gift to us so as we go into this citizenship life Paul is saying you have people all around you who walking this walk too and some have already get this experienced the valley you are in or have started to really enter into that C- laboring life with God and instead of the comparison let's ask how let's talk about how we're doing this and learn from each other right so Paul is saying hey you're not a Lone Ranger citizen you're with a community so walk together and learn learn The rhythms together." [00:26:28]

"Citizenship with God is covenantal it's Covenant Al so there are things that I do as a citizen of this nation I pay my taxes and boy I can't tell you how many times I say that when I'm mad about something well I pay my taxes so that means the police work for me well that's actually not totally true okay I'll back up from that one okay cuz I had some people who went like that okay um but I often have this transaction sense to my citizenship here um so I pay my taxes so don't come on my property don't tell me what to do on my property um I do believe like I love when I'm one of the only people who probably loves being called for jury duty um because I'm like this is so cool that our country actually gives people the right to have a judge of peers um hopefully we're not stupid peers you know but um because there's just a lot of that happens in that whole process um but uh there are give and take in our country there's some really cool covenantal things somewhat in there too we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men and women and children are created equal and they're endowed with by their creator with certain unalienable rights life liberty The Pursuit of Happiness um but I tend to focus more on what I get for getting my taxes than maybe what the foundation is about okay I'll back up again so we tend to view our citizenship as contractual we bring that into our idea of being a citizen of Heaven um and there are times where I have actually talked to God about what I put in and what I expect him to his obligations too but this is a covenantal relationship this is something that actually we need to learn." [00:37:38]

"Our covenant relationship is about Ransom and rescue it's about adoption and transformation it's about trust and and Delight growth being formed it's about learning to C- labor with God Dreaming Dreams with God laboring on behalf of his heartbeat in the world around us uh we should talk about number four a lot more because I think sometimes we still enjoy a lot of behavior management and sin control which is you know a part of probably walking out freedom but boy there's this whole what life is like that we get to enjoy in our citizenship in heaven so just some things that I thought were visuals for today and as we go into communion and worship I think it's important for us to ask ourselves these things CU see my identity is meant to be anchored in heaven though I live it out here yeah and so what um what is it about my identity right now that is more leech or outside in orientation that really Should Be Heaven fueled Covenant relationship fueled and worship is a great time to ask that question right we can lift up our leg of not yet and step into the throne room with our just precious Triune God and say hey what do you see and in Grace he will give it to us." [00:45:33]

"Communion becomes an awesome covenantal moment of citizenship to come up here and say Jesus Christ you gave everything for me I receive everything from you and now Usher me into that life that empowered life so this is not a Lakeside table of course this is the Lord's table and today is a a fresh reminder of a covenant life that we've been invited into oh I keep thinking this is my microphone with the God who sees and you're not alone he is with you and for you and in the reality of your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven he has a whole Paradigm of beautiful things for us so in worship today let's just go there isn't it exciting amen all right so let's invite up um the people the servers and the worship team and as they come up I'm just going to pray a blessing for us Lord I just thank you for you just when we think it's like so good it just it's amazing and I just thank you Lord you and you release us into more so we receive what you have for us today Lord and and we offer back to you a gift of Praise um but in this moment as we take the bread and take the cup Lord we we say yes to receiving everything that you and we say more give us more in Jesus name amen." [00:49:22]

"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 that is also a really beautiful invitation into Community you know when we or or how we study in our life the speakers we tend to gravitate towards um the people that we tend to watch and and are like how do they do that that's amazing how they live out their life Community of Faith is a gift to us so as we go into this citizenship life Paul is saying you have people all around you who walking this walk too and some have already get this experienced the valley you are in or have started to really enter into that C- laboring life with God and instead of the comparison let's ask how let's talk about how we're doing this and learn from each other right so Paul is saying hey you're not a Lone Ranger citizen you're with a community so walk together and learn learn The rhythms together." [00:26:28]

"Citizenship with God is covenantal it's Covenant Al so there are things that I do as a citizen of this nation I pay my taxes and boy I can't tell you how many times I say that when I'm mad about something well I pay my taxes so that means the police work for me well that's actually not totally true okay I'll back up from that one okay cuz I had some people who went like that okay um but I often have this transaction sense to my citizenship here um so I pay my taxes so don't come on my property don't tell me what to do on my property um I do believe like I love when I'm one of the only people who probably loves being called for jury duty um because I'm like this is so cool that our country actually gives people the right to have a judge of peers um hopefully we're not stupid peers you know but um because there's just a lot of that happens in that whole process um but uh there are give and take in our country there's some really cool covenantal things somewhat in there too we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men and women and children are created equal and they're endowed with by their creator with certain unalienable rights life liberty The Pursuit of Happiness um but I tend to focus more on what I get for getting my taxes than maybe what the foundation is about okay I'll back up again so we tend to view our citizenship as contractual we bring that into our idea of being a citizen of Heaven um and there are times where I have actually talked to God about what I put in and what I expect him to his obligations too but this is a covenantal relationship this is something that actually we need to learn." [00:37:38]

"Our covenant relationship is about Ransom and rescue it's about adoption and transformation it's about trust and and Delight growth being formed it's about learning to C- labor with God Dreaming Dreams with God laboring on behalf of his heartbeat in the world around us uh we should talk about number four a lot more because I think sometimes we still enjoy a lot of behavior management and sin control which is you know a part of probably walking out freedom but boy there's this whole what life is like that we get to enjoy in our citizenship in heaven so just some things that I thought were visuals for today and as we go into communion and worship I think it's important for us to ask ourselves these things CU see my identity is meant to be anchored in heaven though I live it out here yeah and so what um what is it about my identity right now that is more leech or outside in orientation that really Should Be Heaven fueled Covenant relationship fueled and worship is a great time to ask that question right we can lift up our leg of not yet and step into the throne room with our just precious Triune God and say hey what do you see and in Grace he will give it to us." [00:45:33]

"Communion becomes an awesome covenantal moment of citizenship to come up here and say Jesus Christ you gave everything for me I receive everything from you and now Usher me into that life that empowered life so this is not a Lakeside table of course this is the Lord's table and today is a a fresh reminder of a covenant life that we've been invited into oh I keep thinking this is my microphone with the God who sees and you're not alone he is with you and for you and in the reality of your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven he has a whole Paradigm of beautiful things for us so in worship today let's just go there isn't it exciting amen all right so let's invite up um the people the servers and the worship team and as they come up I'm just going to pray a blessing for us Lord I just thank you for you just when we think it's like so good it just it's amazing and I just thank you Lord you and you release us into more so we receive what you have for us today Lord and and we offer back to you a gift of Praise um but in this moment as we take the bread and take the cup Lord we we say yes to receiving everything that you and we say more give us more in Jesus name amen." [00:49:22]

"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 that is also a really beautiful invitation into Community you know when we or or how we study in our life the speakers we tend to gravitate towards um the people that we tend to watch and and are like how do they do that that's amazing how they live out their life Community of Faith is a gift to us so as we go into this citizenship life Paul is saying you have people all around you who walking this walk too and some have already get this experienced the valley you are in or have started to really enter into that C- laboring life with God and instead of the comparison let's ask how let's talk about how we're doing this and learn from each other right so Paul is saying hey you're not a Lone Ranger citizen you're with a community so walk together and learn learn The rhythms together." [00:26:28]

"Citizenship with God is covenantal it's Covenant Al so there are things that I do as a citizen of this nation I pay my taxes and boy I can't tell you how many times I say that when I'm mad about something well I pay my taxes so that means the police work for me well that's actually not totally true okay I'll back up from that one okay cuz I had some people who went like that okay um but I often have this transaction sense to my citizenship here um so I pay my taxes so don't come on my property don't tell me what to do on my property um I do believe like I love when I'm one of the only people who probably loves being called for jury duty um because I'm like this is so cool that our country actually gives people the right to have a judge of peers um hopefully we're not stupid peers you know but um because there's just a lot of that happens in that whole process um but uh there are give and take in our country there's some really cool covenantal things somewhat in there too we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men and women and children are created equal and they're endowed with by their creator with certain unalienable rights life liberty The Pursuit of Happiness um but I tend to focus more on what I get for getting my taxes than maybe what the foundation is about okay I'll back up again so we tend to view our citizenship as contractual we bring that into our idea of being a citizen of Heaven um and there are times where I have actually talked to God about what I put in and what I expect him to his obligations too but this is a covenantal relationship this is something that actually we need to learn." [00:37:38]

"Our covenant relationship is about Ransom and rescue it's about adoption and transformation it's about trust and and Delight growth being formed it's about learning to C- labor with God Dreaming Dreams with God laboring on behalf of his heartbeat in the world around us uh we should talk about number four a lot more because I think sometimes we still enjoy a lot of behavior management and sin control which is you know a part of probably walking out freedom but boy there's this whole what life is like that we get to enjoy in our citizenship in heaven so just some things that I thought were visuals for today and as we go into communion and worship I think it's important for us to ask ourselves these things CU see my identity is meant to be anchored in heaven though I live it out here yeah and so what um what is it about my identity right now that is more leech or outside in orientation that really Should Be Heaven fueled Covenant relationship fueled and worship is a great time to ask that question right we can lift up our leg of not yet and step into the throne room with our just precious Triune God and say hey what do you see and in Grace he will give it to us." [00:45:33]

"Communion becomes an awesome covenantal moment of citizenship to come up here and say Jesus Christ you gave everything for me I receive everything from you and now Usher me into that life that empowered life so this is not a Lakeside table of course this is the Lord's table and today is a a fresh reminder of a covenant life that we've been invited into oh I keep thinking this is my microphone with the God who sees and you're not alone he is with you and for you and in the reality of your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven he has a whole Paradigm of beautiful things for us so in worship today let's just go there isn't it exciting amen all right so let's invite up um the people the servers and the worship team and as they come up I'm just going to pray a blessing for us Lord I just thank you for you just when we think it's like so good it just it's amazing and I just thank you Lord you and you release us into more so we receive what you have for us today Lord and and we offer back to you a gift of Praise um but in this moment as we take the bread and take the cup Lord we we say yes to receiving everything that you and we say more give us more in Jesus name amen." [00:49:22]

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Transcript
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