Faithful Engagement: Our Dual Citizenship in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Our True Allegiance Lies in Heaven

As believers, we are called to navigate the complexities of dual citizenship, balancing our responsibilities on earth with our ultimate allegiance to the kingdom of heaven. This duality requires us to prioritize our heavenly citizenship, allowing it to guide our actions and decisions in the world. Our engagement in earthly matters, including politics, should reflect our commitment to Christ and His teachings. By doing so, we demonstrate that our primary identity is rooted in our relationship with God, not in the transient systems of this world. [38:03]

"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 prioritize your heavenly citizenship in your daily decisions and interactions this week?

Day 2: Government as a Divine Instrument

The role of government, as outlined in Romans 13, is a divinely instituted authority meant to maintain order and justice in a sinful world. While we may not agree with every law or leader, we are called to respect and submit to governing authorities, recognizing them as instruments of God's common grace. This perspective helps us to engage with the political process with humility and discernment, understanding that God can use even imperfect systems and leaders for His purposes. Our trust in God's sovereignty allows us to navigate political challenges with peace and hope. [59:07]

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you show respect and submission to governing authorities while maintaining your commitment to God's values?

Day 3: The Church's Mission of Heart Transformation

The church's mission is not to reform society through political power but to transform hearts through the gospel. Our greatest influence comes from faithfully proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, leading to genuine heart change and societal transformation. History has shown that the church thrives not when it seeks to control government but when it remains faithful to its mission amidst persecution and societal challenges. By focusing on the Great Commission, we can impact the world in ways that political power cannot achieve. [45:34]

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to focus more on heart transformation through the gospel rather than societal reform through political means?

Day 4: Discernment in Political Engagement

As we engage in the political process, we must do so with discernment, voting for candidates and policies that align with godly values. Our involvement should be guided by Scripture, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to Christ's teachings. This requires us to be informed and prayerful, seeking God's wisdom as we navigate complex political landscapes. By aligning our votes with godly values, we can contribute to a society that reflects the principles of justice, mercy, and humility. [01:22:18]

"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." (John 7:24, ESV)

Reflection: How can you ensure that your political engagement is guided by discernment and aligned with godly values?

Day 5: Trusting in God's Sovereignty

Regardless of political outcomes, we trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He appoints leaders and directs the course of nations. Our peace and hope rest in His eternal kingdom, which will never be shaken. This trust allows us to engage with the world around us without fear or anxiety, confident that God is working all things for His glory and our good. As we navigate these times, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, trusting that He is in control and that His purposes will prevail. [01:18:09]

"The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will." (Proverbs 21:1, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in God's sovereignty, especially in the context of political uncertainty?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we took a moment to pause from our usual study of Ecclesiastes to address the pressing issues surrounding us, particularly the political climate and its impact on our lives as believers. As we anticipate the upcoming elections, it's crucial to remember that our ultimate faith and hope should not rest in political systems or elected officials, but in God, who remains sovereign over all. This season serves as a reminder that God is on the throne, and our primary citizenship is in heaven. While we engage in the political process, we must do so with the understanding that our true allegiance is to Christ and His kingdom.

The role of government, as outlined in Romans 13, is a gift from God, established to maintain order and justice in a fallen world. However, the church's mission is not to reform society through political means but to transform hearts through the gospel. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, not to wield political power. History has shown that the church thrives not when it seeks to control government but when it remains faithful to its mission amidst persecution and societal challenges.

As dual citizens of heaven and earth, we are called to engage with the world around us, understanding that our influence is most profound when we live out the gospel. This means being active in our communities, voting with discernment, and praying for our leaders. Our prayers should focus on the wisdom and guidance of those in authority, recognizing that God can use them for His purposes, whether for blessing or judgment.

Ultimately, our hope is not in the outcome of elections but in the unchanging nature of God and His eternal kingdom. As we navigate these times, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, trusting that He is working all things for His glory and our good.

Key Takeaways

1. Dual Citizenship: As believers, we hold dual citizenship—our primary allegiance is to the kingdom of heaven, while we also engage as citizens of our earthly nation. This duality calls us to prioritize our heavenly citizenship, allowing it to guide our actions and decisions in the world. [38:03]
2. Role of Government: Government is a divinely instituted authority meant to maintain order and justice in a sinful world. While we may not agree with every law or leader, we are called to respect and submit to governing authorities, recognizing them as instruments of God's common grace. [59:07]
3. The Church's Mission: The church's mission is not to reform society through political power but to transform hearts through the gospel. Our greatest influence comes from faithfully proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, leading to genuine heart change and societal transformation. [45:34]
4. Engagement and Discernment: As we engage in the political process, we must do so with discernment, voting for candidates and policies that align with godly values. Our involvement should be guided by Scripture, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to Christ's teachings. [82:18]
5. Trust in God's Sovereignty: Regardless of political outcomes, we trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He appoints leaders and directs the course of nations. Our peace and hope rest in His eternal kingdom, which will never be shaken. [01:18:09]
** [78:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:44] - The Political Climate and Our Response
[34:06] - Exercising Faith in God, Not Politics
[35:05] - God's Perspective on Government
[36:30] - Christianity and Political Engagement
[38:03] - Understanding Dual Citizenship
[39:18] - Living as Citizens of Heaven and Earth
[40:28] - The Church's Role in Society
[42:25] - Historical Context: The Moral Majority
[44:10] - Lessons from Prohibition and Church History
[45:34] - The Great Commission vs. Political Reform
[48:09] - The Power of the Gospel
[52:06] - The Church's Growth Amidst Persecution
[55:42] - The Church's Focus and Effectiveness
[58:16] - Government as a Gift from God
[59:07] - Submitting to Governing Authorities
[60:14] - The Purpose of Human Government
[62:57] - The Role of Government in Society
[64:23] - The Importance of Law and Order
[66:12] - Government as a Minister of God
[68:02] - The Function of Government
[71:29] - Historical Context: American Revolution
[72:57] - Paying Taxes and Obeying Laws
[73:47] - Disobeying Government When Necessary
[74:44] - The Church's Role in Heart Change
[75:34] - Trusting God's Sovereignty
[76:25] - Biblical Perspective on Nations
[77:24] - Trusting God in Political Processes
[78:09] - God's Sovereignty Over Leaders
[79:21] - Praying for Leaders and Authorities
[80:06] - The Purpose of Prayer for Leaders
[81:31] - Being Discerning in Voting
[82:18] - Aligning Votes with Godly Values
[83:12] - Trusting God's Provision in Elections
[83:57] - Engaging in Local Elections
[85:05] - Remembering Our True Savior
[86:08] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Philippians 3:20 say about our primary citizenship as believers? How does this influence our perspective on earthly citizenship? [38:03]
According to Romans 13:1-7, what is the purpose of government, and how should believers respond to governing authorities? [59:07]
How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 define the church's mission, and how does this contrast with political engagement? [45:34]
What examples from history were mentioned in the sermon to illustrate the church's role in societal change? [44:10]

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of dual citizenship in Philippians 3:20 affect a believer's engagement in political processes? [38:03]
In what ways does Romans 13:1-7 suggest that government is a gift from God, and how should this shape our attitude towards political leaders? [59:07]
How can the church remain faithful to the Great Commission while navigating political and societal challenges? [45:34]
What lessons can be learned from the historical examples of the moral majority and prohibition regarding the church's influence on society? [44:10]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: How do you balance your heavenly citizenship with your earthly responsibilities, especially during election seasons? [38:03]
In what ways can you show respect and submission to governing authorities, even when you disagree with them, as instructed in Romans 13:1-7? [59:07]
How can you actively participate in the Great Commission in your community, prioritizing heart transformation over political reform? [45:34]
Consider the historical examples discussed in the sermon. How can you ensure that your political engagement aligns with your faith and the mission of the church? [44:10]
What specific steps can you take to pray for wisdom and guidance for political leaders, recognizing God's sovereignty over nations? [01:20:06]
Identify one area in your life where you might be placing too much hope in political outcomes rather than in God's eternal kingdom. How can you shift your focus? [01:18:09]
How can you engage in meaningful conversations about faith and politics with others, maintaining civility and respect even in disagreement? [32:44]

Sermon Clips

1. "For people who love and follow Jesus, though, God is inviting us to exercise our faith in Him during seasons like this. And notice that I said to exercise our faith in Him. I didn't say to exercise our faith in a political system that we have the opportunity to exercise a vote, not in the elected officials that will choose or will be chosen for us, and certainly not in government itself. These moments are good for us to recalibrate our hearts so that our faith can be focused on Jesus." ([00:34:06] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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2. "I'm grateful for the wisdom that He gives. Now, I've been asked over the last few months what opinions I have regarding candidates or policies or the role of Christians as citizens. And, you know, that's normal. I mean, I appreciate that people are asking me what my opinion are or is, and I have opinions on the matter. I mean, I've talked to some of you about it, but when I was thinking about what to share this morning and where we were going to be in God's Word and just the reminders of the goodness of God and His sovereignty over us, the thought came to me, you know, just you don't want my opinions. You really don't. Like, what I think doesn't matter. What God says is what matters." ([00:35:22] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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3. "We've been viewed as either too engaged in politics and culture has said, well, is that the place for the church? And is that the place for God's people? Or we have been viewed as people that are just living in a dreamland and they really don't care about anything concerning the world they live in. And so, the world certainly looks at the church with great contempt, declaring that Christianity does not belong in the political arena." ([00:37:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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4. "See, it's never been the call of the church to reform society through the government. It's never the call of the church to reform society through the government. Nowhere in the New Testament do we see Jesus teaching to reform society and to elect Christians to office so that people will change because policies will change." ([00:45:40] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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5. "What was the call of Jesus for his disciples not to overthrow government but to make disciples to make followers church think about this for a minute what would society look like if christians were as active with the great commission as they were about political things like rather than you know filling our our timelines on facebook with all this political stuff and and you know having the conversations at at the diner the gas station about the next guy that's running for office and the next decision that was made and all of those things what if we took seriously this call in the great commission to make disciples of all the nations to go and make disciples what our culture and world would look like a society that is transformed with the gospel is a society that is undergoing heart transformation don't miss that a society that is going is being transformed by the great commission of the gospels the society that is undergoing heart transformation reforming laws and ordinances only affect the outside and jesus talked about that it's not about cleaning the cup on the outside right it's not about what it looks like on the outside it's about what's going on in the heart our biggest influence in society is not with politics our biggest influence in society is the saving gospel of jesus christ if you want to see true reformation in society and the world that you live in be faithful to the gospel if you want to see this culture change for the good of god's glory be faithful to shine your light for jesus christ and preach the gospel that doesn't mean that we bury our heads in the sand and just say well we'll wake up on wednesday and whatever it is will be but it is the power of the gospel that leads to salvation romans 116 paul wrote for i am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of god for salvation to everyone who believes to the jew first and then also to the greek no matter who wins on tuesday" ([00:46:49] (152 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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6. "The hope that this world needs will be found and not what they do but in what christ has already done it's the gospel that reforms the heart i was reading a book over the last few weeks it was written by a pastor it was the pastor of the church that pastor dustin and i attended a couple weeks ago for the the conference that we we went to the it's a short little book it's called i pledge allegiance and he makes a statement in this book that i read it and i was like oh i'm not going to read it like do you ever read something it's like oh like that hurts a little bit but it makes sense and it's true true. He made this comment in explaining our place as Christians, as dual citizens in a culture and society where we're called to be engaged in the world that we live in, but we're also called to always keep our eyes on the hope of Jesus Christ. And he said this, God is not interested in saving America as he is in saving Americans. Like, that's our hope. That's the gospel." ([00:50:18] (80 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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7. "And so please understand that this call to submit to governing authorities and to pray for them and the call of the church to live in the sense of the true meaning of the gospel in very dark times came when the church was severely persecuted. But when you read the book of Acts, which is the history book of the church, from its birth to Paul going to Rome, what do you read about the ministry of the church? Did it diminish with persecution? No. It grew. It grew in effectiveness." ([00:55:05] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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8. "What I'm going to say is, no matter what happens, this Tuesday, four years from now, eight years from now, 12 years from now, just do the multiplication by four table, right? No matter what happens, God is on the throne, and Jesus promised the gates of hell will not prevail against His church. And the church, and the contention throughout history is that the church grows greater during times of persecution than when it does during times of ease." ([00:56:42] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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9. "And so, in that way, you can go to bed Tuesday night content knowing that the Lord will do what He has ordained and nothing can stop that. Whoever wins, that's who God has appointed. Are you a part of the process? Absolutely. Be a part of the process. And as you cast your vote on Tuesday, and you should cast your vote, pray this prayer of Daniel 2 .21 as you cast, as you put in your ballot in the machine, that it is God who appoints kings and rulers and trust Him for that." ([01:18:41] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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10. "Just remember, on Tuesday, you're not voting for a savior. We already have one. And his name is Jesus. He does a really good job. He will never be overthrown. He will never be outvoted. He will never be turned away. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. And so as you go to the polls this Tuesday, remember you are a pilgrim passing through, a sojourner on the way to God's eternal kingdom. Let his truth guide your steps and you will find yourself more at rest in this world that is not your home." ([01:25:02] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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