Living as Citizens of Heaven: A Call to Transformation
Summary
In our journey through the Scriptures today, we are called to a profound self-examination, as Apostle Paul urges in 2 Corinthians 13:5, to test whether we are truly in the faith. This examination is not merely a ritual but a deep introspection to discern whether we are living as enemies of the cross of Christ or as citizens of the kingdom of God. The passage from Philippians 3:17-21 challenges us to reflect on our spiritual state, urging us to consider whether our lives reflect the transformative power of being reborn in Christ.
The Christ hymn in Philippians 2, which we explored during the Incarnation celebration, serves as a backdrop to this examination. Some scholars suggest that the last verses of Philippians 3 might be the concluding stanza of this hymn, completing the gospel story arc from creation to Christ's return. This perspective invites us to consider our place in the narrative between Christ's ascension and His anticipated return. It is in this space that we are called to live out our faith, working out our salvation and shining as lights in the world.
Paul presents two distinct paths: living as enemies of the cross or as citizens of heaven. Those who walk as enemies are characterized by minds set on earthly things, desires that become their gods, and a glorying in shameful acts. In contrast, citizens of heaven recognize Jesus as their King, embrace a new community, and live with the hope of Christ's return. This citizenship transforms our values, perspectives, and actions, aligning them with the kingdom of God.
The call to be born again, as emphasized by George Whitefield during the First Great Awakening, remains relevant. It is not enough to identify as Christians; we must experience a genuine transformation that shifts our allegiance from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. This transformation is not about religious rituals but about a profound change in our identity and purpose.
As we await Christ's return, we are reminded of the essential truths of the gospel: Jesus is coming back, there will be a resurrection and judgment, and our eternal destiny hinges on whether we are enemies of the cross or citizens of heaven. This reality compels us to live with intentionality and urgency, ensuring that our lives reflect the hope and glory of the gospel.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-examination is crucial in our spiritual journey. We must continually assess whether our lives align with the faith we profess, ensuring that we are not merely identifying as Christians but living as transformed citizens of God's kingdom. [03:50]
- The Christ hymn in Philippians serves as a reminder of the complete gospel story, urging us to live between Christ's ascension and return with purpose and hope. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the gospel, shining as lights in a dark world. [07:20]
- Living as a citizen of heaven involves a fundamental shift in our values and perspectives. We embrace a new King, a new community, and a new way of living that aligns with the kingdom of God, transforming how we view everything from relationships to resources. [10:51]
- The call to be born again is a call to genuine transformation. It is not about religious rituals but about a profound change in our identity and purpose, moving from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. This transformation is essential for living as citizens of heaven. [15:37]
- The return of Christ is an essential truth of the gospel, reminding us of the urgency and significance of our faith. Our eternal destiny hinges on whether we are enemies of the cross or citizens of heaven, compelling us to live with intentionality and hope. [19:06]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:50] - The Gospel Story Arc
- [07:20] - Two Ways to Live
- [10:51] - Enemies of the Cross
- [15:37] - Indifference to the Cross
- [19:06] - Citizenship in Heaven
- [22:39] - The Return of Christ
- [25:51] - Justification and Sanctification
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 13:5
- Philippians 3:17-21
- Philippians 2:5-11
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 2 Corinthians 13:5, what does Paul urge the Corinthians to do, and why is this significant for their faith journey? [00:00]
2. In Philippians 3:17-21, Paul contrasts two types of people. What are the characteristics of those who walk as enemies of the cross versus those who are citizens of heaven? [07:20]
3. How does the Christ hymn in Philippians 2 serve as a backdrop for understanding our place in the gospel story arc? [03:50]
4. What does Paul mean when he says that our citizenship is in heaven, and how does this affect our daily lives? [19:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to examine oneself to see if they are in the faith, and how can this practice impact a believer's spiritual growth? [00:00]
2. How does the concept of being "born again" as emphasized by George Whitefield relate to the transformation Paul describes in Philippians 3? [07:20]
3. In what ways does the anticipation of Christ's return influence the way believers should live between His ascension and His second coming? [19:06]
4. How does the imagery of citizenship in heaven challenge the values and priorities of those who follow Christ? [19:06]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be living as an enemy of the cross rather than as a citizen of heaven? What steps can you take to align more closely with the values of God's kingdom? [07:20]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of self-examination. How can you incorporate regular self-examination into your spiritual routine to ensure your life aligns with your faith? [00:00]
3. Consider the transformative power of being "born again." How has your identity and purpose changed since you became a follower of Christ? If you haven't experienced this transformation, what might be holding you back? [07:20]
4. The sermon discussed the urgency of living with intentionality and hope in light of Christ's return. What practical changes can you make in your daily life to reflect this urgency and hope? [19:06]
5. How does the idea of having a new King and a new community as a citizen of heaven influence your relationships and interactions with others? [19:06]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of shining as lights in the world. What specific actions can you take this week to be a light in your community or workplace? [03:50]
7. Reflect on the concept of glorying in shame versus delighting in the beauty and greatness of Christ. Are there areas in your life where you need to shift your focus from earthly desires to spiritual truths? [10:51]
Devotional
Day 1: The Call to Self-Examination
Self-examination is a vital part of our spiritual journey. It requires us to look deeply into our hearts and lives to see if they align with the faith we profess. This is not a superficial ritual but a profound introspection to determine whether we are living as true citizens of God's kingdom or as enemies of the cross. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 13:5, urges believers to test themselves to see if they are in the faith. This call to self-examination is a reminder that our identity as Christians should be evident in our actions, values, and priorities. It challenges us to move beyond mere identification with Christianity to a life that reflects genuine transformation and commitment to Christ. [03:50]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life needs a deeper examination to ensure it aligns with your faith in Christ? How can you begin this process today?
Day 2: Living Between Ascension and Return
The Christ hymn in Philippians serves as a powerful reminder of the complete gospel story, urging believers to live with purpose and hope between Christ's ascension and His anticipated return. This period is not a time of passive waiting but an opportunity to actively work out our salvation and shine as lights in a dark world. The hymn encapsulates the narrative from creation to Christ's return, inviting us to find our place in this story. As we live in this in-between time, we are called to reflect the transformative power of the gospel in our lives, demonstrating the hope and glory of Christ to those around us. [07:20]
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively live out your faith today in a way that reflects the hope of Christ's return?
Day 3: Embracing Heavenly Citizenship
Living as a citizen of heaven involves a fundamental shift in our values and perspectives. It means recognizing Jesus as our King, embracing a new community, and living in a way that aligns with the kingdom of God. This transformation affects how we view everything from relationships to resources, as our lives are no longer centered on earthly desires but on heavenly priorities. The Apostle Paul contrasts the lives of those who are enemies of the cross with those who are citizens of heaven, highlighting the stark differences in their values and actions. As citizens of heaven, we are called to live with the hope of Christ's return, allowing this hope to shape our daily lives. [10:51]
"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 align your daily decisions and actions with your identity as a citizen of heaven?
Day 4: The Call to Genuine Transformation
The call to be born again is a call to genuine transformation, moving from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. This transformation is not about religious rituals but about a profound change in our identity and purpose. It involves a shift in allegiance from worldly desires to the values of God's kingdom. This change is essential for living as citizens of heaven, as it reflects a new way of living that is centered on Christ. The transformation is ongoing, requiring continual renewal and growth in our relationship with God. [15:37]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life needs transformation to reflect your new identity in Christ? How can you begin this transformation today?
Day 5: Living with the Urgency of Christ's Return
The return of Christ is an essential truth of the gospel, reminding us of the urgency and significance of our faith. Our eternal destiny hinges on whether we are enemies of the cross or citizens of heaven. This reality compels us to live with intentionality and hope, ensuring that our lives reflect the hope and glory of the gospel. As we await Christ's return, we are called to live with a sense of urgency, making the most of every opportunity to share the love and truth of Christ with others. This anticipation of Christ's return should shape our priorities and actions, motivating us to live faithfully and purposefully. [19:06]
"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into." (Matthew 24:42-43, ESV)
Reflection: How can you live with a greater sense of urgency and purpose in light of Christ's promised return? What specific steps can you take today to align your life with this reality?
Quotes
"As we come to our Scriptures this morning, I invite you to hear the words from 2 Corinthians chapter 13. It's Apostle Paul writing to the Christians in Corinth. And he says to them, examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless indeed you fail to meet the tests?" [00:00:00]
"So Father, this morning the Scripture that we're about to read in Philippians will challenge us to examine ourselves to see whether we walk as enemies of the cross of Christ or whether we walk as citizens of the kingdom of God. And so as we read this Scripture and think about it, we ask for your Holy Spirit to be a work into our lives as we examine ourselves." [00:00:29] (31 seconds)
"Several weeks ago, as mentioned, I read a biography of George Whitefield, First Great Awakening, and one of the things that marked George Whitefield's preaching, and the reason that kind of spurred the First Great Awakening, is he emphasized this idea that you must be born again. He was preaching, particularly in England, to an Anglican crowd that practiced infant baptism, and so you were baptized as an infant and you just became a part of the church, and so there was the assumption that you were in the church." [00:06:20] (29 seconds)
"Brothers, join in imitating me. Keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction. Their God is their belly. And they glory in their shame with minds set on earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven." [00:07:44] (31 seconds)
"Mind is set on earthly things. When you are reborn, when you are redeemed, your mind is renewed in the knowledge of Christ. Your mind is renewed. Suddenly you begin to see ultimate reality in the spiritual truth. Paul wrote in Romans 8, the mindset on the flesh is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law. Indeed, it cannot." [00:09:01] (23 seconds)
"Now, obviously, they're not going to have a gold stomach on their mantle that they light incense to. When he's talking about our God, our God is that which we delight in the most, that which we hope in. If I can just have this, then this. That which we make sacrifices for. I'll sacrifice everything else, but this will not be sacrificed." [00:11:14] (22 seconds)
"Enemies of the cross of Christ, the third thing he says about them is they glory in their shame. Glory in their shame. We don't like to use the word shame in our culture much, but shame simply means this. It is a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety. It's that feeling that we feel when we know that we've done something that we think is wrong." [00:12:26] (23 seconds)
"Because indifference is continuing to live as an enemy of the cross, because basically what we're saying when we are indifferent to the cross is to say, the reason that the Father sent the Son to die on the cross for my sins, because my God is my desires, my mindset on earthly things, my end is destruction, and God loves me so much to die on the cross for my sins so I could be rescued from all of that, to be indifferent to that, to say none of that was necessary." [00:16:38] (28 seconds)
"So, Lord, if there be any in this room that are walking as an enemy of the cross, we pray that Your Spirit would strike very deep and that You would call them to become a citizen of the kingdom. So Paul is given in this gospel story arc, there's really two ways of walking between the ascension and the second coming. One, you can be an enemy of the cross of Christ, or there's this other option, and instead of Paul just saying, or you could be a friend of the cross, or just positively stating everything that he said negatively, instead he gives us this new image of citizenship." [00:17:40] (41 seconds)
"When we're part of the citizens of heaven, we now are part of the body of Christ, fellow members of the household of faith, brothers and sisters of the same heavenly Father. We're now obliged to serve side by strive, side by side together for the gospel and for the kingdom of God. We have a new community. We have a brand new way of walking, brand new way of living. We have different laws. We have different customs." [00:19:48] (26 seconds)
"Jesus talked about it, when the Son of Man returns with all the angels and the saints for the day of judgment, when Jesus was ascended to the right hand of the Father, the angels said this to the apostles, the same Jesus who went up is coming back. All of the apostolic writings from Peter and James and John, they all speak of the idea that Jesus is returning." [00:21:03] (21 seconds)
"Now folks, either that is true or it's not true. If it's not true, then a lot of what we talk about, what Paul talks about here would be, I don't know, lifestyle suggestions rather than essential to eternity. So, I spent my Saturday morning yesterday, you all would be very jealous, I filed my taxes. Right? Now, the reason I spent several hours working on my taxes is because April 15th is coming." [00:22:37] (38 seconds)
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