Living as Citizens of Heaven: A Spiritual Perspective
Summary
In today's exploration of Philippians 3, we delve into the profound concept of citizenship, contrasting the earthly with the heavenly. As I reflected on my walks through Charleston, I was reminded of the historical significance of earthly citizenship, yet Paul in Philippians offers us a deeper, spiritual perspective. He presents a dichotomy: citizens of heaven versus citizens of earth. Our true citizenship, as believers, is in heaven, and this identity calls us to live differently.
A citizen of heaven is characterized by submission to Jesus as Lord, prioritizing His kingdom over personal desires, and setting their mind on heavenly matters. This means living a life that reflects the values of the kingdom of God, such as love, sacrifice, and obedience to Christ. It involves a daily commitment to follow Jesus, acknowledging that while we are imperfect, His grace covers us and empowers us to grow in sanctification.
Conversely, a citizen of earth is driven by self-centered desires, glorifying in shame, and being consumed by worldly matters. Paul warns against the dangers of allowing our "belly"—our base desires—to dictate our lives, leading to destruction. Instead, we are called to focus on eternal truths and live in a way that honors God.
Paul further instructs us in Philippians 4 on how to live out our heavenly citizenship: through prayer, prioritizing what is good, and being content with what God provides. Prayer is our lifeline, a constant communication with God, where we lay our requests before Him and trust in His perfect will. Prioritizing what is good involves aligning our lives with biblical truths and values, seeking what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy. Contentment is found in recognizing that true fulfillment comes from Christ alone, not in the accumulation of earthly achievements or possessions.
Ultimately, our heavenly citizenship brings peace and freedom from anxiety, as we trust in Christ's strength to sustain us. We are reminded that our hope is in the eternal, where we will one day walk with Jesus in perfect peace and joy. Until then, we are called to live as citizens of heaven, reflecting His love and grace in all we do.
Key Takeaways:
1. Heavenly Citizenship Defined: A citizen of heaven submits to Jesus as Lord, prioritizing His kingdom over personal desires. This involves a daily commitment to follow Jesus, acknowledging our imperfections and relying on His grace for sanctification. [09:49]
2. Earthly Citizenship's Pitfalls: Citizens of earth are driven by self-centered desires, glorifying in shame, and being consumed by worldly matters. Paul warns against allowing our base desires to dictate our lives, leading to destruction. [13:12]
3. Prayer as a Lifeline: Prayer is essential for living out our heavenly citizenship. It is our constant communication with God, where we lay our requests before Him and trust in His perfect will. [23:50]
4. Prioritizing What is Good: Aligning our lives with biblical truths and values is crucial. We are called to seek what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy, sacrificing personal ambitions for what Jesus deems excellent. [28:43]
5. Contentment in Christ: True fulfillment comes from Christ alone, not in earthly achievements or possessions. We are called to be content and thankful for what God provides, trusting in His strength to sustain us. [31:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [08:36] - Historical Reflections on Citizenship
- [09:49] - Defining Heavenly Citizenship
- [10:33] - Characteristics of a Heavenly Citizen
- [12:26] - Earthly vs. Heavenly Focus
- [13:12] - The Dangers of Earthly Desires
- [14:53] - Glorifying in Shame
- [15:45] - Consumed by Worldly Matters
- [17:40] - Avoiding Distractions
- [19:00] - The Call to Heavenly Focus
- [19:36] - Transitioning to Heavenly Citizenship
- [20:50] - Living Out Our Citizenship
- [21:44] - Rejoicing and Praying
- [23:50] - The Role of Prayer
- [25:09] - Casting Anxieties on Jesus
- [26:48] - Thanksgiving and Contentment
- [28:43] - Prioritizing Biblical Values
- [31:43] - Finding True Fulfillment in Christ
- [33:22] - Avoiding Envy and Embracing Contentment
- [36:03] - The Outcome of Heavenly Citizenship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 3:18-20
- Philippians 4:4-7
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "Our citizenship is in heaven"? How does this contrast with earthly citizenship? [09:49]
2. According to the sermon, what are the characteristics of a citizen of heaven? [10:33]
3. How does Paul describe the behavior of citizens of earth in Philippians 3:18-19? [13:12]
4. What role does prayer play in living out our heavenly citizenship according to Philippians 4:6-7? [23:50]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of heavenly citizenship challenge the way believers prioritize their daily lives? [12:26]
2. In what ways might a believer struggle with the temptations of earthly desires, and how can they overcome these challenges? [14:53]
3. How does the practice of prayer and thanksgiving contribute to a believer's peace and contentment? [26:48]
4. What does it mean to prioritize what is "true, honorable, and praiseworthy" in the context of Philippians 4:8? How can this be practically applied? [28:43]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are more focused on earthly matters than heavenly ones? How can you shift your focus? [19:00]
2. Consider your prayer life. How can you incorporate more consistent and meaningful prayer into your daily routine? What specific steps will you take this week? [23:50]
3. Identify a personal desire or ambition that may conflict with your heavenly citizenship. How can you realign this with biblical values? [11:39]
4. Think of a recent situation where you felt anxious or stressed. How can you apply Philippians 4:6-7 to find peace in similar situations in the future? [25:09]
5. What is one practical way you can prioritize what is good and praiseworthy in your life this week? Consider setting a specific goal or action step. [28:43]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt discontent with what you have. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment in your current circumstances? [31:43]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to live out their heavenly citizenship? What role can you play in supporting them? [39:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Heavenly Identity
As believers, our true citizenship is in heaven, which calls us to live differently from the world around us. This identity is marked by submission to Jesus as Lord, prioritizing His kingdom over our personal desires, and setting our minds on heavenly matters. Living as a citizen of heaven means reflecting the values of God's kingdom, such as love, sacrifice, and obedience to Christ. It involves a daily commitment to follow Jesus, acknowledging our imperfections and relying on His grace for sanctification. This heavenly citizenship is not just a future promise but a present reality that transforms how we live today. [09:49]
"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: What is one area of your life where you find yourself prioritizing earthly desires over heavenly values? How can you begin to shift your focus to align with your heavenly citizenship today?
Day 2: The Dangers of Earthly Desires
Citizens of earth are driven by self-centered desires, glorifying in shame, and being consumed by worldly matters. Paul warns against allowing our base desires to dictate our lives, leading to destruction. Earthly citizenship is characterized by a focus on temporary pleasures and achievements, often at the expense of our spiritual well-being. This path leads to a life that is ultimately unfulfilling and destructive. Instead, we are called to focus on eternal truths and live in a way that honors God, resisting the temptation to be consumed by the fleeting concerns of this world. [13:12]
"For many, of whom 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." (Philippians 3:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific "earthly desire" that often distracts you from your spiritual growth. What practical steps can you take to resist this temptation and focus on what truly matters?
Day 3: Prayer as Our Lifeline
Prayer is essential for living out our heavenly citizenship. It is our constant communication with God, where we lay our requests before Him and trust in His perfect will. Through prayer, we align our hearts with God's purposes and find strength to live according to His will. It is a lifeline that sustains us, providing peace and guidance in the midst of life's challenges. By prioritizing prayer, we cultivate a deeper relationship with God and become more attuned to His voice, enabling us to live as faithful citizens of heaven. [23:50]
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison." (Colossians 4:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine? Consider setting aside specific times each day to connect with God and seek His guidance.
Day 4: Prioritizing Biblical Values
Aligning our lives with biblical truths and values is crucial for living as citizens of heaven. We are called to seek what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy, sacrificing personal ambitions for what Jesus deems excellent. This involves a conscious effort to prioritize what is good and align our actions with the teachings of Scripture. By doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and become a light in a world that often values the opposite. This commitment to biblical values requires discernment and a willingness to stand firm in our faith, even when it is countercultural. [28:43]
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one biblical value that you feel called to prioritize more in your life? How can you actively incorporate this value into your daily decisions and interactions?
Day 5: Finding Contentment in Christ
True fulfillment comes from Christ alone, not in earthly achievements or possessions. We are called to be content and thankful for what God provides, trusting in His strength to sustain us. This contentment is rooted in the recognition that our worth and identity are found in Christ, not in the accumulation of material wealth or success. By embracing this truth, we experience peace and freedom from the anxiety that often accompanies the pursuit of worldly goals. Contentment in Christ allows us to live with gratitude and joy, regardless of our circumstances. [31:43]
"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." (Philippians 4:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt discontent. How can you shift your perspective to find contentment in Christ, regardless of your external circumstances?
Quotes
So we today in the public square, we are either citizens of heaven or citizens of this earth. And believers are called to heavenly citizenship. Believers are called to act out. We are called to act out our heavenly citizenship every day. So what exactly is a citizen of heaven? At its most basic level, a citizen of heaven is someone who submits and loves Jesus. [00:09:49] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
They seek to serve their king with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. They seek to love Jesus day in and day out. They seek to follow him relentlessly. And no citizen can be perfect. We know that Jesus, the reason he came is so that we could have life with him because we couldn't follow the law perfectly. [00:10:43] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Instead of letting your heart decide, believers in the public square and in our own private lives are called to let the compass be the guide of our life, to let scripture and Jesus transform our daily living. Let the Bible guide your life even when it goes against something you want. [00:11:58] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
But friends, this passage, it goes far beyond just asking for material things or physical things. The larger point Paul is making is to pray about everything. In everything you do, you and I should be praying to Jesus. Be in constant communication with our Lord, because that's what prayer is. [00:24:23] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
As long as you're turning to Jesus. There's no secret formula. There's no secret sauce on how to make your prayers effective. There's no way to pray a specific certain way in order to be a good Christian. All you need to do is to pray. Pray every day to our Lord. [00:26:07] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We as believers should prioritize what Jesus Christ says is excellent, and we can remind ourselves of what is excellent by writing scripture on our walls of the home, by devoting time to memorizing scripture, by dwelling on the Bible's words day in and day out, night and day, morning and evening. [00:29:58] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
It's pretty clear we ought to be content and thankful for what we have, but the power to be thankful in every circumstance doesn't come from our own strength or our own desires. It comes from the Lord. We can't do it on our own. We can't be content enough. We can't be thankful enough. [00:34:36] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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