Living as Citizens of Heaven Amid Earthly Challenges
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound and transformative nature of God's love and the implications of living as citizens of heaven while navigating earthly systems. We began by reflecting on the expansive, radical love of God, demonstrated through Jesus Christ, who took on human form, lived among us, and sacrificed Himself to reveal the depth of divine love. This love invites us to rest in the assurance that God is with us, fighting for us, and empowering us to stand firm in faith and truth.
We delved into the life of Peter, a disciple who experienced a dramatic transformation from a zealous nationalist to a devoted follower willing to die for Christ. This transformation illustrates the shift from seeking earthly power to embracing a kingdom not of this world. We discussed the rise of Christian nationalism and the dangers of conflating religious identity with national identity, emphasizing that the gospel transcends political boundaries and does not require political power to thrive.
Peter's exhortation in 1 Peter 2 calls us to live as exiles and strangers, abstaining from sinful desires and conducting ourselves honorably. This involves submitting to human authorities, not out of fear, but as an act of faith and trust in God's sovereignty. Submission, as modeled by Christ, is a declaration of strength and a choice made from freedom, not for it. It is a testament to our trust in God's ultimate authority and His ability to use our lives for His purposes.
We are reminded that our primary allegiance is to God, and our identity as Christians is not tied to any nation. Our mission is not to win a culture war but to win people for Jesus, living as citizens of heaven who engage with the world without being overwhelmed by it. This freedom allows us to serve others, embodying the love and grace of Christ in our communities.
Key Takeaways:
- God's love is expansive and transformative, inviting us to rest in His assurance and empowering us to stand firm in faith and truth. This love is demonstrated through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which changes our status and position before God. [00:30]
- Peter's transformation from a nationalist to a devoted follower of Christ illustrates the shift from seeking earthly power to embracing a kingdom not of this world. This change challenges us to examine our own allegiances and priorities. [20:00]
- Christian nationalism conflates religious and national identities, but the gospel transcends political boundaries. Our mission is to win people for Jesus, not to enforce Christian values through political means. [30:00]
- Submission to authority is a choice made from freedom, not for it. It is an act of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, modeled by Christ's submission, which demonstrates strength and purpose. [49:14]
- Our identity as Christians is not tied to any nation. We are citizens of heaven, called to engage with the world without being overwhelmed, serving others and embodying the love and grace of Christ. [01:02:40]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - God's Expansive Love
[05:00] - Peter's Transformation
[12:00] - Christian Nationalism
[20:00] - The Role of Submission
[30:00] - Engaging with the World
[40:00] - Freedom and Identity
[46:24] - Civil Disobedience
[49:14] - Submission as Strength
[54:19] - Christ's Example of Trust
[57:58] - Living as Exiles
[01:02:40] - Heavenly Minded, Earthly Good
[01:04:54] - Hope in Christ's Victory
[01:07:24] - Seeking Wisdom and Discernment
[01:09:19] - Communion and Reflection
[01:11:30] - Closing Worship and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1 Peter 2:11-25
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Observation Questions:
1. How does Peter describe the role of Christians in the world according to 1 Peter 2:11-12? What are the implications of being called "strangers and exiles"? [49:14]
2. In the sermon, how is Peter's transformation from a nationalist to a devoted follower of Christ depicted? What key event marked this change? [46:24]
3. What are the three examples of civil disobedience mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the concept of submission to authority? [49:14]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between Christian identity and national identity? What dangers are associated with conflating the two? [46:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to live as "citizens of heaven" while engaging with earthly systems, according to the sermon? How does this perspective influence a Christian's daily life? [01:02:40]
2. How does the sermon interpret the concept of submission as a declaration of strength rather than weakness? What role does trust in God's sovereignty play in this understanding? [49:14]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christian nationalism can distort the gospel message? How should Christians navigate their political involvement while maintaining their primary allegiance to God? [46:24]
4. How does the sermon use the example of Jesus' submission to illustrate the ultimate strength and trust in God's plan? What lessons can be drawn from this for personal faith and obedience? [54:19]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be conflating your national identity with your Christian identity? How can you ensure that your primary allegiance remains with God? [46:24]
2. Consider a situation where you feel challenged by authority. How can you apply the principle of submission as an act of faith and strength in that context? [49:14]
3. How can you actively live as a "citizen of heaven" in your community? Identify one specific way you can serve others this week, embodying the love and grace of Christ. [01:02:40]
4. Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed by the world's demands or expectations. How can the assurance of God's love and sovereignty help you find rest and strength in those moments? [49:14]
5. Reflect on the concept of Christian nationalism discussed in the sermon. How can you engage in political discussions or actions without compromising your gospel-centered values? [46:24]
6. Identify a personal area where you struggle with submission. What steps can you take to trust God's sovereignty and choose submission as a declaration of strength? [49:14]
7. How can you use your freedom in Christ to serve others in your workplace or community? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate the goodness of God in your daily interactions? [54:19]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Love as Our Foundation
God's love is expansive and transformative, inviting us to rest in His assurance and empowering us to stand firm in faith and truth. This love is demonstrated through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which changes our status and position before God. The love of God is not just a passive feeling but an active force that shapes our identity and purpose. It calls us to live confidently, knowing that we are deeply loved and valued by our Creator. This assurance allows us to face life's challenges with courage and hope, rooted in the knowledge that we are never alone. [00:30]
"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:14-19 ESV)
Reflection: How can you allow the assurance of God's love to transform your perspective on a current challenge you are facing today?
Day 2: Transformation Through Surrender
Peter's transformation from a nationalist to a devoted follower of Christ illustrates the shift from seeking earthly power to embracing a kingdom not of this world. This change challenges us to examine our own allegiances and priorities. Peter's journey shows us that true transformation comes from surrendering our own agendas and aligning ourselves with God's purposes. It is a call to let go of our desires for control and power, and instead, embrace the values of God's kingdom, which often stand in contrast to worldly ambitions. [20:00]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:17-18 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are seeking control or power? How can you surrender this to God and embrace His kingdom values today?
Day 3: The Gospel Beyond Borders
Christian nationalism conflates religious and national identities, but the gospel transcends political boundaries. Our mission is to win people for Jesus, not to enforce Christian values through political means. The gospel calls us to a higher allegiance, one that is not tied to any earthly nation or political system. It invites us to see beyond the divisions and boundaries that often separate us, and to focus on the unifying message of Christ's love and redemption for all people. [30:00]
"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: How can you actively demonstrate the gospel's transcendent love in your interactions with people from different backgrounds or beliefs today?
Day 4: Submission as an Act of Faith
Submission to authority is a choice made from freedom, not for it. It is an act of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, modeled by Christ's submission, which demonstrates strength and purpose. True submission is not about weakness or passivity, but about choosing to trust in God's ultimate authority and His ability to work through our lives for His purposes. It is a declaration of strength, rooted in the freedom that comes from knowing we are secure in God's hands. [49:14]
"Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people." (1 Peter 2:13-15 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice submission as an act of faith and trust in God's sovereignty in your daily life today?
Day 5: Living as Citizens of Heaven
Our identity as Christians is not tied to any nation. We are citizens of heaven, called to engage with the world without being overwhelmed, serving others and embodying the love and grace of Christ. This identity calls us to live with a heavenly perspective, prioritizing eternal values over temporary concerns. It empowers us to engage with the world in meaningful ways, serving others and reflecting Christ's love, while remaining anchored in the hope and assurance of our heavenly citizenship. [01:02:40]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." (1 Peter 2:9-10 ESV)
Reflection: How can you live out your identity as a citizen of heaven in a practical way today, serving others and embodying Christ's love in your community?
Quotes
"And so, Lord, as we enter into this place and as we take these moments to sing these songs it is good to be reminded that the love you have is so expansive so radical so overwhelming so never-ending that it is difficult for our minds to comprehend it and yet you call us to believe it Lord, you have demonstrated that love to us by you, Jesus, taking on flesh coming near living a human life and then dying a death that where you gave us a sacrifice that would show us how deep the love of God really is that in believing it we could have our lives changed we could have our status changed we could have our position changed where we would no longer be outside of your grace but overwhelmed by your love and Lord, my prayer this morning is that regardless of what's going on in our lives and regardless of what's going on in the world that we would find a deep rest in being loved by you that your love says that you are fighting with us that you are fighting for us that in your love we are more than conquerors through Christ therefore, we can stand in faith stand up and speak up for the truth of who you are of what you're doing of how you are bringing your kingdom and Lord, we would ask that you would give us the eyes to see it and you would ask that you'd give us the ears to hear your voice this morning Lord, that we might enter into our week as ambassadors as those who are testifying to the fact that you, Lord God are alive that Jesus, you are at the right hand of the Father that you are continuing to pour out your words your grace and your truth that all might know the deep, deep love of God so Lord, today we invite you to speak invite you to guide invite you to minister to our hearts in whatever way you deem necessary in your name and for your glory we pray Amen" [00:18:09] (128 seconds)
"Peter in writing this letter is writing as an older man a pastor but one who isn't able to necessarily travel and be with the people as much as he would like and so he sends them encouragements affirmations directives that that speak to the reality of the gospel in their lives and through their lives that that's his expectation that the church that Christians would embody this message would embody this worship and that that would bring about change in their world but what he believed was was the change that would happen around them would first of all happen in them and he knew that because it happened in his own life it happened incredibly dramatically we read about Peter's story from a young man and then we get this letter from him as an old man and he's one of the characters in scripture that we know the most about we don't know everything about him but we know a lot of things about him but what we can say we know specifically is how dramatically he changed and how his world view changed we know that he was invited into Jesus inner circle that he was one of the ones that Jesus invested a great deal of time with he was one that Jesus said that on you Peter I'm going to build my church that he was going to use Peter's life to do something transcendent on the earth to establish an organism a life that is the church which is not an institution but is rather the embodying of God's spirit to bring about change over the whole world by changing individuals" [00:28:12] (104 seconds)
"we've seen the growth of nationalism we've seen the growth of what I would call Christian nationalism where people believe that there is a means by which we need to as Christians enforce our values through political means Christian nationalism has invaded the church and has been a big part of the conversations we've had particularly within the last five years what is the church's role within society and what does it mean to participate in politics we believe I believe that we can be Christian patriots but we can't necessarily buy into Christian nationalism because here's the thing there's no such thing as a Christian nation there isn't the gospel does not need political means in order to be empowered it doesn't it has a king and its king is working and he's guiding and directing and politics if used for God's glory can do a great deal of good but it is not the main means by which the kingdom will come unfortunately this has this idea of Christian nationalism has pervaded the church and become a big part of the discussion there are men and writers that I admire who have spoken against Christian nationalism who would call themselves disciples of Jesus who have demonstrated a deep love for the evangelical church who in speaking against Christian nationalism have been actually thrown out of their churches have been criticized dramatically" [00:33:12] (102 seconds)
"honor everyone love the brothers and sisters fear God honor the emperor household slaves submit to your masters with all reverence not only to do the not only to the good and gentle ones but also to the cruel for it brings favor if because of consciousness of God someone endures grief from suffering unjustly for what credit is there if when you do wrong and are beaten you endure it but when you do what is good if you endure it this brings favor with God for you were called to this because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps he did not commit sin and no deceit was found in his mouth when he was insulted he did not insult in return when he suffered he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly he himself bore our sins in his body on the tree so that having died to sins we might live for righteousness by his wounds you have been healed for you like sheep were going astray but you have now returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls this is God's word and this is Peter speaking from personal experience I can't believe how he just always comes back to the gospel he always brings it back to Jesus death as a demonstration of his power and of his grace a demonstration of his love and of his mercy" [00:34:02] (84 seconds)
"but what he's saying here is actually the opposite that when you believe the gospel you have a strength that is profound that is transcendent and that everything flows from that so we need not fear that in submission engagement in honoring and in serving that we are demonstrating weakness because to do those things is actually a declaration of strength and power it is a declaration of faith and trust when we choose to engage honor submit and serve we are saying this that this is not our home but God has us here for a reason and I'm going to trust that he sees me and will give me what I need in order to navigate the times that I live in he makes it clear that they are to choose to do this thing and choice is the definition of freedom isn't it to have no choice is to be enslaved but he's saying you have a choice and in your choice choose to do this thing choose to live out your freedom in service for one another in honoring in honoring the government in honoring those who are in in authority in submitting to the role and the place that God has you even if you are a slave and then to use your freedom to serve one another he says that this is the fruit of being an exile and a stranger you don't need to get anything from this world therefore you can enter into it with the hope that God can use you to bring about whatever his purposes are for the times and the places that you live" [00:35:50] (98 seconds)
"to be accepted know that your values will be in conflict with them don't be surprised when there's resistance don't be surprised would be kind of the summary of this whole passage right and how often are we surprised we're looking around even the world now it's 2025 the geopolitical scene is chaotic at best like what is going on and Peter says 2000 years ago to those of us today why surprised and in fact that just speaks to maybe some of our security and significance being found in our place and in our times and Paul says you're an exile to this world you're a stranger you belong somewhere else you're a refugee on this earth don't be offended by that take great strength in that because he's reminding us that God is for us that we belong to him that we do not get our meaning or our morality from the world and then that allows us to then acknowledge what's going on in the world and maybe even honor it this gets a little tricky though when it comes to government right because we have been kind of raised to speak up for ourselves to fight for our rights to believe that the world will give us some sort of privilege whatever dream it is the Canadian dream or the American dream that this is what we're entitled to and so we would say okay I don't know what it means to honor the government they exist for me and you're right they do they should God Paul describes the role of government here right when he says honor the emperor and honor the governors who are sent by the emperor to punish evil and to reward and praise those who do what is good so he's saying here honor the government right don't fear the government honor them because they're the ones who are meant to bring order out of chaos that they are to punish evil and to reward those who do good government in its proper form is meant to protect people okay at its best it's meant to protect people it's meant to reward good living and protect us from evil" [00:40:03] (158 seconds)
"Submission means choosing to trust. Now, it's easier to submit to those who are worthy of our trust, right? Ultimately, though, when we look at all those areas where we're to submit, and we're going to get into this over the next few weeks, at the height of all of the structures and the authorities in our life, the ultimate submission is to God. And we can trust God ultimately. And if he says, submit to those in authority, we submit on the basis of trust in God. It makes it easier if those who are in authority over us are worthy of our trust. But we ultimately know that God is the one we put our ultimate trust in, allowing us then to submit to the degree that we are called to do that. It is a choice. It is not defeat. It is a declaration of belief in God's protection and victory over anything that this world can give us. So when he says, submit yourself, he's saying voluntarily, voluntarily agree to these things. For whose sake? Not for your sake, not for your safety, but for the Lord's sake. Showing submission is an act of faith and strength in God's sovereignty." [00:49:14] (72 seconds)
"Christians are free in Christ, yet what we do is we choose submission as a testimony of our trust in God. It's a choice from strength. And it's strength even in the face of injustice. And what's the picture of this? He says, it's about Jesus. He says, look at what Jesus did. That who had every right, who was one who had never sinned, who was completely innocent, who had no deceit in his mouth, didn't speak up for himself, didn't fight for his rights, didn't fight back, didn't even challenge, but rather allowed these things to happen to him. Why? So that God could use his life to change ours. So that God could accomplish in Christ's submissions a greater purpose for the whole world. Isn't that the greatest trust? Isn't that the belief that we would say this, that I'm going to choose to submit and obey to the laws of my day, the laws of my country, the laws of this place, as a belief that God can use my life to change other people's lives. Peter sets Jesus up as the picture of this, that he had seen the transition, the transcendence of Christ, who was crucified as one who was civilly disobedient, yet rose again victorious, that he accomplished something through the government's actions, evil actions, that was far better than he thought in the garden in that moment when he pulled his sword." [00:50:58] (93 seconds)
"Freedom is about finding your identity and your purpose and belonging in Christ. And then living that out. And it's those three things together. If freedom is just about my identity in Christ. That I'm set free from sin and shame and from the devil and from the world. Then I'm just going to live on my own and I'm going to do what I want. I'm going to abuse sin because I've got my get out of jail free card. I can always go back to Jesus. That is abusing grace. And that is not the purpose for which we are created. Our identity is secure. But it is lived out in our purpose. And our purpose is expressed within our belonging. Within our community. Are you with me? It is a whole thing. It is all embodied. All in one. Right? We are not autonomous people. We were never created to be autonomous. It wasn't good for man to be alone. We are created for a relationship because we are created from relationship. We are created to love because we are created from love. When we embrace that identity and we live out that identity, what happens? In relationship, people are changed." [00:56:12] (64 seconds)
"This whole passage could be summarized in this. Is Peter just saying, live in the world under whatever government and whatever system and structure that you live under as children of God. Called by God to love others in the name of God. That's it. Use wisdom. Use discernment. Try to understand what's going on in the world. Do not fear the world. But really fear God. Live before God as a worshiper of God. And then you know what will happen? People will treat you as strangers. But they will what? They will see your good deeds and worship God on the day of his coming. Isn't that what it's all about? Isn't that what it's all about? That when Jesus returns one day, people will look and say, I knew it. I knew you were one of his. That's what this is about. But if we live in privacy, and privacy is our greatest value as Canadians. Right? Where we just claim, I just want my little bit. I don't need a lot. But I just need this thing, and everybody can just leave me alone, and I'll leave them alone. Let everybody be to themselves. We will not see how God uses our lives to testify to his reality." [00:57:58] (76 seconds)
"To be heavenly minded is actually to be earthly good. Because I do not demand anything from this world, I can go into the world and show the goodness of God without an expectation. Without an expectation that it will give me anything. Ego. Appreciation. Instead, I go into the world knowing that I don't need to get from the world, but I can give to the world. This, my friends, is true freedom. This is what it means to be a Christian citizen. Let me wrap it up with this. Being a Christian citizen is this. Being engaged without being overwhelmed. This world is not where we belong. Our care and our concern is for our neighbors and not for ourselves. So, yes, we look and we say, ooh, it's a little crazy right now. As we doom scroll. Right? Ooh. And we can become so overwhelmed. But what? We're to honor, but not fear. Honor, not fear. We can be engaged without being overwhelmed. We do not disconnect. We do not detach. We are in the world, but we are not of the world. We can honor authorities while keeping our ultimate allegiance to Jesus. For each of us individually, God will speak to our conscience about this." [01:02:40] (78 seconds)
"Jesus has given us the privilege of just having his victory so we don't have to get our victory. We are more than conquerors in Christ, Romans 8 tells us. Therefore, we don't have to be conquerors in the world. You don't have to be the hero of your story. You don't have to be the hero of your community. You have been made a conqueror in Jesus. We've just got to live out that reality in our freedom. And we're reminded by that. Jesus accomplished for us something that no government, no political action or political party could ever dream of accomplishing for us. He accomplished the salvation of our souls. He accomplished for us citizenship in a heavenly kingdom. He accomplished for us eternal life. He did it. We can rest in that." [01:05:23] (45 seconds)
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