Living as Citizens of Heaven: Embracing Transformation

 

Summary

In a world filled with countless voices and messages, it's crucial to discern and follow the voice of God, which calls us to live differently. Reflecting on a conversation with youth about social media algorithms, I was reminded of the influence of the world around us, much like the influence Paul addressed in his letter to the Philippians. Paul warns us about the dangers of conforming to worldly influences and encourages us to live a life that imitates Jesus. This call to live differently is not about becoming all-knowing or all-powerful like God, but about embodying the teachings and character of Jesus in our daily lives.

Paul's message is a reminder that as followers of Jesus, we are set apart and called to live in a way that reflects our citizenship in heaven. This involves being intentional about who we observe and imitate, as these influences shape our desires and actions. The world often bombards us with messages that focus on earthly gains and pleasures, but Paul urges us to focus on our heavenly citizenship, which offers a greater promise and purpose.

Living as a citizen of heaven means being open to transformation. This journey of faith is one of continual change, where Jesus works in us to make us more like Him. This transformation is not just a future hope but a present reality, as we are called to reflect Christ in our lives today. Embracing this transformation requires openness to change, even when it challenges our comfort and habits.

As we navigate this journey, we are encouraged to seek out and observe those who point us to Jesus, to stand firm in our faith, and to embrace the daily work of transformation that Jesus is doing in us. This journey is about becoming "little Christs," reflecting His love and grace in all we do, and preparing for the day when we will fully enter His heavenly kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

1. Discernment in a Noisy World: In a world filled with competing voices, it's vital to discern God's voice and follow His call to live differently. This involves being mindful of the influences we allow into our lives and choosing to imitate those who reflect Christ. [02:22]

2. Heavenly Citizenship: Our true citizenship is in heaven, and this reality should shape our desires and actions. Earthly treasures and pleasures are temporary, but our heavenly citizenship offers a greater promise and purpose. [11:26]

3. Intentional Observation: Who we watch and imitate impacts how we live. We must be intentional about observing those who point us to Jesus, as their influence can guide us in our journey of faith. [07:45]

4. Openness to Transformation: Following Jesus is a journey of lifelong transformation. We must be open to change, allowing Jesus to work in us and make us more like Him, even when it challenges our comfort and habits. [16:15]

5. Becoming Little Christs: The goal of our Christian journey is to become "little Christs," reflecting His love and grace in all we do. This involves embracing the daily work of transformation and preparing for our eternal home in His kingdom. [17:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Opening Prayer
- [00:28] - Youth Group Story
- [01:54] - Influence and Imitation
- [02:50] - Being More Like Jesus
- [04:10] - Who Do You Want to Be Like?
- [05:16] - Observing and Imitating
- [06:23] - Influence of Technology
- [08:13] - What Do You Want Out of Life?
- [09:33] - Earthly Distractions
- [11:26] - Citizenship in Heaven
- [13:20] - Openness to Change
- [15:59] - Lifelong Transformation
- [17:42] - Becoming Little Christs
- [18:18] - Embracing Transformation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 3:17-21
2. Genesis 3:1-7

---

Observation Questions:

1. In Philippians 3:17, Paul invites the believers to imitate him. What does Paul mean by this invitation, and how does he clarify it in the context of the passage? [04:10]

2. According to the sermon, what are the three areas that influence the content we see on our devices? How does this relate to Paul's message about influence? [06:34]

3. How does Paul describe those who live as "enemies of the cross of Christ" in Philippians 3:18-19, and what are their characteristics? [08:37]

4. What does Paul mean when he says our "citizenship is in heaven" in Philippians 3:20, and how does this present reality affect our daily lives? [11:26]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of imitation in Philippians 3:17 relate to the idea of being transformed into the likeness of Jesus? What might this transformation look like in practical terms? [02:50]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that technology and social media can influence our desires and actions? How can believers discern and navigate these influences? [07:45]

3. How does the sermon connect the story of Genesis 3 with the dangers of trying to be like God in terms of power and knowledge? What lessons can be drawn from this connection? [03:03]

4. What does it mean to be open to transformation, as discussed in the sermon? How does this openness challenge our comfort and habits? [13:52]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the influences in your life. Are there specific voices or messages that you need to discern more carefully to ensure they align with God's call to live differently? How can you start this process? [02:22]

2. Consider your current desires and actions. How are they shaped by your understanding of your heavenly citizenship? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this identity? [11:26]

3. Identify someone in your life who points you to Jesus. How can you intentionally observe and learn from their example this week? [07:59]

4. Think about a habit or comfort zone that might be hindering your transformation into the likeness of Christ. What steps can you take to embrace change in this area? [13:52]

5. The sermon encourages us to become "little Christs." What specific actions can you take this week to reflect Christ's love and grace in your interactions with others? [17:59]

6. How can you create a plan to minimize distractions from technology and social media that might be pulling you away from focusing on Jesus? What practical steps can you take this week? [06:23]

7. Reflect on a time when you felt resistant to change. What was the outcome, and how might embracing change have led to a different result? How can this reflection guide your openness to transformation now? [15:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Discernment Amidst the Noise
In a world filled with competing voices, it is crucial to discern God's voice and follow His call to live differently. This involves being mindful of the influences we allow into our lives and choosing to imitate those who reflect Christ. The world is full of distractions and messages that can lead us away from our faith. By focusing on God's voice, we can navigate through the noise and remain steadfast in our spiritual journey. [02:22]

Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."

Reflection: What are the loudest voices in your life right now, and how can you create space to hear God's voice more clearly today?


Day 2: Embracing Our Heavenly Citizenship
Our true citizenship is in heaven, and this reality should shape our desires and actions. Earthly treasures and pleasures are temporary, but our heavenly citizenship offers a greater promise and purpose. By focusing on our eternal home, we can find strength and motivation to live according to God's will, even when faced with worldly temptations. [11:26]

Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from earthly distractions to your heavenly citizenship in your daily decisions and actions?


Day 3: Intentional Observation and Imitation
Who we watch and imitate impacts how we live. We must be intentional about observing those who point us to Jesus, as their influence can guide us in our journey of faith. By surrounding ourselves with Christ-like examples, we can grow in our faith and become more like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions. [07:45]

Hebrews 13:7 (ESV): "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."

Reflection: Who in your life exemplifies Christ-like qualities, and how can you intentionally learn from and imitate them today?


Day 4: Openness to Transformation
Following Jesus is a journey of lifelong transformation. We must be open to change, allowing Jesus to work in us and make us more like Him, even when it challenges our comfort and habits. This transformation is not just a future hope but a present reality, as we are called to reflect Christ in our lives today. [16:15]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you resist change, and how can you invite Jesus to transform it today?


Day 5: Becoming Little Christs
The goal of our Christian journey is to become "little Christs," reflecting His love and grace in all we do. This involves embracing the daily work of transformation and preparing for our eternal home in His kingdom. By embodying the teachings and character of Jesus, we can make a meaningful impact on the world around us. [17:59]

1 John 2:6 (ESV): "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively reflect Christ's love and grace in your interactions with others today?

Quotes

Paul is saying that when we listen to the words of Jesus and we put those words into practice, we start to live in ways that imitate Jesus. This distinction is important because as followers of Jesus, what Paul is really saying is that we have already been set apart. [00:03:10]

Paul is reminding you that there is something greater waiting for you, but it's not here on this earth. Earthly treasures and pleasures are going to fade away, and when they do, something greater will be waiting there for you. You were made for so much more than what this world can offer. [00:11:26]

Paul wants us to be mindful of the people that we spend time watching and observing because the more we watch them, the greater the odds we are to become like them. Part of what Paul wants us to do, part of our response to this, is to be intentional about observing people who are going to point us to Jesus. [00:07:45]

Paul understands that when we focus on earthly things, we lose sight of the things that really matter. We keep hearing messages that we're almost enough, and that's just enough to keep us distracted from what's more important. So when we let earthly things distract us, we lose sight of who God has called us to be. [00:10:49]

Living in Christ offers us this unique opportunity to discern what all of those voices and messages are telling us and to instead be able to see what matters most in life, to understand the things that matter most that have to deal with all parts of our lives, and to see where Christ is clearly at work. [00:13:20]

If we are going to follow our faith, to stand firm in the faith that Christ has called us to, then we need to be open to change because life as a follower of Jesus is a journey of lifelong transformation. [00:15:59]

Jesus is constantly at work in you to make you more like him, and that may sound exhausting, but it's actually freeing because it's a reminder of the work that Jesus is doing in your life. As followers of Jesus, part of our journey is to be transformed each and every day. [00:16:15]

Paul's words today remind me of a quote from author and theologian that I love. His name is CS Lewis, and in his book titled Mere Christianity, CS Lewis says these words: every Christian is to become a little Christ. The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else. [00:17:42]

You are a child of God. You have been set apart and called to live in a different way than the rest of the world, and you are called to stand firm in your faith, and Christ, who has called you, stands firm with you. [00:13:20]

Paul is writing specifically to people who are already trying to be more like Jesus because following Jesus means being transformed by him and seeking to be more like him. [00:02:50]

Paul offers words of wisdom and encouragement about how we can live differently than the rest of the world. It's important to point out that Paul is writing specifically to people who are already trying to be more like Jesus. [00:02:50]

Paul wants the people to be aware of the influences and the influencers in the world around them and even how compelling it can sound to live like them. He offers words of warning of what might happen if you try to live like that. [00:02:22]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 17, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?