Living as Citizens of Heaven in a Divided World

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the profound implications of living as citizens of heaven while navigating our earthly citizenship. Drawing from Philippians 1:27-30, we explore the Apostle Paul's exhortation to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. The Greek word "politeo," rooted in "polis" (city), is pivotal here, as it underscores the concept of citizenship. Paul challenges us to consider our dual citizenship: as citizens of heaven and as citizens of our earthly communities. This duality calls us to embody the values of the kingdom of God in our daily lives, influencing how we interact with others and engage in our communities.

Paul's message is particularly relevant in a world rife with division and political strife. He emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ, urging believers to stand firm in one Spirit and strive side by side for the faith of the gospel. This unity is not merely a superficial agreement but a deep, spiritual oneness rooted in the Holy Spirit. It is a call to embody the mind of Christ, characterized by humility, selflessness, and a commitment to the gospel.

The sermon also highlights the unique nature of the church as a diverse body of believers united by the gospel. This diversity, while challenging, is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel. It is a call to embrace our differences and work together for the common goal of advancing the kingdom of God. In doing so, we become a living testimony to the world of the reality of Christ's love and the truth of the gospel.

In a society marked by increasing polarization, the church's unity can serve as a beacon of hope and a powerful witness to the world. By living out our heavenly citizenship in our earthly contexts, we demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel and the reality of God's kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

1. Dual Citizenship: As believers, we hold dual citizenship—of heaven and our earthly communities. This duality calls us to live out the values of God's kingdom in our daily interactions, influencing how we engage with others and our communities. Our heavenly citizenship should shape our earthly conduct, reflecting the gospel's transformative power. [06:48]

2. Unity in the Spirit: Paul emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ, urging believers to stand firm in one Spirit. This unity is not just agreement but a deep spiritual oneness rooted in the Holy Spirit, calling us to embody the mind of Christ in humility and selflessness. [11:27]

3. The Church's Unique Diversity: The church is a diverse body of believers united by the gospel. This diversity, while challenging, is a testament to the gospel's power, calling us to embrace our differences and work together for the kingdom of God. Our unity amidst diversity is a powerful witness to the world. [23:41]

4. Living Worthy of the Gospel: Our conduct as citizens of heaven should be worthy of the gospel of Christ. This involves standing firm in one Spirit, striving together for the faith, and not being afraid of opposition. Our lives should reflect the gospel's transformative power, serving as a testimony to the world. [15:43]

5. Hope for a Divided World: In a world marked by division, the church's unity can serve as a beacon of hope. By living out our heavenly citizenship in our earthly contexts, we demonstrate the reality of God's kingdom and the truth of the gospel, offering a powerful witness to a divided world. [25:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to John 17
- [01:56] - Politics and Citizenship
- [04:12] - Understanding Politeo
- [06:48] - Dual Citizenship Explained
- [11:27] - Unity in the Holy Spirit
- [12:59] - The Mind of Christ
- [15:43] - Living Worthy of the Gospel
- [17:40] - Personal Reflections
- [18:32] - Importance of Unity
- [21:33] - The Church's Unique Diversity
- [23:41] - God's Vision for the Church
- [25:24] - Hope for a Divided World
- [26:21] - The Gospel Community
- [28:00] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 1:27-30
- John 17:20-23

#### Observation Questions
1. What does the Greek word "politeo" mean, and how does it relate to the concept of citizenship in Philippians 1:27? [04:12]
2. How does Paul describe the unity within the body of Christ in Philippians 1:27-30? [11:27]
3. What are the four phrases Paul uses to explain living as a citizen worthy of the gospel? [06:48]
4. How does the sermon describe the diversity within the church and its significance? [23:41]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to live as a citizen of heaven while also being a citizen of an earthly community, according to the sermon? [06:48]
2. How does the unity of the church serve as a witness to the world, based on John 17:20-23 and the sermon? [18:32]
3. In what ways does the diversity within the church reflect the transformative power of the gospel? [23:41]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers should respond to opposition while living out their heavenly citizenship? [15:43]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How does your heavenly citizenship influence your daily interactions and decisions within your earthly community? [06:48]
2. Consider a situation where you have experienced division within a church setting. How can you strive for unity in the Spirit in similar situations in the future? [11:27]
3. Think about the diversity within your own church community. How can you embrace and celebrate these differences to work together for the kingdom of God? [23:41]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you can live more worthy of the gospel. What steps can you take to align your conduct with the values of God's kingdom? [15:43]
5. In a world marked by division, how can you personally contribute to the church being a beacon of hope and unity? [25:24]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt challenged by your dual citizenship. How did you navigate that tension, and what did you learn from it? [06:48]
7. How can you practically support and encourage others in your church to stand firm in one Spirit and strive together for the faith of the gospel? [11:27]

Devotional

Day 1: Living as Dual Citizens
As believers, we are called to navigate the tension of holding dual citizenship—one in heaven and one on earth. This duality challenges us to live out the values of God's kingdom in our daily interactions, influencing how we engage with others and our communities. Our heavenly citizenship should shape our earthly conduct, reflecting the gospel's transformative power. This means that our actions, words, and decisions should be guided by the principles of love, justice, and mercy that are central to the kingdom of God. By doing so, we become ambassadors of Christ, representing His kingdom in a world that desperately needs hope and redemption. [06:48]

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you let your heavenly citizenship influence your interactions at work or in your community today?

Day 2: Unity in the Spirit
The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ, urging believers to stand firm in one Spirit. This unity is not just about agreement but a deep spiritual oneness rooted in the Holy Spirit. It calls us to embody the mind of Christ, characterized by humility, selflessness, and a commitment to the gospel. In a world rife with division and conflict, the church's unity can serve as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel. By striving for unity, we reflect the heart of God and demonstrate the reality of His kingdom to those around us. [11:27]

Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: Think of a relationship within your church community that needs healing. How can you take a step towards unity and reconciliation today?

Day 3: Embracing the Church's Unique Diversity
The church is a diverse body of believers united by the gospel. This diversity, while challenging, is a testament to the gospel's power, calling us to embrace our differences and work together for the kingdom of God. Our unity amidst diversity is a powerful witness to the world, showcasing the transformative power of the gospel. By valuing each person's unique gifts and perspectives, we can work together to advance God's kingdom and demonstrate His love to a divided world. This requires humility, patience, and a willingness to learn from one another, recognizing that our differences can strengthen and enrich the body of Christ. [23:41]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."

Reflection: How can you actively celebrate and engage with the diversity within your church community this week?

Day 4: Living Worthy of the Gospel
Our conduct as citizens of heaven should be worthy of the gospel of Christ. This involves standing firm in one Spirit, striving together for the faith, and not being afraid of opposition. Our lives should reflect the gospel's transformative power, serving as a testimony to the world. By living in a manner worthy of the gospel, we demonstrate the reality of God's kingdom and the truth of His love. This requires intentionality and a commitment to living out our faith in every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our work and beyond. [15:43]

Colossians 1:10-12 (ESV): "So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel challenged to live in a manner worthy of the gospel? How can you take a step towards aligning that area with God's kingdom values today?

Day 5: Hope for a Divided World
In a world marked by division, the church's unity can serve as a beacon of hope. By living out our heavenly citizenship in our earthly contexts, we demonstrate the reality of God's kingdom and the truth of the gospel, offering a powerful witness to a divided world. Our unity and love for one another can be a testament to the transformative power of the gospel, drawing others to Christ. As we strive to live in harmony with one another, we reflect the heart of God and offer hope to those who are searching for meaning and purpose in a broken world. [25:24]

John 13:34-35 (ESV): "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Reflection: How can you be a source of hope and unity in your community today, especially in situations where division and conflict are present?

Quotes

As we prepare ourselves for the scriptures this morning, I invite you to hear these are the words from John 17. This is from Jesus's high priestly prayer in the garden on the night of his arrest. He's praying for you and for me. He prays this to the Father. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. [00:00:00] ( | | )

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel not frightened in anything by your opponents this is a clear sign to them of their destruction but of your salvation and that from God for it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. [00:02:51] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

He's in prison for defense of the gospel, and this is how that experience has played out in his life. Now he's trying to apply that to the citizens of the kingdom of God who are living as citizens of Philippi, and he says to them, you also are citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and you live as citizens of Philippi, and that tension between those two, this is how it played out for me. It's going to play out for you too. So what I'm writing to you as citizens do it in a way that is worthy of the gospel of christ and then he explains he uses these four phrases to explain exactly what he is talking about. [00:08:40] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

And evidently, this may have been an issue for the church in Philippi. Well, we know it was. The Philippian letter is unique in that it's one of the few letters of Paul where he doesn't have a whole lot of critical things to say about the church. He doesn't confront their, like, gross immorality. He doesn't confront false teachings or doctrinal issues. It's almost just a lovey -dovey all the way through until you get to chapter 4. He actually calls out these two ladies by name, Judea and Syntyche, I think that's how you pronounce that name, and he urges them to agree in the Lord. [00:12:59] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

The third thing he says is not being afraid of your opponents, which I think is a very interesting phrase. Paul knew opponents very well. I mean, in Philippi, he was beaten with rods. He was in prison. He's pretty much run out of every city he ever went to. He has a constant long list of opponents, but he says don't be afraid of them, and then he uses this really weird phrase. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation. [00:14:50] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

The second thing the Lord reminded me of this week was John 17. John 17 is the high priestly prayer of Jesus. We just finished going through John, and going through that prayer, I've latched on to that. It really helps me to pray for myself and to pray for others, so I pray through our church directory and pray over you as a family, and if I know something specific to pray for, I'll do that, but if not, I just pray John 17 for you and your family. John 17, Jesus praying for us that you would receive the Word and you'd hear the Word, that the Father would keep the evil one away from you, that the Father would keep you in His name, that the Father would sanctify you in truth, that the Father would send you out into the world, but the thing that Jesus prays in that prayer repeatedly, that passage that we just read, is that we would be one, and because, and He says it twice, that they would be one, that the world may believe that the Father has sent the Son. He says that twice. [00:20:09] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

I mean, the ones that we know are in the church in Philippi. There's Lydia. She was a very successful businesswoman, a woman of means, a woman of influence. The marketplace was her realm. She was probably well known there. Then there's the jailer who's dealing with the whole other part of the city with the criminals and the legal system and everything. There's no reason that those two people would cross paths. If this lady who had the demon spirit that was cast out, if she was part of the church, if she was part of the church, if she was part of the church, a whole other side of the church. None of those people would have crossed paths together. But because of the gospel and because of God's vision of the church, which is we are fellow citizens of the kingdom of God, we are members of God's household, we are children of the same God, we are indwelled by the one Holy Spirit. Because of God's vision of the church, these people came together, and the gospel is what brought them together. And that gospel community is so unique in the world today. [00:22:18] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

I mean, could it be that the single greatest hope to a nation that is experiencing greater and greater divisions — I'm not sure if that's the right word for it, but I think it's a great word for it — is for the church to be standing together as this incredibly diverse body, but standing firm in one Holy Spirit, striving side by side for the gospel, but doing it in the mind of Christ and projecting to the world, this is God's vision for eternity, is that we come together as one. [00:25:24] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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