Living as Citizens of Heaven in Babylon
Summary
### Summary
When you catch a glimpse of God's glory, everything changes. This truth is foundational to our lives as believers. Today, we celebrate the growth and expansion of our church, The Father's House, with the exciting announcement of a new campus in Santa Barbara, set to launch in 2025. This expansion is a testament to God's faithfulness and the prophetic words spoken over our ministry.
We are beginning a new series titled "A Different Kingdom: Christ Followers in a Babylonian Culture," drawing from the life of Daniel. This series will explore what it means to live as citizens of heaven in a world that often feels like Babylon. Our key text is Philippians 3:20, reminding us that our true citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await our Savior's return.
Living in a Babylonian culture means we must navigate a world filled with deception and moral decay. Jesus' prayer in John 17 and the writings of the apostles remind us that while we are in the world, we are not of it. We are called to live with a different set of values, priorities, and a heavenly perspective.
The story of Daniel and his friends, who were taken into Babylonian captivity, serves as a powerful example. Despite being in a foreign land, they remained faithful to God, refusing to conform to the Babylonian culture. This series will unpack the strategies used by the enemy to change their identity, intake, language, and worship, and how we can resist these same tactics today.
We must pray for our "Babylon"—our cities, states, and nation—while refusing to conform to its demands. Strengthening our relationship with Jesus is crucial for the days ahead. Knowing God intimately will empower us to stand firm and shine brightly in a dark world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Citizens of Heaven: As believers, our true citizenship is in heaven. This perspective shapes our values, priorities, and how we live our lives. We are temporary residents on earth, called to live with purpose and accomplish God's will. This heavenly mindset helps us navigate the challenges and deceptions of the world around us. [42:43]
2. Living in Babylon: The story of Daniel teaches us how to live faithfully in a culture that opposes God's ways. Despite being in Babylonian captivity, Daniel and his friends refused to conform. They maintained their identity in God, their dietary practices, and their worship. This example encourages us to stand firm in our faith, even when the world pressures us to conform. [55:14]
3. Pray for Your Babylon: We are called to pray for the peace and prosperity of the places where we live, even if they feel like Babylon. Our prayers can bring about God's purposes and blessings in our cities and nation. By seeking the welfare of our communities, we also experience God's blessings. [01:03:45]
4. Do Not Conform: Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation comes from knowing God's Word and living by His truth. In a culture filled with deception, we must discern and reject the lies, standing firm in our identity as God's children. [01:06:35]
5. Strengthen Your Relationship with Jesus: Knowing God intimately is essential for resisting the pressures of a Babylonian culture. This deep, experiential knowledge of God empowers us to display strength and take action. As we grow closer to Jesus, we become more resilient and capable of standing against the enemy's tactics. [01:07:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[32:58] - Introduction and Announcements
[33:24] - Prophetic Words and Church Growth
[34:13] - Prophecies Over the Years
[35:01] - Big Announcement: Santa Barbara Campus
[40:38] - Spiritual Work Ahead
[41:12] - New Series Introduction
[41:54] - Living in Perilous Times
[42:43] - Citizens of Heaven
[43:45] - Temporary Residents on Earth
[44:45] - America's Foundation
[46:15] - Jesus' Prayer in John 17
[46:56] - In the World, Not of the World
[48:20] - The World System
[49:53] - Swimming Upstream
[51:22] - Babylonian Captivity
[52:50] - Spiritual Covering
[55:14] - Daniel's Resolve
[58:04] - Four-Part Strategy of Babylon
[01:00:58] - Identity in Christ
[01:03:45] - Pray for Your Babylon
[01:06:35] - Do Not Conform
[01:07:53] - Strengthen Your Relationship with Jesus
[01:09:23] - Raising Up Daniels
[01:11:50] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 3:20: "But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior."
2. John 17:14-18: "I have given them your word, and the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world."
3. Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Philippians 3:20, where is our true citizenship, and what are we eagerly waiting for?
2. In John 17:14-18, what does Jesus pray for regarding His followers' relationship with the world?
3. What does Romans 12:2 instruct us to do instead of conforming to the world? How does this transformation occur?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20) influence our daily decisions and priorities? [42:43]
2. What does it mean to be "in the world but not of the world" as Jesus prayed in John 17:14-18? How can this perspective help us navigate a culture that opposes God's ways? [46:56]
3. Romans 12:2 talks about the renewing of our minds. What practical steps can we take to renew our minds daily and resist conforming to the world's patterns? [01:06:35]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Philippians 3:20, how can you remind yourself daily that your true citizenship is in heaven? What practical steps can you take to live with a heavenly perspective? [42:43]
2. Jesus prayed for His followers to be kept safe from the evil one and to be made holy by God's truth (John 17:14-18). How can you incorporate more of God's Word into your daily routine to grow in holiness and protection? [46:56]
3. Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the world. Identify one area in your life where you feel pressured to conform. What specific actions can you take this week to resist that pressure and renew your mind? [01:06:35]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of praying for our "Babylon" (our cities, states, and nation). How can you start or enhance a prayer routine for your community's peace and prosperity? [01:03:45]
5. Daniel and his friends maintained their identity and faithfulness to God despite being in Babylonian captivity. What are some modern-day "Babylonian" influences you face, and how can you stand firm in your faith like Daniel? [55:14]
6. The sermon highlighted the need to strengthen our relationship with Jesus to resist the pressures of a Babylonian culture. What specific steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Jesus this week? [01:07:53]
7. How can you actively seek to be a light in your community, reflecting the values and priorities of a citizen of heaven? Share one practical way you plan to do this in the coming week. [41:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Citizens of Heaven
As believers, our true citizenship is in heaven. This perspective shapes our values, priorities, and how we live our lives. We are temporary residents on earth, called to live with purpose and accomplish God's will. This heavenly mindset helps us navigate the challenges and deceptions of the world around us. Understanding that our ultimate home is with God allows us to live with a sense of peace and purpose, even when the world around us is chaotic and uncertain.
Philippians 3:20 reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await our Savior's return. This truth is foundational to our identity and mission as followers of Christ. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and our eternal home, we can live with hope and confidence, knowing that our lives have eternal significance. [42:43]
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: How does knowing your true citizenship is in heaven change the way you approach your daily life and decisions today?
Day 2: Living in Babylon
The story of Daniel teaches us how to live faithfully in a culture that opposes God's ways. Despite being in Babylonian captivity, Daniel and his friends refused to conform. They maintained their identity in God, their dietary practices, and their worship. This example encourages us to stand firm in our faith, even when the world pressures us to conform.
Living in a "Babylonian" culture means navigating a world filled with deception and moral decay. Jesus' prayer in John 17 and the writings of the apostles remind us that while we are in the world, we are not of it. We are called to live with a different set of values, priorities, and a heavenly perspective. By following Daniel's example, we can remain faithful to God and resist the pressures to conform to the world's standards. [55:14]
Daniel 1:8 (ESV): "But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you stand firm in your faith and resist conforming to the world's standards today?
Day 3: Pray for Your Babylon
We are called to pray for the peace and prosperity of the places where we live, even if they feel like Babylon. Our prayers can bring about God's purposes and blessings in our cities and nation. By seeking the welfare of our communities, we also experience God's blessings.
Jeremiah 29:7 instructs us to seek the peace and prosperity of the city where we are placed, for in its welfare, we will find our welfare. This call to prayer is not just for our benefit but for the benefit of those around us. As we intercede for our cities, states, and nation, we partner with God in bringing His kingdom to earth. Our prayers have the power to transform our communities and bring about God's purposes. [01:03:45]
Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV): "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
Reflection: How can you specifically pray for the peace and prosperity of your city or community today?
Day 4: Do Not Conform
Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation comes from knowing God's Word and living by His truth. In a culture filled with deception, we must discern and reject the lies, standing firm in our identity as God's children.
The world constantly pressures us to conform to its standards and values, but as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. By renewing our minds with God's Word, we can discern His will and live according to His truth. This transformation empowers us to stand firm in our faith and resist the enemy's tactics. [01:06:35]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to renew your mind with God's Word and resist conforming to the world's patterns?
Day 5: Strengthen Your Relationship with Jesus
Knowing God intimately is essential for resisting the pressures of a Babylonian culture. This deep, experiential knowledge of God empowers us to display strength and take action. As we grow closer to Jesus, we become more resilient and capable of standing against the enemy's tactics.
Strengthening our relationship with Jesus is crucial for the days ahead. By spending time in prayer, worship, and studying God's Word, we can deepen our intimacy with Him. This relationship equips us to stand firm in our faith and shine brightly in a dark world. As we draw closer to Jesus, we become more like Him and are empowered to fulfill His purposes in our lives. [01:07:53]
Daniel 11:32b (ESV): "But the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action."
Reflection: What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to strengthen your relationship with Jesus and grow in your intimacy with Him?
Quotes
1. "When you get a glimpse of the glory of God, everything changes. 365 days a year. You are in the sacred. Thank you. Come on. Give the Lord some praise. While you're on your feet, let's welcome all the locations, Napa and East Bay and Roseville, Calgary, Canada, Prison Church Network, the ladies at Napa State, everybody outside of the room. We love you. It's the 1145. People going nuts. We got something here right now. Yeah. Let me hear just a baby amen out of there." [32:58] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If they haven't told you, you're not from around here. You are a citizen of heaven and life is a temporary vapor of smoke and you've been defined by God. You have been created for eternity and as citizens of heaven, we think differently. Our vocabulary is different. Our priorities are different because the world is a temporary place, an evangelism field, a place where we're to live with purpose to accomplish the will of God with our lives. But it is a brief span of time." [42:43] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So as temporary residents on a broken planet, the Lord wants us to know how to live and what that would look like, especially as we, as we've seen the escalation of evil and the disintegration of morality, even in the last decade, from my perspective and from my watch. So what, what's going to happen during this series, I believe you're going to get stronger in your faith. You're going to get clear on who you are and your purpose for living at this time in history." [43:45] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are not against people. We're not against people groups. We're not against the people of a movement or what they represent. We love all people just as Jesus did. And so when people say oh I'm a church goer evangelicals and church people get a bad rap right and it says oh you're the angry folks that are against you're against this group and you're against that and you're against you're against you're against here's what we are we are for the word of God we are for people we are for Jesus are with me." [49:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Pray for your Babylon, but do not conform to its demands. Pray for Babylon. Say, David, are you praying for California? You bet I am. I'm praying for revival. I'm praying for Governor Newsom. I'm praying for all our messed up laws and our jacked up gas taxes. I was just in Birmingham, Alabama, and I'm driving by a gas station. You get a gallon of gas for $2.29. And that's why everybody's moving to Tennessee, by the way. Several other reasons. But I'm praying for our Babylon." [01:03:45] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Strengthen your relationship with Jesus for the days ahead. That's always a good thing to do is grow closer to the Lord and get to know God like never before, but especially in light of what is coming in the Babylonian culture. Further on in the book, it gets to the point where it says, but the people who are spiritually mature and know their God will display strength and take action. Those who know their God, one translation says this, they're going to be mighty and do exploits and they will resist the enemy." [01:07:53] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Declare what God is saying over your life. Are you getting this? Okay, the last few minutes, I just want to give you two simple applications in this introductory message. Here's number one. Pray for your Babylon, but do not conform to its demands. Pray for Babylon. Say, David, are you praying for California? You bet I am. I'm praying for revival. I'm praying for Governor Newsom. I'm praying for all our messed up laws and our jacked up gas taxes." [01:03:45] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You are a child of God, of God. You're a son in the house. You're a daughter in the house. You are beloved to the Father. You're the friend of God. You belong to Jesus. You are who he says you are. You are the righteousness of God in Christ, right? You're an heir of salvation. This is, you're kind of a big deal. Get that. Why? Because it shapes the way you live. It shapes the way you think. It shapes your confession, and life and death are in the power of the tongue, so much so that it determines your eternity." [01:00:58] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When you believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God, and that he was raised from the dead, and then here's the key. And confess it with your mouth. Everybody just say, with my mouth. Okay, when you confess it, salvation does not occur at belief until belief is connected with confession. And when I declare what God has said about me, see, I used to be the introverted dude, never wanted to do the book report, didn't want to be in front of people, just always embarrassed, and the youngest of the siblings, until one day God told me, hey, you're going to be a leader, so act like a leader." [01:02:25] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So as temporary residents on a broken planet, the Lord wants us to know how to live and what that would look like, especially as we, as we've seen the escalation of evil and the disintegration of morality, even in the last decade, from my perspective and from my watch. So what, what's going to happen during this series, I believe you're going to get stronger in your faith. You're going to get clear on who you are and your purpose for living at this time in history." [43:45] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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