Living as Citizens of Heaven on Earth

 

Summary

In reflecting on our citizenship in heaven, we are reminded of the profound contrast between the life of a believer and that of the world. Our lives should not merely be a comparison but a stark contrast to those who do not know Christ. As citizens of heaven, we are called to live lives that are distinct, embodying the light in a world of darkness. This distinction is not just in moral superiority but in the very essence of our being, as we are called to be a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. Our conduct should reflect our heavenly citizenship, urging us to live above the temptations and trials of this world.

Being citizens of heaven means we are aliens here on earth. We are like travelers in a foreign land, affected by its conditions but not belonging to it. Our true allegiance is to the kingdom of God, and our actions should reflect that. We are called to seek the good of the world we temporarily inhabit, to love our enemies, and to do good, hoping for nothing in return. Our mission is to bring others to Christ, to recruit them for the kingdom of heaven, and to live peaceably, submitting to earthly authorities while maintaining our heavenly focus.

Our privileges as heavenly citizens are profound. We are not bound by the world's standards or compelled to serve its prince. Instead, we are free to serve Christ, our true Master. The world's honors and treasures are not our aim; our treasures are stored in heaven, where they are safe from decay and theft. We are reminded that our true wealth is in the eternal, not the temporal.

As we live in anticipation of Christ's return, we are encouraged to keep our eyes on our heavenly home. Our lives should be a reflection of our heavenly citizenship, marked by holiness, joy, obedience, and love. We are to live as those who are already part of the heavenly community, rejoicing in the hope of our future with Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Distinctive Living: Our lives as Christians should be a stark contrast to the world, reflecting the light of Christ in a world of darkness. This distinction is not about moral superiority but about embodying the essence of our heavenly citizenship. [01:03]

- Aliens on Earth: As citizens of heaven, we are strangers on earth, called to seek the good of the world while maintaining our focus on our true home. Our mission is to bring others to Christ and live peaceably, submitting to earthly authorities. [04:44]

- Heavenly Privileges: We are free from the world's standards and compelled to serve Christ alone. Our treasures are stored in heaven, safe from decay and theft, reminding us that our true wealth is eternal. [13:01]

- Anticipation of Christ's Return: We are encouraged to live in anticipation of Christ's return, keeping our eyes on our heavenly home and living as those who are already part of the heavenly community. [39:16]

- Heavenly Focus: Our lives should reflect our heavenly citizenship, marked by holiness, joy, obedience, and love. We are to live as those who are already part of the heavenly community, rejoicing in the hope of our future with Christ. [27:15]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction to Heavenly Citizenship
- [01:03] - Distinctive Living as Christians
- [02:31] - The Contrast Between Believers and the World
- [04:44] - Aliens on Earth
- [06:39] - Sharing in Earth's Inconveniences
- [09:25] - Our Mission on Earth
- [12:11] - Spiritual Politics
- [13:01] - Heavenly Privileges
- [15:02] - Worldly Honors and Christian Identity
- [18:00] - Treasures in Heaven
- [21:59] - Citizenship in Heaven
- [27:15] - Our Heavenly Conduct
- [32:08] - Trading with Heaven
- [39:16] - Anticipation of Christ's Return
- [46:30] - Reunion in Heaven

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 3:20 (KJV): "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Philippians 3:20 suggest about the believer's relationship with the world? How does this align with the sermon's message about being "aliens on earth"? [04:44]
2. According to the sermon, what are some characteristics that should distinguish a Christian's life from that of the world? [01:03]
3. How does the sermon describe the privileges of being a citizen of heaven? [13:01]
4. What is the significance of living in anticipation of Christ's return, as mentioned in the sermon? [39:16]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being "aliens on earth" influence a Christian's daily decisions and interactions with others? [04:44]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christians should reflect their heavenly citizenship in their conduct? [27:15]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between earthly trials and heavenly focus? How should believers navigate this tension? [06:56]
4. How does the anticipation of Christ's return shape the priorities and values of a believer, according to the sermon? [39:16]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life: In what ways do you feel like an "alien" in this world? How can you embrace this identity more fully in your actions and decisions? [04:44]
2. Consider your interactions with non-believers. How can you embody the light of Christ in a way that is both distinct and inviting? [01:03]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you are tempted to conform to worldly standards. What steps can you take to align this area with your heavenly citizenship? [13:01]
4. How can you actively seek the good of the world around you while maintaining your focus on your heavenly home? [09:05]
5. What practical changes can you make to live in anticipation of Christ's return? How can this anticipation influence your daily choices and long-term goals? [39:16]
6. Think of a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did your heavenly focus help you navigate it, or how could it have helped? [06:56]
7. Choose one aspect of your life where you can more clearly reflect the joy, obedience, and love that mark a citizen of heaven. What specific actions will you take this week to embody these qualities? [27:15]

Devotional

Day 1: Living as Light in Darkness
Our lives as Christians are meant to be a stark contrast to the world around us. This is not about claiming moral superiority but about embodying the essence of our heavenly citizenship. As believers, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in a world that often seems engulfed in darkness. This means living in a way that is distinct and noticeable, not for our glory, but to point others to Christ. Our actions, words, and attitudes should be a testament to the transformative power of the gospel, showing others the hope and joy found in a relationship with Jesus. [01:03]

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)." (Ephesians 5:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can better reflect the light of Christ. What practical steps can you take today to shine His light in that area?


Day 2: Strangers in a Foreign Land
As citizens of heaven, we are like travelers in a foreign land, affected by its conditions but not belonging to it. Our true allegiance is to the kingdom of God, and our actions should reflect that. We are called to seek the good of the world we temporarily inhabit, to love our enemies, and to do good, hoping for nothing in return. Our mission is to bring others to Christ, to recruit them for the kingdom of heaven, and to live peaceably, submitting to earthly authorities while maintaining our heavenly focus. [04:44]

"Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." (1 Peter 2:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you demonstrate your heavenly citizenship in your interactions with others today, especially those who may not share your beliefs?


Day 3: Treasures in Heaven
Our privileges as heavenly citizens are profound. We are not bound by the world's standards or compelled to serve its prince. Instead, we are free to serve Christ, our true Master. The world's honors and treasures are not our aim; our treasures are stored in heaven, where they are safe from decay and theft. We are reminded that our true wealth is in the eternal, not the temporal. This perspective frees us from the relentless pursuit of worldly success and allows us to focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and our service to others. [13:01]

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Consider your current priorities. Are there any areas where you are storing up treasures on earth rather than in heaven? What changes can you make to align your priorities with your heavenly citizenship?


Day 4: Anticipating Christ's Return
As we live in anticipation of Christ's return, we are encouraged to keep our eyes on our heavenly home. Our lives should be a reflection of our heavenly citizenship, marked by holiness, joy, obedience, and love. We are to live as those who are already part of the heavenly community, rejoicing in the hope of our future with Christ. This anticipation should influence our daily decisions and interactions, reminding us that our time on earth is temporary and that our ultimate goal is to be with Christ forever. [39:16]

"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 does the anticipation of Christ's return influence your daily life? What is one way you can live today with eternity in mind?


Day 5: Embracing Our Heavenly Identity
Our lives should reflect our heavenly citizenship, marked by holiness, joy, obedience, and love. We are to live as those who are already part of the heavenly community, rejoicing in the hope of our future with Christ. This means embracing our identity as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. Our conduct should reflect our heavenly citizenship, urging us to live above the temptations and trials of this world. By doing so, we not only honor God but also draw others to Him, showing them the beauty of a life transformed by His grace. [27:15]

"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." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embrace your identity as a citizen of heaven today? How can this identity shape your interactions and decisions?

Quotes



Christian men ought so to live that it were idle to speak of a comparison between them and the men of the world it should not be a comparison but a contrast no scale of degrees should be possible the believer should be a direct and manifest contradiction to the unregenerate the life of a saint should be altogether above and out of the same list is the life of a sinner. [00:31:40]

Since we are aliens we must remember to behave ourselves as aliens should and by no means come short in our duty we are affected by the position of our temporary country a person trading in New York or Boston though a free man of the city of London will find himself very much affected by the trade of the dis this United States when the merchants of his City suffer he will find himself suffering with them. [05:36:40]

We must do our utmost while we are here to bring men to Christ to win them from their evil ways to bring them to eternal life and to make them with US citizens of another and a better land for to tell the truth we are here as recruiting sergeants for heaven here to give men the enlisting money to bind upon them the blood red colors of the savior's service to win them to King Jesus that by and by they may share his victories after having fought his battles. [09:09:43]

We are free and own not the prince of the power of the air I know that men of this world say we must keep up appearances we must be respectable we must do as others do we must swim with the tide we must move with the crowd but not so the upright believer no says he do not expect me to fall in with your ways and Customs I am in Rome but I shall not do as Rome does. [13:31:36]

If we are aliens the treasures of this world are like those Bits of Paper of little value in our esteem and we should lay up our treasure in heaven where neither moth nor rust do corrupt and where thieves do not break through nor steal the money of this world is not current in paradise and when we reach its Blissful Shore if regret can be known we shall wish that we had laid up more treasure in the land of our fatherhood in the dear Fatherland beyond the skies. [19:52:44]

It is our comfort now to remind you that although aliens on Earth we are citizens in heaven what is meant by our being citizens in heaven why first that we are under Heaven's government Christ the King of Heaven Reigns in our hearts the laws of Glory are the laws of our consciences our daily prayer is thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. [22:02:12]

Our walk and acts are such as are consistent without dignity as citizens of Heaven among the old Romans when a dastardly action was proposed it was thought a sufficient refusal to answer Romanus Su I am a Roman surely it should be a strong incentive to every good thing if we can claim to be free men of the Eternal City let our lives be conformed to the glory of our citizenship in heaven. [27:21:36]

We should in fact seek while we are here to keep up the manners and customs of the good old Fatherland so that as in Paris the Parisian soon says There Goes John bull so they should be able to say in this land there goes a Heavenly citizen one who is with us and among us but is not of us our very speech should be such that our citizenship should be detected. [29:10:12]

We are trading on Earth but still the bulk of our trade is with heaven we trade for trinkets in this land but our gold and silver are in heaven we commune with heaven and how our trade is with Heaven by meditation we often think of God our Father and Christ our brother and by the spirit the comforter we are brought in contemplative Delight to the general assembly in church of the firstborn whose names are written in heaven. [32:01:39]

There is a great reason why we should live like aliens and foreigners here and that is Christ is coming soon the early church never forgot this did they not pant and thirst after the return of their ascended Lord like the 12 tribes day and night they instantly watched for messiah but the church has grown weary of this hope there have been so many false prophets who tell us that Christ is coming that the church thinks he never will come. [39:21:44]

I do preach this because I know it that Christ will come for he says so in a 100 passages the Epistles of Paul are full of the Advent and Peter's 2 and John's letters are crowded with it the best of Saints have always lived on the hope of the Advent there was Enoch he prophesied of the coming of the son of man so there was another Enoch who was always talking of the coming and saying come quickly. [42:04:24]

I think the church would do well to be always living as if Christ might come today I feel persuaded she is doing ill if she works as if he would not come till 1866 because he may come before and he may come at this moment let her always be living as if he would come now still acting in her master sight and watching unto prayer. [43:35:00]

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Transcript
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