Living as Citizens of Heaven on Earth

 

Summary

As believers, it's essential to remember that our true citizenship is in Heaven. While we live on Earth, our ultimate allegiance is to our heavenly home. This perspective should shape how we live our lives, influencing our values, decisions, and interactions with the world around us. Earth is merely a temporary residence, a place we are passing through. If we forget this, we risk becoming too attached to earthly things, losing sight of our eternal purpose and identity.

Our role as Christians is to be a colony of Heaven on Earth. This means that the values and principles of Heaven should guide and govern our lives. When we accepted Christ, we were transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. The authority of darkness no longer has a legitimate hold over us. We are now under the rule of Christ, and His kingdom should be reflected in our daily lives.

Living as citizens of Heaven involves a conscious effort to align our lives with heavenly values. It requires us to detach from worldly attachments and focus on our eternal home. This doesn't mean we neglect our earthly responsibilities, but rather that we approach them with a heavenly mindset. Our actions, decisions, and relationships should reflect the love, grace, and truth of our heavenly citizenship.

Key Takeaways:

- Our true citizenship is in Heaven, and this should shape our perspective and priorities on Earth. By remembering our heavenly home, we can avoid becoming overly attached to earthly things and maintain our focus on eternal values. [00:09]

- As a colony of Heaven, we are called to let heavenly values influence and govern our lives. This means living in a way that reflects the principles of God's kingdom, such as love, grace, and truth. [00:22]

- The kingdom of darkness no longer has authority over us once we come to Christ. We are now under the rule of Christ, and His light should guide our actions and decisions. [00:36]

- Living as citizens of Heaven requires a conscious effort to detach from worldly attachments and focus on our eternal home. This involves aligning our lives with heavenly values and principles. [00:09]

- Our earthly responsibilities should be approached with a heavenly mindset, reflecting the love, grace, and truth of our heavenly citizenship. This perspective helps us live purposefully and meaningfully in the world. [00:22]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Citizenship in Heaven
[00:22] - Colony of Heaven
[00:36] - Authority of Christ
[00:09] - Detaching from Earthly Attachments
[00:22] - Heavenly Values and Principles
[00:36] - Living with a Heavenly Mindset

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:20 - "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
- Colossians 1:13 - "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son."

Observation Questions:
1. According to Philippians 3:20, where is our true citizenship, and what are we waiting for? How does this align with the sermon’s message about our heavenly home? [00:09]
2. In Colossians 1:13, what does it mean to be transferred from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of Christ? How does this transfer affect our daily lives? [00:36]
3. The sermon mentions that we are a "colony of Heaven." What does this metaphor suggest about how we should live on Earth? [00:22]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding our citizenship in Heaven change the way we view our earthly possessions and achievements? [00:09]
2. What are some practical ways that heavenly values can influence our decisions and interactions with others? [00:22]
3. How does the authority of Christ, as mentioned in Colossians 1:13, empower us to live differently from the world? [00:36]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How might it have been different if you had approached it with a heavenly mindset? [00:09]
2. Identify one earthly attachment that might be distracting you from your heavenly citizenship. What steps can you take to loosen its hold on you? [00:09]
3. Think of a relationship in your life. How can you reflect the love, grace, and truth of your heavenly citizenship in that relationship this week? [00:22]
4. How can you actively remind yourself of your heavenly citizenship in your daily routine? Consider practical reminders or habits you can incorporate. [00:09]
5. In what ways can you contribute to your community as a "colony of Heaven"? Identify one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate heavenly values. [00:22]
6. How can you encourage others in your small group to live with a heavenly mindset? Share one idea or practice that has helped you. [00:36]

Devotional

Day 1: Our True Citizenship in Heaven
Our true citizenship is in Heaven, and this should shape our perspective and priorities on Earth. By remembering our heavenly home, we can avoid becoming overly attached to earthly things and maintain our focus on eternal values. This perspective encourages believers to live with a sense of purpose that transcends the temporary nature of earthly life. It is a call to prioritize spiritual growth and eternal significance over material possessions and fleeting pleasures. By keeping our eyes fixed on our heavenly citizenship, we are reminded of our identity in Christ and the eternal inheritance that awaits us. [00:09]

"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: What is one earthly attachment you find difficult to let go of, and how can you begin to shift your focus towards your heavenly citizenship today?


Day 2: Living as a Colony of Heaven
As a colony of Heaven, we are called to let heavenly values influence and govern our lives. This means living in a way that reflects the principles of God's kingdom, such as love, grace, and truth. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of Christ, demonstrating the values of His kingdom in our interactions with others. By embodying these heavenly principles, we become ambassadors of God's love and grace, drawing others towards the light of His truth. This calling challenges us to live counter-culturally, prioritizing spiritual values over societal norms. [00:22]

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively demonstrate the values of God's kingdom in your daily interactions with others?


Day 3: Authority of Christ Over Darkness
The kingdom of darkness no longer has authority over us once we come to Christ. We are now under the rule of Christ, and His light should guide our actions and decisions. This truth empowers believers to live in freedom, no longer bound by the chains of sin and darkness. It is a reminder of the victory we have in Christ and the authority we possess as His followers. By embracing this authority, we can confidently resist the temptations and influences of the world, choosing instead to walk in the light of Christ's love and truth. [00:36]

"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the pull of darkness, and how can you invite Christ's authority to guide you towards His light?


Day 4: Detaching from Earthly Attachments
Living as citizens of Heaven requires a conscious effort to detach from worldly attachments and focus on our eternal home. This involves aligning our lives with heavenly values and principles. It is a call to evaluate our priorities and make intentional choices that reflect our commitment to Christ. By detaching from earthly attachments, we free ourselves to fully embrace the abundant life that God offers. This detachment is not about neglecting our responsibilities but about approaching them with a heavenly mindset, allowing God's love and grace to permeate every aspect of our lives. [00:09]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to detach from a specific worldly attachment and focus more on your eternal home?


Day 5: Approaching Earthly Responsibilities with a Heavenly Mindset
Our earthly responsibilities should be approached with a heavenly mindset, reflecting the love, grace, and truth of our heavenly citizenship. This perspective helps us live purposefully and meaningfully in the world. By viewing our daily tasks through the lens of eternity, we can find joy and fulfillment in even the most mundane activities. It is an invitation to infuse our work, relationships, and decisions with the values of God's kingdom, allowing His love to shine through us. This approach transforms our earthly responsibilities into opportunities for spiritual growth and service. [00:22]

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: How can you approach one specific responsibility today with a heavenly mindset, allowing God's love and grace to guide your actions?

Quotes

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Transcript
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