Living as Citizens of Heaven: Our True Identity
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth of our identity as citizens of heaven. This world, with all its allure and distractions, is not our true home. Our origin and allegiance lie in the heavenly kingdom, and this reality should shape how we think, speak, and act. Just as our earthly origins influence our behavior and values, our heavenly citizenship calls us to live differently from the world around us. We are reminded by Peter in 1 Peter 2:11 that we are temporary residents and foreigners in this world, and we must resist the worldly desires that wage war against our souls.
Being a citizen of heaven means that we are called to think and live differently. Our values are not dictated by the fleeting trends and customs of this world but are rooted in the eternal truths of God's kingdom. 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 leads us to set our hearts and minds on things above, as Paul instructs in Colossians 3. Our treasure is not found in earthly possessions or achievements but in the eternal riches of heaven.
Living as citizens of heaven requires intentionality. We must actively resist the cultural currents that pull us away from God and His purposes. This means making choices that reflect our heavenly values, whether in how we spend our time, use our resources, or interact with others. It means being different, set apart, and holy, as God calls us to be. We are not to be cozy with the world or indulge in its temptations but to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love and truth.
Ultimately, our identity as citizens of heaven gives us a purpose and mission. We are ambassadors of Christ, called to shine His light and share His love in a world that desperately needs it. Our lives are not our own; they belong to God. As we embrace this identity, we find true fulfillment and joy, knowing that we are living for something far greater than ourselves.
Key Takeaways:
- Our identity as citizens of heaven means that this world is not our home. We are called to live by the values of God's kingdom, not the fleeting customs of this world. This requires a conscious effort to resist worldly desires and focus on eternal truths. [03:26]
- Being a citizen of heaven transforms our thinking. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the world but to be transformed by renewing our minds. This transformation leads us to set our hearts on things above, valuing eternal treasures over earthly possessions. [11:48]
- Living differently from the world involves intentional choices. We must actively resist cultural currents that pull us away from God. This means making decisions that reflect our heavenly values, whether in our time, resources, or relationships. [14:18]
- Our heavenly citizenship gives us a purpose and mission. We are ambassadors of Christ, called to shine His light and share His love. Our lives belong to God, and as we embrace this identity, we find true fulfillment and joy. [27:06]
- Embracing our identity as citizens of heaven requires surrender. We must let go of worldly pursuits and fully submit to God, allowing Him to transform us and use us for His purposes. This surrender leads to a life of true freedom and joy. [33:55]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:54] - Influence of Origin
[03:26] - Citizens of Heaven
[05:12] - Temporary Residents
[06:00] - Living for the King
[07:17] - Conjunction Junction
[09:59] - Earthly Concerns
[11:19] - Created for More
[11:48] - Thinking Differently
[13:08] - Setting Minds Above
[14:18] - Living Differently
[15:41] - Entertainment and Conviction
[16:31] - Stewardship and Relationships
[17:15] - Normal vs. Different
[18:11] - Resisting Cultural Currents
[22:05] - Parenting and Discipleship
[24:28] - Called to Be Different
[25:14] - Fish Out of Water
[26:28] - True Satisfaction
[27:06] - Purpose and Mission
[29:43] - Living for God
[31:21] - Prayer and Commitment
[33:02] - Surrendering to God
[35:49] - New Life in Christ
[36:18] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Citizens of Heaven
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 2:11 - "Dear friends, I warn you as temporary residents and foreigners to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls."
2. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
3. Colossians 3:1-2 - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Peter 2:11 say about our identity in this world? How does it describe our relationship to worldly desires? [03:26]
2. According to Romans 12:2, what is the process by which we are transformed? What are we urged not to do? [11:48]
3. In Colossians 3:1-2, where are we instructed to set our hearts and minds? What does this imply about our priorities? [13:08]
4. How does the sermon describe the influence of our earthly origins on our behavior and values? [01:54]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being "temporary residents and foreigners" in 1 Peter 2:11 affect a believer's daily life and decisions? [03:26]
2. What might "renewing of your mind" in Romans 12:2 look like in practical terms for a believer today? [11:48]
3. How does setting our minds on "things above" as instructed in Colossians 3:1-2 challenge the cultural norms we encounter daily? [13:08]
4. The sermon mentions that our heavenly citizenship gives us a purpose and mission. How does this identity as "ambassadors of Christ" shape our interactions with others? [27:06]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current lifestyle. Are there areas where you feel more like a "citizen of this world" rather than a "citizen of heaven"? What steps can you take to align more with your heavenly identity? [09:59]
2. Romans 12:2 talks about not conforming to the world. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel pressured to conform. How can you resist this pressure and renew your mind? [11:48]
3. Consider your daily priorities. How can you intentionally set your heart and mind on "things above" as Colossians 3:1-2 suggests? What practical changes can you make this week? [13:08]
4. The sermon emphasizes living differently from the world. What is one intentional choice you can make this week to reflect your heavenly values in your relationships or use of resources? [14:18]
5. As an ambassador of Christ, how can you shine His light in your community? Identify one specific action you can take to share His love with someone in need. [27:06]
6. The sermon discusses the importance of surrendering worldly pursuits. What is one worldly pursuit you need to let go of to fully submit to God? How will this surrender lead to freedom and joy in your life? [33:55]
7. How can you actively resist the cultural currents that pull you away from God? What support or accountability do you need from your small group to stay focused on your heavenly mission? [22:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Our True Home is Not of This World
Our identity as citizens of heaven reminds us that this world, with all its allure and distractions, is not our true home. Our origin and allegiance lie in the heavenly kingdom, and this reality should shape how we think, speak, and act. Just as our earthly origins influence our behavior and values, our heavenly citizenship calls us to live differently from the world around us. We are reminded by Peter in 1 Peter 2:11 that we are temporary residents and foreigners in this world, and we must resist the worldly desires that wage war against our souls. This requires a conscious effort to resist worldly desires and focus on eternal truths. [03:26]
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)
Reflection: What are some worldly desires or distractions that you find yourself struggling with? How can you remind yourself of your heavenly citizenship in those moments?
Day 2: Transforming Our Minds for Heavenly Living
Being a citizen of heaven transforms our thinking. 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 leads us to set our hearts and minds on things above, as Paul instructs in Colossians 3. Our treasure is not found in earthly possessions or achievements but in the eternal riches of heaven. This shift in perspective helps us value eternal treasures over earthly possessions, guiding us to live with a focus on what truly matters. [11:48]
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively renew your mind to focus on heavenly values today? Consider a specific habit or practice you can adopt to help with this transformation.
Day 3: Intentional Choices Reflecting Heavenly Values
Living differently from the world involves intentional choices. We must actively resist cultural currents that pull us away from God. This means making decisions that reflect our heavenly values, whether in our time, resources, or relationships. It means being different, set apart, and holy, as God calls us to be. We are not to be cozy with the world or indulge in its temptations but to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love and truth. [14:18]
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a recent decision you made. Did it reflect your heavenly values? How can you ensure your future choices align more closely with God's kingdom?
Day 4: Embracing Our Purpose as Ambassadors of Christ
Our heavenly citizenship gives us a purpose and mission. We are ambassadors of Christ, called to shine His light and share His love in a world that desperately needs it. Our lives are not our own; they belong to God. As we embrace this identity, we find true fulfillment and joy, knowing that we are living for something far greater than ourselves. This mission calls us to be active participants in God's work, sharing His love and truth with those around us. [27:06]
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the love and light of Christ? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week as an ambassador of His kingdom?
Day 5: Surrendering to God for True Freedom and Joy
Embracing our identity as citizens of heaven requires surrender. We must let go of worldly pursuits and fully submit to God, allowing Him to transform us and use us for His purposes. This surrender leads to a life of true freedom and joy. By letting go of our own desires and plans, we open ourselves to the abundant life God has prepared for us, experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with His will. [33:55]
"And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
1) "For those of you who are followers of Jesus, where are you from? And the answer is, you're not from here. This is not your home. If you are in Christ, Scripture teaches that you are a citizen of the heavenly kingdom. And because you're not from this world, you are not aligned with all of the values and customs of this earthly world. and because you're loyal to a heavenly king, you talk differently, you think differently, and you live differently, because where you're from influences what you do." [03:26] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "There is a phrase, I must admit, in this verse. that convicts me deeply. And the phrase goes like this. They think only about life here on earth. They think only about life here on earth. Because although I know I'm a citizen of heaven, I tend to think a lot about life here on earth. And this convicts me because my mind drifts toward the cares and the concerns of this world way more often than I would like to admit. And I'm guessing that some of you might be a little bit convicted too, because it's easy to obsess about this earth." [09:59] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "When you're a citizen of heaven, you may live by the laws because you're here, but you are driven by the values of the kingdom of God. Romans 12, two tells us this. Scripture says, it says, don't copy the behavior and customs of this world. Just because everybody else is doing it and everybody else says it's right and everybody else says, well, now this is true. We don't live according to what the world says is true, but we are transformed into a new person by what? Scripture says, by changing the way you think. We will let God's word, let his truth renew our minds so we're not, we're not dragged down into the lies of this world, but we keep our minds set on things that are above." [11:48] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "If you don't actively resist the current of culture, you will drift into the deception of this world. It has to be active. Fight against the things that wage war against your soul. You are not from here. The Bible says we are called to be hagios. That means holy. That means set apart. Set apart means different. Listen to me, church. Don't worry if you're different from the world. Worry if you're not. God calls us to be different, to be set apart." [24:28] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "If you find yourself living for this world and living for this world and never satisfied by the things in this world, it's because you were not made for this world. Stop acting like it's your home. We're citizens of heaven. If you continue to look for the things in this world to satisfy you, you're looking in a place that can never fulfill your deepest longings because you are not created for this world. You're not from this world." [26:28] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "You are not from here. this is not your home. You are a citizen of heaven. And because your life is not your own, and this world is not your home, your past on this earth will not define you. The trials thrown at you will not stop you. Fear can't control you. Doubters can't deter you. There's no person that can ever break you. Money can't buy you because you're living for the treasures of that which is to come. Haters can't silence you. Demons can never defeat you. Why? This world is not your home. You were born in the kingdom of God for the things of God. So live for the things of God." [27:06] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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