Living as Citizens of the Heavenly Kingdom
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound concept of our heavenly citizenship and how it should shape our lives here on earth. I began by sharing my dream of owning a home in Antigua, Guatemala, which served as a metaphor for our longing for a place we are not yet fully familiar with. This led us into a discussion about the unshakable kingdom of God, as described in Hebrews 12. We are already citizens of the New Jerusalem, a heavenly city that will descend from heaven, and this reality should transform how we live today.
We delved into the idea that our current lives are a training ground for our future roles in God's kingdom. The trials and sufferings we face are part of God's discipline, preparing us for our eternal citizenship. We are called to live differently, maintaining our loyalty to Jesus despite the challenges. This involves understanding that our true identity and purpose are rooted in Christ's victory and authority.
We also discussed the importance of living as ambassadors of this heavenly kingdom. Our homes and our church should serve as embassies of the New Jerusalem, offering a taste of God's kingdom to those around us. This means embodying the politics of Jesus, which are centered on forgiveness, grace, and love. We are to live out these values now, even as we await the full revelation of the New Jerusalem.
Finally, we touched on the tension of living in the "already and not yet" of God's kingdom. While we are citizens of heaven, we still live in a broken world. This dual reality calls us to bring heaven's influence into our daily lives, making our church and homes previews of the coming kingdom. We must continually ask ourselves how we can better reflect the character and politics of Jesus in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Heavenly Citizenship as a Present Reality: Our citizenship in the New Jerusalem is not just a future promise but a present reality. This truth should transform how we live today, aligning our actions and decisions with the values of God's kingdom. We are called to live as citizens of heaven now, bringing its influence into our daily lives. [04:10]
2. Trials as Preparation for Eternal Citizenship: The trials and sufferings we face are part of God's discipline, preparing us for our future roles in His kingdom. These challenges are meant to strengthen our faith and character, fitting us for the unshakable kingdom we belong to. Embracing this perspective helps us endure hardships with hope and purpose. [06:06]
3. Living as Ambassadors of the Kingdom: Our homes and church should serve as embassies of the New Jerusalem, offering a taste of God's kingdom to those around us. This involves embodying the politics of Jesus, which are centered on forgiveness, grace, and love. We are to live out these values now, even as we await the full revelation of the New Jerusalem. [30:56]
4. The Already and Not Yet of God's Kingdom: We live in the tension of being citizens of an unshakable kingdom while still residing in a broken world. This dual reality calls us to bring heaven's influence into our daily lives, making our church and homes previews of the coming kingdom. We must continually ask ourselves how we can better reflect the character and politics of Jesus in our lives. [22:57]
5. Forgiveness as a Central Value: Forgiveness is a core value of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus teaches us that if we do not forgive others, we cannot expect to be forgiven by God. This principle challenges us to let go of bitterness and embrace a lifestyle of grace and reconciliation, reflecting the heart of our heavenly Father. [26:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Dream of Antigua, Guatemala
[01:37] - Unshakable Kingdom
[03:13] - Moments of Instability
[04:10] - Citizens of Heaven
[05:07] - Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12
[06:06] - Trials as Discipline
[07:03] - Materialism vs. Kingdom Reality
[07:52] - Mount Zion vs. Mount Sinai
[08:31] - Heavenly Jerusalem
[09:15] - Festal Gathering
[10:17] - Warning Against Refusal
[11:07] - Consuming Fire
[12:35] - Paul's Example to the Philippians
[14:15] - Seated in Heavenly Places
[16:11] - Living as New Creation
[17:19] - Earthquake-Proof Foundation
[18:48] - Cultural Differences and Citizenship
[20:09] - Representing Kingdom Values
[22:57] - New Jerusalem and New Creation
[24:42] - The Lord's Prayer
[26:15] - The Politics of Forgiveness
[27:55] - The Poison of Bitterness
[30:56] - Ambassadors of the Kingdom
[32:17] - Embassies of the Kingdom
[33:31] - Living as Examples
[34:49] - Shakedown and Discipline
[36:35] - Training Like an Athlete
[37:12] - Remembering Our Identity
[38:54] - Joy of the Heavenly City
[39:47] - Partying with Angels
[40:50] - Dual Reality of Joy and Sorrow
[42:03] - Strategy for Kingdom Living
[43:37] - Preview of Coming Attractions
[45:11] - Familiarity with Jesus' Politics
[46:35] - Christ-like Character
[47:10] - Commitment to Becoming Like Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 12:22-24 (ESV): "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 12:22-24 describe about the heavenly Jerusalem and its inhabitants?
2. According to the sermon, how should our understanding of being citizens of the New Jerusalem influence our daily lives? [04:10]
3. What are some of the trials and sufferings mentioned in the sermon that prepare us for our eternal citizenship? [06:06]
4. How does the pastor describe the role of our homes and church as embassies of the New Jerusalem? [32:17]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to live as citizens of heaven now, according to Hebrews 12:22-24 and the sermon? [04:10]
2. How can viewing trials as preparation for eternal citizenship change our perspective on suffering? [06:06]
3. What are the "politics of Jesus" mentioned in the sermon, and how do they contrast with worldly politics? [26:15]
4. How does the concept of the "already and not yet" of God's kingdom create tension in our daily lives? [22:57]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. How can you better align your actions and decisions with the values of God's kingdom? [04:10]
2. Think about a recent trial or suffering you have faced. How can you view it as part of God's discipline preparing you for your eternal citizenship? [06:06]
3. In what ways can your home or church serve as an embassy of the New Jerusalem, offering a taste of God's kingdom to those around you? [32:17]
4. How can you embody the politics of Jesus—centered on forgiveness, grace, and love—in your interactions this week? [26:15]
5. Identify one area of your life where you feel the tension of the "already and not yet" of God's kingdom. How can you bring heaven's influence into that area? [22:57]
6. Forgiveness is a core value of the kingdom of heaven. Is there someone you need to forgive? What steps can you take to let go of bitterness and embrace a lifestyle of grace and reconciliation? [26:15]
7. How can you remind yourself daily of your true identity and purpose rooted in Christ's victory and authority? [16:42]
Devotional
Day 1: Living as Citizens of Heaven
Our citizenship in the New Jerusalem is not just a future promise but a present reality. This truth should transform how we live today, aligning our actions and decisions with the values of God's kingdom. We are called to live as citizens of heaven now, bringing its influence into our daily lives. [04:10]
"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 can you bring the values of God's kingdom into your daily decisions and interactions today?
Day 2: Embracing Trials as Preparation
The trials and sufferings we face are part of God's discipline, preparing us for our future roles in His kingdom. These challenges are meant to strengthen our faith and character, fitting us for the unshakable kingdom we belong to. Embracing this perspective helps us endure hardships with hope and purpose. [06:06]
"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you faced. How can you see it as part of God's preparation for your eternal citizenship?
Day 3: Being Ambassadors of the Kingdom
Our homes and church should serve as embassies of the New Jerusalem, offering a taste of God's kingdom to those around us. This involves embodying the politics of Jesus, which are centered on forgiveness, grace, and love. We are to live out these values now, even as we await the full revelation of the New Jerusalem. [30:56]
"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: How can you make your home or church a more effective embassy of God's kingdom today?
Day 4: Navigating the "Already and Not Yet"
We live in the tension of being citizens of an unshakable kingdom while still residing in a broken world. This dual reality calls us to bring heaven's influence into our daily lives, making our church and homes previews of the coming kingdom. We must continually ask ourselves how we can better reflect the character and politics of Jesus in our lives. [22:57]
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can bring the influence of heaven into your daily life amidst the brokenness of this world?
Day 5: Practicing Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a core value of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus teaches us that if we do not forgive others, we cannot expect to be forgiven by God. This principle challenges us to let go of bitterness and embrace a lifestyle of grace and reconciliation, reflecting the heart of our heavenly Father. [26:15]
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Quotes
1. "We all have moments of instability, disruption, fear, ridiculous, right? We could go around and tell those stories, and we all have them. But we belong to a city, and it's described in this passage, as we close out, Hebrews chapter 12, as the new Jerusalem. It's different than the other one. It's new. We've got it, and it's going to come down from heaven, the new Jerusalem, and it's going to be in our midst. And we are already citizens of that place." [03:13] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What would change in your life if you truly believed you were already a citizen of heaven? I love being a part of Issaquah. I mean, I can't afford to live in Issaquah, let's just be honest. But I love the city center. I love being a part of it. I love being at Culture Fest this Friday night, and serving backstage, and meeting all the people, and working alongside staff members. And the city, and getting to know them, and doing all that. I love this city." [04:10] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You've got to maintain your believing loyalty in Jesus. Because I know, I know it's tough, and I know there's suffering, and I know there's difficulty. But you've got to hang on to Jesus. There's been all sorts of interesting and scary warning passages in Hebrews. It's been very challenging, but it all comes down to, to listen, listen. You've got to stick together, you've got to love each other, you've got to pour into one another, you've got to live these lives transformed, endure suffering as discipline." [05:07] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful, we've heard. But later on, it produces a harvest of righteousness and of peace for those who are trained up under it. And so that, that's why we strengthen our, you know, feeble hands and weak knees, and we say, let's go into this thing. So he says, for, for the reason, the reason why you've come, you've not come to what can be touched. You know, what, what is, what is more real than what you can touch and feel is the kingdom of God." [06:06] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "But listen, church, you've come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering. This is what you've come to. Like, I thought I just came for the coffee and the donuts, the churro bites, you know? I'm like, no, you came to the mountain. This is interesting. Some of you were like, well, which is it? Is it Sinai? Is that the mountain of God or Zion or some, some of you know that even Zaphon, which means the north, the mountain of the north or Jerusalem, Zion, all these, it's wherever God's presence is." [08:31] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Currently, our citizenship is in heaven. We're citizens. And there's a politic in that city. Our citizenship is there in heaven. Let's read it again as he said it too. The Ephesians. He said, God being rich in mercy because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you've been saved. just make sure you know that. It's a gift. And raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." [14:15] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If you're in Christ, you are part of new creation. If anyone is in Christ, new creation. This is the part we play. It's not just later. It's happening even now. This is something that has to shift in our thinking. We're already seated. Our identity is rooted in Christ's victory and his authority. And it's all a gift. That's grace. It's just all a gift. We live on earth. And we're here doing the good works that God has called us to do. And he's prepared in advance that we should do. And we're citizens of heaven that is coming." [16:42] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If you were truly seated with Christ reigning with him in victory, how would that change your decisions? We hear this word you know whether whatever you do whether you eat or drink or work or sleep or play do it all in the name of the lord jesus christ giving glory to god the father through him right that's a that's a pretty familiar concept to do all in the name of jesus right that yes no you've never heard that before so to do something in jesus name what does that what would that imply that means that he's kind of commissioning this activity and i'm doing it in his name." [21:16] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We live in an unstable, shakable, terrifying, sometimes, world and yet we have this other position in heaven where we just celebrate with God. And so if you ever feel like, what's wrong with me? Why am I happy and just excited about Jesus and terribly sad at the same time? Why is that happening? It's because you're kind of in both places. You're in both places. You're experiencing, you're bringing your addictions, you're bringing your struggles, you're bringing all the problems to Jesus and you're celebrating with him at the same time. You've been invited to a great party." [40:50] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "This truth of being a citizen of the new creation, the new heaven is not just about our future. We're here in the present and living out our identity. And we're supposed to bring those, into a taste of the kingdom. Imitate me. Go with me. We're not supposed to be proud that we somehow were amazingly gifted salvation. We're supposed to be like one beggar telling another beggar where we can go find bread. So you're like, well, who am I to invite someone to encounter Jesus? Like, well, if you've encountered Jesus, you just say, here. I don't know. I don't know actually the whole story. I'm still learning. But all I know is I was blind, but now I see." [44:10] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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