Living in Dual Citizenship: The Christian Experience

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound and often paradoxical nature of the Christian experience. At its core, being a Christian is not merely an intellectual assent to a set of beliefs or doctrines. It is a deeply subjective and experiential transformation that occurs when God, through the Spirit, works within our souls, granting us new birth and a heavenly life principle. This transformation is marked by a conscious awareness of a new conflict within us—a duality of natures. The Christian life is characterized by the presence of both the old and new man, creating a tension and conflict between the flesh and the Spirit.

Moreover, Christians live in two worlds simultaneously. While we are citizens of this earthly realm, we are also citizens of a heavenly kingdom. This dual existence is thrilling and romantic, as it reflects the transformative power of being in Christ. We have been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son, paralleling Christ's resurrection and ascension. This dual citizenship calls us to be exemplary citizens of this world while recognizing our ultimate allegiance to the eternal kingdom.

Our spiritual position in Christ means that, in a profound sense, we are already seated in heavenly places. Though our bodies remain on Earth, our spirits are united with Christ in the heavenly realm. This reality assures us of the future redemption of our bodies, when we will be fully glorified and free from sin. Until then, we live with the tension of being in the world but not of it, seeing life through a spiritual lens that transcends earthly concerns.

Finally, the Christian perspective on world events, such as war and peace, is fundamentally different. While the world focuses on political and social solutions, the Christian recognizes the spiritual nature of the conflict. The root of the world's troubles lies in the spiritual realm, and the ultimate solution is found in Christ's redemptive work. Our hope is not in human efforts but in the certainty of Christ's return, when He will establish His kingdom and banish sin and evil forever.

Key Takeaways:

- Subjective Transformation: Being a Christian involves a subjective transformation that goes beyond intellectual belief. It is an experiential change marked by the presence of a new nature within us, creating a conflict between the old and new man. This awareness of dual natures is a hallmark of true Christian experience. [22:15]

- Dual Citizenship: Christians live in two worlds simultaneously, belonging to both the earthly realm and the heavenly kingdom. This dual citizenship calls us to be exemplary citizens on Earth while recognizing our ultimate allegiance to the eternal kingdom of God. [25:14]

- Spiritual Position in Christ: Our spiritual position in Christ means we are already seated in heavenly places, even as our bodies remain on Earth. This assures us of the future redemption of our bodies and the full realization of our glorification. [29:36]

- Spiritual Perspective on World Events: The Christian perspective on world events is fundamentally spiritual, recognizing the root of the world's troubles in the spiritual realm. Our hope lies not in human efforts but in the certainty of Christ's return and the establishment of His kingdom. [36:45]

- Ultimate Hope in Christ's Return: The ultimate hope for Christians is in Christ's return, when He will establish His kingdom, banish sin and evil, and bring about the full redemption of our bodies. This hope transcends earthly concerns and assures us of our place in the heavenly realm. [45:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [21:44] - The Subjective Nature of Faith
- [22:33] - Intellectual Assent vs. True Transformation
- [23:10] - The Conflict of Dual Natures
- [25:14] - Living in Two Worlds
- [26:00] - Translated into a New Kingdom
- [27:44] - Responsibilities in the Earthly Realm
- [28:51] - Claims of the Heavenly Kingdom
- [29:36] - Seated in Heavenly Places
- [31:10] - Awaiting Full Redemption
- [33:00] - Security in Christ
- [34:28] - Two Outlooks on Life
- [36:03] - Spiritual Perspective on World Events
- [38:13] - God's Restraint and Redemption
- [41:07] - The Futility of Human Solutions
- [45:07] - Hope in Christ's Return

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Galatians 5:16-17 - "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."
2. Philippians 3:20-21 - "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."
3. Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the nature of the conflict within a Christian's life? How does this relate to Galatians 5:16-17? [23:42]
2. How does the sermon describe the concept of dual citizenship for Christians? What does Philippians 3:20-21 say about our heavenly citizenship? [25:14]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the Christian perspective on world events, and how does this align with Ephesians 6:12? [36:45]
4. How does the sermon explain the Christian's spiritual position in Christ, and what assurance does this provide? [29:36]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the awareness of dual natures within a Christian impact their daily life and decisions? [23:55]
2. In what ways does the concept of dual citizenship challenge Christians to live differently in the world? [28:51]
3. How might understanding the spiritual nature of world events change a Christian's response to current global issues? [36:03]
4. What does it mean for a Christian to be "seated in heavenly places," and how does this influence their hope and perspective on life? [29:36]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent conflict or decision in your life. How did the awareness of your dual natures influence your response? [23:55]
2. As a citizen of both this world and the heavenly kingdom, how can you be an exemplary citizen in your community while maintaining your ultimate allegiance to God? [28:51]
3. Consider a current world event that concerns you. How can you apply a spiritual perspective to your understanding and response to this issue? [36:03]
4. How does the assurance of being seated in heavenly places with Christ affect your daily struggles and long-term goals? [29:36]
5. Identify one area in your life where you feel tension between the flesh and the Spirit. What practical steps can you take to walk by the Spirit in this area? [23:42]
6. How can you cultivate a mindset that eagerly awaits Christ's return and the transformation of our bodies, as described in Philippians 3:20-21? [31:10]
7. In what ways can you actively participate in God's kingdom work, knowing that the ultimate solution to the world's troubles is found in Christ's redemptive work? [40:28]

Devotional

Day 1: The Inner Conflict of Transformation
The Christian journey is marked by a profound transformation that goes beyond mere intellectual agreement with doctrines. It is an experiential change where the Spirit of God works within, granting new birth and a heavenly life principle. This transformation brings about a conscious awareness of a new conflict within—a duality of natures. The presence of both the old and new man creates a tension between the flesh and the Spirit, a hallmark of true Christian experience. This inner conflict is not a sign of failure but a testament to the Spirit's work in our lives, drawing us closer to God and shaping us into the likeness of Christ. [22:15]

"For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good." (Romans 7:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the tension between your old and new nature. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in this conflict today?


Day 2: Living as Dual Citizens
Christians are called to live in two worlds simultaneously, belonging to both the earthly realm and the heavenly kingdom. This dual citizenship is thrilling and transformative, as it reflects our translation from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son. While we are to be exemplary citizens on Earth, our ultimate allegiance is to the eternal kingdom of God. This dual existence challenges us to navigate our earthly responsibilities with a heavenly perspective, recognizing that our true home is with Christ. [25:14]

"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: In what ways can you demonstrate your heavenly citizenship in your daily interactions and decisions this week?


Day 3: Seated in Heavenly Places
Our spiritual position in Christ assures us that we are already seated in heavenly places, even as our bodies remain on Earth. This reality provides us with the assurance of the future redemption of our bodies and the full realization of our glorification. Until that day, we live with the tension of being in the world but not of it, seeing life through a spiritual lens that transcends earthly concerns. This perspective encourages us to live with hope and confidence, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ. [29:36]

"And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: How does knowing you are seated in heavenly places with Christ change the way you view your current challenges and struggles?


Day 4: A Spiritual Perspective on World Events
The Christian perspective on world events is fundamentally spiritual, recognizing that the root of the world's troubles lies in the spiritual realm. While the world focuses on political and social solutions, Christians understand that the ultimate solution is found in Christ's redemptive work. Our hope is not in human efforts but in the certainty of Christ's return, when He will establish His kingdom and banish sin and evil forever. This perspective calls us to pray and act with a focus on the spiritual realities behind the events we witness. [36:45]

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a current world event that troubles you. How can you pray for this situation with a focus on the spiritual realities involved?


Day 5: Hope in Christ's Return
The ultimate hope for Christians is in Christ's return, when He will establish His kingdom, banish sin and evil, and bring about the full redemption of our bodies. This hope transcends earthly concerns and assures us of our place in the heavenly realm. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what truly matters and investing in the things of God's kingdom. As we await His return, we are called to live faithfully, sharing the hope we have with others and embodying the love and grace of Christ in our daily lives. [45:07]

"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into." (Matthew 24:42-43, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively live in anticipation of Christ's return, and what steps can you take today to align your life with this hope?

Quotes


In other words unless you feel that you're a Christian you're not a Christian unless something has happened to you experimentally, experientially, subjectively use any term you like unless something has happened to you and in the realm of your sensibilities I say you are not a Christian. [00:22:00]

If to be a Christian means that God through the spirit has worked in your soul and has given you a new birth and has put a principle of heavenly life within you I say then you must know it you can't help it you are conscious of this something else this difference this power that's working in you this disturbing element. [00:22:50]

The Christian is a citizen at one of the same time of Two Worlds he belongs to this world he still in it he's still living in it he exists in it and yet you know he doesn't only belong to this world he is aware that he belongs to another one as definitely as to this one. [00:25:30]

A Christian is one who has been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's Dear Son, translated, moved, changed its position that's the constant expression that is used in the scriptures now you see it's parallel with what has happened to our Lord himself. [00:26:51]

God hath raised us up together with Christ and hath made us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus that means this and nothing less than this that you and I in Christ at this moment are seated in the Heavenly places we are there he doesn't say yeah we're going to be there he says you are there. [00:29:25]

Spiritually I say this with my words measured and considered spiritually I am in heaven at this moment in Christ in one sense as much as I shall ever be but my body is still left on Earth I'm still in this world of time my spirit has been redeemed in Christ as much as it'll ever be redeemed. [00:30:22]

The Christian looks out upon life in the world and in a sense he sees them as everybody else sees them and yet I hasten to Ed he sees them differently at the same time and were I one who believed in preaching some peculiar exceptional message because it's Remembrance Day this would have been my entire theme. [00:34:28]

The Christian church is here to give this other Outlook and what is that it's spiritual it sees the cause of the troubles in an entirely different way that other view sees the causes of course in a matter of the balance of power as between nations certain political and social alignments and how you can deal with them most effectively. [00:36:45]

The conflict in this world is finally a spiritual conflict it isn't the material conflict it isn't The Clash of material conceptions only no no it's the powers of hell and of Satan AR ra against the powers of God now the Christian sees that so you see his view is very much more profound. [00:37:12]

God deals with the problem of sin and of the world in a Curative Manner and the Curative manner of course is in Christ and in his great salvation he takes men out of this present evil World in this spiritual sense and puts them into the kingdom of Christ he puts a new principle within them. [00:40:17]

The Christian knows this morning that that Christ who is in the Heavenly places at this moment will come again into this visible World in a visible manner riding upon the Clouds Of Heaven surrounded by the Holy Angels and those who are already with him will come with him those who remain will be changed. [00:45:10]

He will rout his enemies and banish sin and evil and his kingdom shall stretch from Shore to Shore and he shall be acclaimed as Lord by things that are in heaven and on Earth and things that are under the Earth that's Christian optimism knowing that it is Christ Alone who can conquer that Christ will conquer. [00:45:32]

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Transcript
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