Living with an Eternal Perspective: Our Heavenly Citizenship

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth of living with an eternal perspective, as Paul emphasizes in Philippians 3. Paul speaks with tears about those who live as enemies of the cross, whose minds are set on earthly things. This passage challenges us to examine where our true citizenship lies. Are we more attached to the comforts and pleasures of this world, or are we eagerly awaiting our Savior from heaven? The struggle to remain unattached to worldly things is real, especially when life is comfortable and satisfying. Yet, as followers of Christ, our focus should be on our heavenly citizenship, not on the temporary pleasures of this earth.

We also delved into the warnings of Jesus in Luke 17, where He compares the end times to the days of Noah and Lot. People were living life as usual, indifferent to the impending judgment. This indifference, rather than overt sin, was their downfall. It's a sobering reminder for us, especially in a society that prides itself on good living, to not become complacent or indifferent to the reality of Christ's return. We must live with an awareness that this world is not our home and that our lives should reflect our anticipation of His return.

Furthermore, we discussed the importance of believing in the power of God as the Creator. If we believe in the creation, then the miraculous events of the Bible, both past and future, become plausible. The same God who created the universe is capable of fulfilling His promises and executing His judgment. This understanding should instill a healthy fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom. It's crucial to have this fear as the foundation of our relationship with God, recognizing His power and authority, while also embracing His love and grace.

Key Takeaways:

- Our true citizenship is in heaven, and we should eagerly await our Savior, Jesus Christ. This means not being overly attached to the comforts and pleasures of this world, but instead focusing on eternal things. [05:26]

- The days of Noah and Lot serve as a warning against indifference. People were living life as usual, unaware of the impending judgment. We must not become complacent or indifferent to the reality of Christ's return. [12:23]

- Believing in God as the Creator is foundational. If we accept that God created the universe, then the miraculous events of the Bible, both past and future, become plausible. This belief should strengthen our faith in His promises. [19:44]

- A healthy fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. This fear should be the foundation of our relationship with Him, recognizing His power and authority, while also embracing His love and grace. [36:22]

- Jesus warns that those who try to save their lives by clinging to worldly things will lose them. Instead, we should be willing to let go of earthly attachments to truly find life in Him. [37:45]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Language and Grammar
[01:29] - Upcoming Speaker Announcement
[02:21] - Struggling with Motivation
[03:19] - Philippians 3:18 Reflection
[04:15] - Enemies of the Cross
[05:26] - Our Citizenship in Heaven
[06:32] - The Struggle with Worldly Attachments
[08:06] - Living as Aliens and Strangers
[11:32] - Days of Noah and Lot
[19:44] - Belief in Creation
[25:20] - The Power of God
[33:05] - The Fear of God
[37:20] - Judgment and Return of Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:18-20
- Luke 17:26-33

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Observation Questions:

1. In Philippians 3:18-20, how does Paul describe those who live as enemies of the cross? What is their focus, and how does it contrast with the focus of believers? [04:00]

2. According to Luke 17:26-30, what were people doing in the days of Noah and Lot, and how does this relate to the warning Jesus gives about the end times? [12:11]

3. What does the sermon suggest is the significance of believing in God as the Creator, and how does this belief impact our understanding of biblical events? [19:44]

4. How does the sermon describe the struggle of remaining unattached to worldly things, and what personal experiences does the pastor share to illustrate this struggle? [06:15]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for our citizenship to be in heaven, and how should this influence our daily lives and priorities according to the sermon? [05:26]

2. How does the sermon interpret the indifference of people in the days of Noah and Lot, and why is this indifference considered a significant issue? [15:12]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a healthy fear of God is foundational to wisdom, and how does this fear coexist with understanding God's love and grace? [36:22]

4. How does the sermon explain the concept of losing one's life to find it, and what practical steps might this involve for a believer? [37:45]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current lifestyle. Are there areas where you find yourself more attached to earthly comforts than to your heavenly citizenship? What changes can you make to shift your focus? [06:32]

2. Consider the warning against indifference in the days of Noah and Lot. How can you cultivate a sense of urgency and anticipation for Christ's return in your daily life? [12:23]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of believing in God as the Creator. How does this belief shape your faith and trust in God's promises? Are there specific promises you struggle to believe? [19:44]

4. The pastor shared personal struggles with becoming too comfortable in life. Can you identify a time when comfort has hindered your spiritual growth? How can you address this in the future? [06:15]

5. How can you develop a healthy fear of God that leads to wisdom, while also embracing His love and grace? Are there specific areas in your life where this balance is challenging? [36:22]

6. Jesus warns about trying to save one's life by clinging to worldly things. What are some earthly attachments you need to let go of to truly find life in Christ? [37:45]

7. Think about a person or situation that tests your patience or faith. What practical steps can you take this week to respond with a mindset focused on your heavenly citizenship? [05:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Our True Citizenship in Heaven
Our true citizenship is in heaven, and this truth should shape our lives and priorities. Paul, in Philippians 3, speaks with sorrow about those who live as enemies of the cross, focusing on earthly things. This passage challenges us to reflect on where our true allegiance lies. Are we more attached to the comforts and pleasures of this world, or are we eagerly awaiting our Savior from heaven? The struggle to remain unattached to worldly things is real, especially when life is comfortable and satisfying. Yet, as followers of Christ, our focus should be on our heavenly citizenship, not on the temporary pleasures of this earth. This perspective encourages us to live with an eternal mindset, prioritizing what truly matters in the light of eternity. [05:26]

"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: The Danger of Indifference
The days of Noah and Lot serve as a warning against indifference. In Luke 17, Jesus compares the end times to these days, where people were living life as usual, indifferent to the impending judgment. This indifference, rather than overt sin, was their downfall. It's a sobering reminder for us, especially in a society that prides itself on good living, to not become complacent or indifferent to the reality of Christ's return. We must live with an awareness that this world is not our home and that our lives should reflect our anticipation of His return. This awareness calls us to be vigilant and intentional in our walk with God, ensuring that we are not caught off guard by the distractions of this world. [12:23]

"Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all—so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed." (Luke 17:28-30, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life have you become indifferent or complacent, and how can you renew your focus on the anticipation of Christ's return?


Day 3: Belief in God as the Creator
Believing in God as the Creator is foundational to our faith. If we accept that God created the universe, then the miraculous events of the Bible, both past and future, become plausible. This belief should strengthen our faith in His promises and His ability to fulfill them. The same God who created the universe is capable of executing His judgment and fulfilling His promises. This understanding should instill a healthy fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom. Recognizing His power and authority, while also embracing His love and grace, forms the foundation of our relationship with Him. [19:44]

"By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." (Hebrews 11:3, ESV)

Reflection: How does your belief in God as the Creator influence your trust in His promises, and what steps can you take to deepen this trust?


Day 4: The Fear of God as Wisdom
A healthy fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. This fear should be the foundation of our relationship with Him, recognizing His power and authority, while also embracing His love and grace. Understanding God's power and authority should lead us to a reverent fear, which is not about being afraid but about having a deep respect and awe for who He is. This reverence is the starting point for true wisdom, guiding us in our decisions and actions. It helps us to live in a way that honors God, aligning our lives with His will and purpose. [36:22]

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." (Proverbs 9:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a healthy fear of God in your daily life, and how might this change your approach to decision-making?


Day 5: Letting Go of Earthly Attachments
Jesus warns that those who try to save their lives by clinging to worldly things will lose them. Instead, we should be willing to let go of earthly attachments to truly find life in Him. This call to let go is not about abandoning responsibilities but about prioritizing our relationship with Christ above all else. It challenges us to examine what we hold dear and to be willing to release anything that hinders our walk with Him. By doing so, we find true life and fulfillment in Christ, experiencing the abundant life He promises. [37:45]

"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 16:25, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific earthly attachment you need to let go of to fully embrace the life Christ offers, and what practical steps can you take to begin this process today?

Quotes


For as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven. [00:03:45]

Paul says to these people, he goes, I know I've said this before, he goes, but I'm going to say it again, and he goes, and you got to know that as I'm saying it right now, I'm crying. I say it again in this time with tears. Okay, so what Paul's about to say, he says, and this is not easy for me to say. [00:04:14]

What they focus on, what they think about during the week are things that are just, they're not eternal, they're just things that happen here on the earth. And he says, but that's not like us. He is because, but our citizenship, our mind isn't on the things of the earth. Our citizenship is in heaven. [00:05:11]

And what happens though is then our mind gets on earthly things and our citizenship, we start looking at Simi Valley as home, and it's not. You know how those students were up here, I mean, wasn't that awesome? I mean, just to me, that's one of the coolest things that you know for me just as a pastor. [00:07:58]

The Bible says that that's the way we're supposed to look at our lives wherever we are. To you know, first Peter 1, you know, he calls us aliens like these foreigners, people in a land that we don't belong, where we were. I'm here in this place called Simi Valley on this planet, but I'm just here to minister to people. [00:09:14]

Jesus says the days of the Son of Man, that's the end time events, the you know, the book of Revelation, all the things that happened there. He goes, when that takes place, he says, it's gonna be just like the days of Noah. Okay, can you picture that? Try to, let's just pretend it's the days of Noah right now. [00:11:40]

What surprises me about this passage is when Jesus describes the story of Lot and the story of the people in Sodom and Gomorrah, what does he point out that the people were doing? Does he name a bunch of gross sins? Says they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building. [00:14:24]

Are you living life without thought of the end? Are you living life and doing all these nice things that aren't sinful, but you're just not even thinking about the end, just kind of clueless that this could all change tomorrow? This could change before the day is over. He says that's the way it was in the days of Lot. [00:16:40]

I take it literally because I go back to creation and I start with creation. The Bible starts with creation. In the beginning, the book of Romans starts with creation, and it says ever since, ever since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities in his divine nature have been clearly seen through what has been made. [00:19:54]

If you believe in the creation because you have to believe in the creation because no other explanation for the creation, then how in the world can you not believe that he could destroy? Creating is easy, I mean creating is hard, it's not easy. We try that destruction is easy. [00:26:54]

There is a judgment of God and there is that fear of God that should be the beginning of your wisdom when you realize, okay, if God set this earth in motion, made it out of nothing, he's a more powerful being than I am, and what is it going to be like when I have to stand before him? [00:33:26]

The Bible says if you're going to try to save your life and try to savor it and just soak up everything the earth has to offer, the world has to offer, he says you're going to lose your life, but if you lose your life, you let go of it, then you're going to find it. [00:37:40]

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Transcript
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