Navigating Dual Citizenship: Faith and Civic Responsibility

Summary

Continuing our series "We Are the Church," we delve into the concept of dual citizenship as Christians. We are citizens of both an earthly kingdom and the eternal kingdom of God. This dual citizenship calls us to navigate our responsibilities to both realms, especially during politically charged times like election seasons. Philippians 3:20 reminds us that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, while Romans 13:1 instructs us to be subject to governing authorities, recognizing their God-given role. This duality requires us to balance our civic duties with our allegiance to God's kingdom.

As we approach the election, it's crucial to resist the extremes of political panic or passivity. Instead, we should engage thoughtfully and prayerfully, fulfilling our civic responsibilities while maintaining our gospel mission. Our civic duty includes praying for our leaders, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, and submitting to authorities as long as it doesn't conflict with our allegiance to God. Romans 13:1-2 emphasizes that all authority is established by God, and rebellion against it is rebellion against God’s institution.

However, when earthly demands conflict with divine commands, as seen in Acts 5:29, we must obey God rather than human authorities. This principle is vital as we face increasing challenges to religious freedoms. Despite these challenges, our ultimate responsibility remains to proclaim the gospel, as highlighted in 1 Timothy 2:3-6. God desires all people to be saved, and our role as the church is to be a herald of this truth.

In this election season, we are encouraged to pray, think critically, and vote with biblical convictions. Our allegiance is not to political symbols but to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. We must engage in the political process without compromising our gospel mission, recognizing that our ultimate hope and allegiance lie in Christ, not in any political entity.

Key Takeaways:

- Dual Citizenship: As Christians, we hold dual citizenship in both earthly and heavenly realms. Our ultimate allegiance is to God's kingdom, yet we are called to engage responsibly with earthly authorities, recognizing their God-given role. This balance requires wisdom and discernment, especially during politically charged times. [01:56]

- Prayer and Submission: Our civic responsibility includes praying for our leaders and submitting to governing authorities, as long as it doesn't conflict with our allegiance to God. This submission is not blind but rooted in the understanding that God is sovereign over all authorities. [06:25]

- Obeying God Over Man: When earthly demands conflict with divine commands, we must prioritize obedience to God. This principle is crucial as we face increasing challenges to religious freedoms, reminding us to stand firm in our faith. [13:30]

- Engagement Without Panic: In politically charged times, we must resist the extremes of panic or passivity. Instead, we are called to engage thoughtfully and prayerfully, fulfilling our civic duties while maintaining our gospel mission. [15:11]

- Proclaiming the Gospel: Our ultimate responsibility is to proclaim the gospel, regardless of political outcomes. God desires all people to be saved, and our role as the church is to be a herald of this truth, emphasizing that our hope lies in Christ alone. [30:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:56] - Dual Citizenship Explained
- [04:41] - Civic Responsibilities
- [06:25] - Praying for Authorities
- [08:04] - Submission to Government
- [10:47] - Jesus and Authority
- [13:30] - Obeying God Over Man
- [14:30] - Political Panic and Passivity
- [15:11] - Engaging Thoughtfully
- [16:53] - Allegiance to the Lamb
- [18:45] - Moral Issues and Voting
- [20:29] - Biblical Convictions in Elections
- [22:30] - Global Persecution Perspective
- [25:53] - Gospel Responsibility
- [30:43] - Proclaiming the Gospel
- [34:03] - Trusting God Beyond Elections

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:20
- Romans 13:1
- 1 Timothy 2:1-2

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Philippians 3:20, where is our ultimate citizenship as Christians? How does this influence our identity? [01:56]

2. In Romans 13:1, what is the instruction given to Christians regarding governing authorities? What reason is provided for this instruction? [08:04]

3. What specific actions does 1 Timothy 2:1-2 encourage believers to take concerning leaders and authorities? [06:25]

4. How does the sermon describe the balance between our civic duties and our allegiance to God's kingdom? [04:41]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean to have dual citizenship as a Christian, and how might this affect one's daily life and decisions? [01:56]

2. How can the instruction in Romans 13:1 to submit to governing authorities be reconciled with the call to obey God over man in Acts 5:29? [13:30]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that political engagement should be approached by Christians, especially during election seasons? [15:11]

4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of proclaiming the gospel in the context of political and civic responsibilities? [30:43]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: How do you currently balance your responsibilities as a citizen of both an earthly nation and the kingdom of God? Are there areas where you feel challenged? [01:56]

2. Considering the call to pray for leaders in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, how can you incorporate regular prayer for authorities into your daily routine? What specific prayers might you offer? [06:25]

3. When faced with political decisions or discussions, how do you ensure that your actions and words align with your allegiance to God's kingdom? Can you think of a recent situation where this was tested? [15:11]

4. The sermon encourages resisting political panic or passivity. How do you personally navigate these extremes, and what steps can you take to engage thoughtfully and prayerfully in political matters? [14:30]

5. In what ways can you actively proclaim the gospel in your community, regardless of political outcomes? Identify one specific action you can take this week to share your faith. [30:43]

6. Reflect on the idea of submitting to authorities as long as it doesn't conflict with God's commands. Can you recall a time when you had to make a difficult decision in this regard? How did you handle it? [13:30]

7. How can you encourage others in your church or community to focus on their gospel mission during politically charged times? What role can you play in fostering unity and purpose? [16:53]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Navigating Dual Citizenship
As Christians, we are called to live as citizens of both an earthly kingdom and the eternal kingdom of God. This dual citizenship requires us to balance our responsibilities to earthly authorities with our ultimate allegiance to God's kingdom. In politically charged times, this balance demands wisdom and discernment. Philippians 3:20 reminds us that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, while Romans 13:1 instructs us to be subject to governing authorities, recognizing their God-given role. This duality challenges us to engage responsibly with earthly matters while keeping our focus on eternal truths. [01:56]

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively engage in your community while keeping your focus on your heavenly citizenship today?

Day 2: The Power of Prayer and Submission
Our civic responsibility as Christians includes praying for our leaders and submitting to governing authorities, as long as it doesn't conflict with our allegiance to God. This submission is not blind but rooted in the understanding that God is sovereign over all authorities. Romans 13:1-2 emphasizes that all authority is established by God, and rebellion against it is rebellion against God’s institution. By praying for our leaders, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and seek His guidance in our civic engagement. [06:25]

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer for your local and national leaders into your daily routine this week?

Day 3: Prioritizing Obedience to God
When earthly demands conflict with divine commands, we must prioritize obedience to God. This principle is crucial as we face increasing challenges to religious freedoms. Acts 5:29 illustrates the apostles' commitment to obeying God rather than human authorities when faced with such conflicts. As Christians, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even when it means going against societal norms or expectations. Our ultimate responsibility is to remain faithful to God's commands and to trust in His guidance. [13:30]

"But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'" (Acts 5:29, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel pressured to compromise your faith? How can you take a stand for God today?

Day 4: Engaging Thoughtfully Without Panic
In politically charged times, it is essential to resist the extremes of panic or passivity. Instead, we are called to engage thoughtfully and prayerfully, fulfilling our civic duties while maintaining our gospel mission. This engagement requires us to think critically about the issues at hand and to vote with biblical convictions. Our allegiance is not to political symbols but to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. By engaging in the political process without compromising our gospel mission, we demonstrate our trust in God's sovereignty over all earthly matters. [15:11]

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure your political engagement is rooted in prayer and biblical convictions rather than fear or anxiety?

Day 5: Proclaiming the Gospel Above All
Our ultimate responsibility as Christians is to proclaim the gospel, regardless of political outcomes. God desires all people to be saved, and our role as the church is to be a herald of this truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-6 highlights God's desire for salvation for all and the importance of our mission to share the gospel. In doing so, we emphasize that our hope lies in Christ alone, not in any political entity. By focusing on our gospel mission, we align ourselves with God's eternal purposes and bring His light into the world. [30:43]

"This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel message today, and how can you share it with them in a loving and impactful way?

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Quotes

1. "And if you're following along, you know that we've been talking about the church is not a building, but it's a people, people of God. And this sermon series is helping us think about that truth, how the nature and function of the church of Jesus Christ is and how we as a local body here in Brick, New Jersey are supposed to operate as a church. And so far in this series, we've been exploring some questions. We've been asking questions about our identity as a church, our message, our mission, our beliefs, our convictions. Our mission to go out and make disciples of the whole world, our worship, what it means to worship as a church. And last week we talked about our community with an emphasis on unity, how we function together as a communal body and emphasizing how we strive for unity as a body of Christ. But today we're going to be exploring what the Bible has to say about our citizenship." [00:00:19] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So what does that mean? Especially in this election season. It means that we're going to consider the question, how should our citizenship in God's kingdom and the state relate to one another? Now, it's an amazing statement that Paul makes in Philippians chapter 3. Our citizenship is in heaven. He was writing to a church at Philippi, which was in the Macedonia region of Greece, a part of the Roman Empire, a city that was host. To hundreds of Roman soldiers who lived there. And it was considered an outpost of the Roman Empire. The great Roman Empire. And yet, the apostle Paul is saying, the ultimate citizenship of the people of God is heaven." [00:02:11] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Over the lives of Christians. Even in the midst of the beginnings of persecutions that would ultimately envelop and challenge the church like in no other time of human history, that first into second century. And yet, Paul acknowledges these two truths. We are citizens of heaven. Where our ultimate allegiance is to the God of heaven, and the church as a local body is an outpost, of that heavenly kingdom. And yet, we are subject to authorities." [00:03:15] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The church is God's outpost on the earth, bearing institutional witness to God's mission to the world. So I want to think with you about that today, especially on this Sunday before the election. I want to teach some basic truth of God's word, the Bible. And I want to think with you about what is our duties to the kingdom of this world and also to God's kingdom. I hope to be able to communicate to you this big idea that as a church, we have a dual citizenship in God's kingdom and the state. And until and beyond November 5th, let's resist the temptations to become politically panicked or passive." [00:03:50] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "But there's also a truth taught in Romans chapter 13. We're going to come back to 1 Timothy 2 in just a few moments. But there's a truth also taught in Romans chapter 13. And I want you to turn there, if you would, in your Bibles as well, or follow along on the screen. Not only are we to pray, but we are also to submit to earthly governing authorities as long as it does not violate our fundamental allegiance to God." [00:07:23] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "In a hard time, the Apostle Paul was writing this to those who were seated in Rome, the seat of the Roman government that expanded all around the world and was beginning already to persecute Jewish believers. And that persecution would eventually spread far and wide and would be terribly costly to Christians who believed in Jesus. The reason in part for that was is that in the Roman system of government, they believed that the emperor was a god and they called Caesar a savior." [00:08:36] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Albert Moeller, president of Southern Baptist Seminary was interviewed in a podcast recently by Allie Beth Stuckey and he said, and in that podcast entitled To Your Christian Friends Who Won't Vote, he said this, moral abdication is not a Christian alternative. I don't believe in turning the pulpit into a political action committee. I fundamentally don't believe that. I hope you believe that about me." [00:18:12] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "I'm not going to advocate for a particular candidate, but I am going to talk about the moral issues that are affecting our nation and our civic responsibility to take some role in trying to influence as salt and light. He says these are issues of public policy and biblical truth and collision. I'm not saying I want pastors to show up with a donkey or an elephant on their lapel pin. I want them to show up preaching the word where their own church members are facing the intersection of biblical truth and a deeply secularizing and antagonistic culture." [00:19:00] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "But I want you to be aware that Christians feel in some ways, and maybe you do today, feel in some ways... that you are perhaps maybe tempted to be panicked or to be passive. And I'm going to suggest that either of those two extremes are not what the Bible would ask us to do." [00:21:49] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "But in the end, we're going to be here. Why? Because ultimately, beyond our civic responsibility, we have a gospel responsibility. There are people in lives who need to know that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man and that he's patient. He's paid the ransom." [00:34:15] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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