Reorienting Our Allegiance: Christ Over Culture

Summary

In every age, human beings have a deep, almost inescapable longing to worship, to find meaning, and to place their hope in something greater than themselves. Even as traditional religious participation declines in our culture, that spiritual energy hasn’t disappeared—it’s simply been redirected, often into our politics. We see this in the way political movements take on religious fervor, with creeds, rituals, and even a kind of self-righteous wrath. The real question for us is not which party or candidate we support, but how much of our hope, trust, and loyalty we have invested in them. Have we, perhaps without realizing it, traded the gospel of Jesus for the gospel of America, with its own denominations on the left and right?

This is not a new temptation. The early church in Philippi faced a similar challenge. Living in a city fiercely loyal to Rome, where the emperor was honored as “Lord and Savior,” the Philippian Christians were pressured to give their ultimate allegiance to Caesar. But Paul reminds them—and us—that our true citizenship is in heaven. Our allegiance belongs first and foremost to Jesus, the true King, whose kingdom is breaking into the world. This doesn’t mean we abandon our earthly citizenship or stop seeking the good of our city and nation. Rather, it means we hold our national identity loosely, always prioritizing our loyalty to Christ.

Living as citizens of God’s kingdom creates tension. We are called to seek the peace and prosperity of the place we live, but also to stand firm when the values of our culture conflict with the values of Jesus. Paul gives three instructions for navigating this tension: strive together in unity, live without fear, and suffer well. Faith is not a solo journey; we need each other to persevere. We are called to courage, not because suffering is absent, but because Christ is present with us in it. Our faith doesn’t shield us from pain, but it does redeem our suffering, inviting us to become voices of hope and healing in a hurting world.

Ultimately, discipleship is about reorienting our entire identity around the claim that Jesus is Lord. Sometimes this will mean celebrating the good in our culture; other times, it will mean standing apart. In all things, our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, and it is in him that we find our truest citizenship, our deepest hope, and our enduring strength.

Key Takeaways

- The human longing for worship and meaning is inescapable, and when not directed toward God, it will find another outlet—often politics. This redirection can turn political ideologies into substitute religions, complete with their own rituals, creeds, and even forms of self-righteousness. Recognizing this helps us see the subtle ways our hearts can drift from Christ to lesser allegiances. [01:02]

- Our ultimate allegiance as followers of Jesus is to him alone, not to any nation, party, or leader. While we can and should seek the good of our city and country, our identity as citizens of God’s kingdom relativizes all other loyalties. This dual citizenship creates tension, but it also frees us to both contribute to and critique our culture from a place of hope, not fear. [15:31]

- Faithfulness to Jesus will sometimes put us at odds with the dominant culture, especially when its values diverge from those of the kingdom. The early Christians in Philippi faced real opposition—not for private worship, but for refusing to give ultimate loyalty to Caesar. In our context, this may look like social rejection, misunderstanding, or even suffering, but we are called to stand firm in our allegiance to Christ. [14:21]

- Spiritual tenacity is forged in community, not isolation. Paul’s image of believers standing shoulder to shoulder, like soldiers with interlocking shields, reminds us that perseverance in faith is a team effort. Environment trumps willpower; we need each other to stand firm, encourage one another, and endure hardship together. [24:24]

- Suffering is not a sign of God’s absence, but an invitation to participate in the story of redemption. The pattern of Jesus and the testimony of the saints show us that God does holy work through hurting people. Our faith does not promise an easy life, but it does promise God’s presence and the hope that our wounds can become sources of healing for others. [29:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:02] - Religious Energy Redirected to Politics
[03:00] - The Rise of Political Religions
[04:20] - Where Is Our Ultimate Allegiance?
[07:35] - The History and Loyalty of Philippi
[08:43] - Caesar as “Lord and Savior” vs. Jesus
[10:28] - The Gospel: Jesus as King
[12:59] - Why the Gospel Threatens Earthly Powers
[14:21] - The Cost of Allegiance to Christ
[15:31] - Living as Citizens of Heaven
[18:24] - Navigating Dual Citizenship
[19:49] - Seeking the Good of the City
[21:10] - Resisting Partisan Idolatry
[22:42] - Striving Together in Unity
[24:24] - The Power of Community
[26:03] - Living Without Fear
[28:55] - Suffering Well for Christ
[32:05] - How to Suffer Well
[33:26] - Revealing Our True Loyalties
[34:33] - Reorienting Our Identity in Christ
[36:52] - Affirming and Resisting Cultural Values
[37:42] - Final Encouragements and Prayer

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide

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### Bible Reading

Philippians 1:27-30 (ESV)
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Paul in Philippians 1:27-30, what are the three main instructions he gives to the church in Philippi for living as citizens of God’s kingdom?
2. What kind of opposition or suffering were the Philippian Christians facing, and why? ([14:21])
3. In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the way political movements can take on religious qualities in our culture? ([01:02])
4. What image does Paul use to describe how believers should stand together, and what does this image communicate? ([24:24])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize that our citizenship is in heaven, and how does this affect the way Christians relate to their earthly nation or culture? ([15:31])
2. The sermon mentions that faithfulness to Jesus can put us at odds with the dominant culture. What are some reasons this happens, according to both the passage and the sermon? ([14:21])
3. The pastor says, “Environment trumps willpower.” How does this idea relate to Paul’s instruction to strive together in unity? ([24:24])
4. What does it mean to “suffer well” as a Christian, and how does this differ from simply enduring hardship? ([29:57])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon warns about redirecting our longing for worship and meaning into politics or other “substitute religions.” Are there ways you’ve noticed yourself or others putting ultimate hope or loyalty in something other than Jesus? What would it look like to redirect that hope back to Christ? ([01:02])
2. Paul calls us to live as citizens of heaven first, even while we seek the good of our city and nation. How do you personally balance your national or political identity with your identity in Christ? Are there situations where these loyalties have come into conflict for you? ([15:31])
3. The pastor describes the power of community and says, “Environment trumps willpower.” Who are the people in your life that help you stand firm in your faith? Is there a step you could take to strengthen your connection to Christian community this month? ([24:24])
4. Paul instructs believers to “live without fear” even when facing opposition. What are some fears you have about standing out as a Christian in today’s culture? How might you take a small step of courage this week? ([26:03])
5. The sermon says suffering is not a sign of God’s absence, but an invitation to participate in the story of redemption. Can you think of a time when God used your pain or struggle to help someone else? How might your current challenges become a source of hope or healing for others? ([29:57])
6. The pastor mentions that sometimes our values will align with our culture, and other times we’ll need to stand apart. Is there a current issue where you feel tension between cultural values and the values of Jesus? How are you navigating that tension? ([36:52])
7. The sermon closes by encouraging us to “reorient our entire identity around the claim that Jesus is Lord.” What is one practical way you can remind yourself this week that your primary citizenship is in God’s kingdom? ([35:53])

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Devotional

Day 1: Our Ultimate Allegiance Belongs to Jesus, Not to Any Earthly Power
Followers of Jesus are called to give their deepest loyalty and hope not to any nation, political party, or leader, but to Christ alone. In a world where political identities often demand our devotion, Christians are invited to remember that their true citizenship is in heaven and that their lives should reflect the reign of Jesus above all else. This allegiance may create tension with the surrounding culture, but it is the foundation of a gospel-shaped life. [06:29]

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to place your ultimate hope or loyalty in something or someone other than Jesus? What would it look like to consciously re-center your allegiance on Christ today?


Day 2: Live as Worthy Citizens of the Kingdom of God
Believers are called to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, living as citizens of God’s kingdom even as they reside in earthly nations. This means honoring Christ above all, letting His values shape every aspect of life, and recognizing that while earthly citizenship has its place, it is always secondary to the call of Jesus. Living this way may bring tension, but it also brings clarity and purpose. [15:31]

Philippians 1:27 (ESV)
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel."

Reflection: What is one area of your daily life where your actions or attitudes could better reflect your heavenly citizenship? How can you intentionally live out the values of God’s kingdom in that area this week?


Day 3: Strive Together in Faith—Faith is a Team Sport
The Christian journey is not meant to be walked alone; spiritual tenacity is forged in faithful community. Just as soldiers stand firm together, believers are called to support one another, striving side by side for the faith, especially when facing challenges or opposition. The strength of the community, not just individual willpower, enables perseverance and growth in Christ. [24:24]

Philippians 1:27 (ESV)
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel."

Reflection: Who in your faith community needs encouragement or support right now? How can you reach out to stand with them and help them persevere in their walk with Christ?


Day 4: Live Without Fear—Courage in the Face of Opposition
God’s people are called to live courageously, refusing to be intimidated by opposition or fear. The promise of God’s ultimate victory and presence enables believers to love boldly, proclaim the gospel, and remain loyal to Christ even when it is costly. Fearless endurance is a sign of trust in God’s salvation and a witness to the world that God’s kingdom will prevail. [27:50]

Philippians 1:28 (ESV)
"And not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God."

Reflection: What is one situation where fear has held you back from living out your faith or loving others boldly? What step of courage can you take today, trusting that Christ is with you?


Day 5: Suffer Well—Let God Use Your Pain for Holy Work
Suffering is an inevitable part of life, but the gospel invites believers to let their wounds become a source of healing for others. Faith does not make us immune to hardship; instead, it offers the presence of God and the pattern of Jesus, who suffered for the sake of the world. By continuing to show up, love, give, and pray even in pain, Christians become voices of hope and healing in a hurting world. [32:42]

Philippians 1:29-30 (ESV)
"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have."

Reflection: Where are you experiencing pain or struggle right now? How might God be inviting you to let your suffering become a source of hope or comfort for someone else this week?

Quotes

``The Christian gospel is that the one true God has taken charge of the world through the death and resurrection of Jesus, and that he is working to establish a nation, a kingdom where death is defeated, sin is no more, and life is unending. He's establishing a kingdom made up of people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. I would argue the most concise summary of this is a relatively well -known prayer. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. That is the center of the Christian gospel, that we are beckoning, asking, believing, trusting that God is setting this world and all of reality back to right through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. [00:11:15] (61 seconds)  #KingdomComeOnEarth Edit Clip

That is, unless you live your life by a different philosophy, maybe the philosophy of your life is my kingdom come, my will be done on earth as it is in my head. The gospel of Jesus will always be a threat to those who think their will is supreme. Jesus was not crucified because he said, love your neighbor. This is a radical ethic, but it's unlikely to get you killed. Jesus was executed because he was a threat to the powers that be. [00:12:19] (46 seconds)  #MyWillOrHis Edit Clip

Whatever pressure may come, whatever promises are made, whatever pain may be inflicted stay the course remember who you have pledged your allegiance to remember who you serve you serve a king who not even death can conquer conduct your lives in light of his reign. [00:15:26] (30 seconds)  #ServeTheConqueringKing Edit Clip

When our allegiance is rightfully given to Jesus, we can resist the temptation to worship a candidate or to bow to a partisan religion. We can both freely contribute and freely critique because our loyalty belongs elsewhere. So if you feel at odds or in tension with the political environment we find ourselves in, you are probably on the right track as a follower of Jesus. [00:21:30] (30 seconds)  #TensionIsFaithful Edit Clip

Paul does not believe that the Christian is called to stand alone. Rather, it is the community standing firm together. Paul seems to understand an essential fact about humans, that environment trumps willpower. Environment trumps willpower. Some of you might need to write that one down, because if you're anything like me, willpower is your go -to. We need each other to keep going, to stand firm, and to do hard things. [00:24:41] (35 seconds)  #CommunityOverWillpower Edit Clip

Faith is a team sport. This is why we gather week after week, both here on Sundays and in homes, Monday through Friday. Spiritual tenacity is forged in faithful community. So Paul's first instruction to kingdom citizens is to strive together. [00:25:35] (23 seconds)  #FaithIsTeamwork Edit Clip

May we choose courage and boldness despite our fears, that we would fearlessly love our neighbor and work for the good of our city, that we would fearlessly proclaim the gospel of the kingdom, that we would fearlessly cling to our loyalty to Christ, that with ice in our veins we would stare down whatever opposition may come, that in the power of the spirit and the unity of community we would stand together. [00:28:22] (32 seconds)  #FearlessKingdomLiving Edit Clip

For disciples of Jesus, we follow in the way and pattern of the one who was called son of suffering. Our faith does not make us immune to suffering. It redeems our suffering and reminds us that our God is near to the hurting. Our faith does not make us immune. It teaches us to suffer well. [00:29:43] (27 seconds)  #SufferingWithPurpose Edit Clip

Because as it turns out, God tends to do holy work through hurting people. And so let us learn to be voices of hope and healing in the midst of a world with so much pain. [00:32:47] (15 seconds)  #HopeThroughHurting Edit Clip