Transformative Citizenship: Living in God's Eternal Kingdom
Summary
In Philippians 3:20-21, Paul emphasizes the profound transformation that occurs when one becomes a Christian. This transformation is not merely an addition or modification to one's life but a complete change of citizenship from the kingdom of this world to the kingdom of heaven. This shift is not just a change in status but a radical reorientation of one's entire being and existence. The Christian life is characterized by a new allegiance to Christ, a new set of laws, privileges, and responsibilities, and a new perspective on life and eternity.
The Apostle Paul contrasts the Christian's heavenly citizenship with those who are enemies of the cross, who mind earthly things. The Christian's life is not centered on earthly desires but is focused on the eternal and the divine. This heavenly citizenship implies that Christians are part of a larger kingdom, governed by Christ, and are called to live according to the values and principles of this kingdom. This includes living under new laws, such as those outlined in the Beatitudes, and enjoying new privileges, such as being children of God and having access to His presence.
Moreover, this new citizenship comes with responsibilities. Christians are called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth, demonstrating the love and truth of God in a world that is often in darkness. The ultimate hope and assurance for Christians lie in the unshakeable nature of God's kingdom, which stands in stark contrast to the temporary and unstable kingdoms of this world. The Christian's joy and confidence stem from the knowledge that their citizenship is in a kingdom that is eternal, incorruptible, and filled with glory.
Key Takeaways:
- The transformation into a Christian is a profound change, not just an addition to one's life. It involves a complete shift in citizenship from the kingdom of this world to the kingdom of heaven, signifying a radical reorientation of one's entire being and existence. [20:32]
- Christians are called to live under new laws and principles, such as those outlined in the Beatitudes, which contrast sharply with the values of the world. This new way of living reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven and is a testament to the profound change that has taken place. [42:12]
- The privileges of being a Christian include being a child of God, having access to His presence, and enjoying the communion of the Holy Spirit. These privileges are part of the new life in the kingdom of heaven and are a source of joy and strength for believers. [45:53]
- Christians have the responsibility to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth, demonstrating God's love and truth in a world that is often in darkness. This responsibility is part of the calling of being a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. [47:50]
- The ultimate hope for Christians lies in the unshakeable nature of God's kingdom, which is eternal, incorruptible, and filled with glory. This assurance provides confidence and joy, knowing that their citizenship is in a kingdom that will never be shaken or destroyed. [49:14]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Philippians 3:20-21
[01:06] - The Importance of Repetition in the Gospel
[02:07] - The Only Place of Safety
[03:22] - The Uniqueness of the Gospel
[05:11] - Testing Our Understanding of Christianity
[06:39] - The Danger of Assuming Knowledge
[09:07] - The Authority of Scripture
[10:35] - Our Citizenship in Heaven
[14:22] - The Profound Change in Becoming a Christian
[20:32] - The Difference Between Christian and Non-Christian
[27:01] - The Concept of Kingdoms in the Bible
[31:20] - The Process of Salvation
[35:53] - The Character of the New Kingdom
[41:15] - New Laws and Privileges
[48:07] - The Eternal Nature of God's Kingdom
[52:14] - The Urgency of Choosing the Right Kingdom
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:20-21
- Colossians 1:13
- Matthew 5:3-12 (The Beatitudes)
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "our citizenship is in heaven" in Philippians 3:20? How does this contrast with those who "mind earthly things"? [11:04]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the transformation from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God's dear Son as mentioned in Colossians 1:13? [18:24]
3. How does the sermon describe the responsibilities of Christians as "the light of the world and the salt of the earth"? [47:10]
4. What are some of the new laws and principles that Christians are called to live by, as outlined in the Beatitudes? [42:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of heavenly citizenship change a Christian's perspective on earthly life and its challenges? [14:22]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the transformation into a Christian is more than just a modification of one's life? [18:10]
3. How does the sermon explain the privileges of being a Christian, such as being a child of God and having access to His presence? [45:53]
4. What does the sermon imply about the ultimate hope and assurance for Christians in the unshakeable nature of God's kingdom? [49:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Do you see your Christian faith as a profound transformation or just an addition to your life? How can you deepen your understanding of this transformation? [21:15]
2. The sermon emphasizes living by new laws and principles. Which of the Beatitudes do you find most challenging to live by, and why? [42:12]
3. How can you actively demonstrate being the "light of the world" in your community or workplace this week? [47:10]
4. Consider the privileges of being a Christian mentioned in the sermon. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy and strength from these privileges in your daily life? [45:53]
5. The sermon speaks about the responsibilities of Christians. What specific actions can you take to fulfill your role as the "salt of the earth" in your interactions with others? [47:50]
6. Reflect on the idea of heavenly citizenship providing confidence and joy. How can this perspective help you face current challenges or uncertainties in your life? [49:14]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel your allegiance is more to earthly things than to Christ. What steps can you take to realign your focus on the eternal and divine? [20:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation as a Change of Citizenship
The transformation into a Christian is not merely an addition to one's life but a profound change that involves a complete shift in citizenship from the kingdom of this world to the kingdom of heaven. This change signifies a radical reorientation of one's entire being and existence. When one becomes a Christian, they are no longer bound by the values and priorities of the earthly realm but are called to embrace the eternal and divine. This new citizenship is not just a change in status but a call to live under the governance of Christ, with a new set of laws, privileges, and responsibilities. [20:32]
"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 actively embrace your heavenly citizenship today, shifting your focus from earthly concerns to eternal values?
Day 2: Living by New Laws and Principles
Christians are called to live under new laws and principles, such as those outlined in the Beatitudes, which contrast sharply with the values of the world. This new way of living reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven and is a testament to the profound change that has taken place. The Beatitudes, for example, call for humility, mercy, and peacemaking, which stand in stark contrast to the often self-centered and competitive nature of worldly values. Embracing these principles requires a conscious effort to align one's life with the teachings of Christ and to live in a way that honors God. [42:12]
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:3-5, ESV)
Reflection: Which Beatitude do you find most challenging to live out, and how can you begin to incorporate it into your daily life?
Day 3: Privileges of Being a Child of God
The privileges of being a Christian include being a child of God, having access to His presence, and enjoying the communion of the Holy Spirit. These privileges are part of the new life in the kingdom of heaven and are a source of joy and strength for believers. As children of God, Christians are invited into a personal relationship with the Creator, experiencing His love, guidance, and provision. This relationship is not based on merit but on grace, and it offers believers the assurance of God's presence and the promise of eternal life. [45:53]
"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" (Romans 8:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God today, embracing the privilege of being His child and experiencing His presence more fully?
Day 4: Responsibility to Be Light and Salt
Christians have the responsibility to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth, demonstrating God's love and truth in a world that is often in darkness. This responsibility is part of the calling of being a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. As light, Christians are called to illuminate the truth of the Gospel and to guide others towards Christ. As salt, they are to preserve the goodness and righteousness of God's kingdom, influencing the world around them for the better. This calling requires intentionality and courage, as believers seek to live out their faith in tangible ways. [47:50]
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet." (Matthew 5:13, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can be a light or salt in your community this week, demonstrating God's love and truth to those around you?
Day 5: Assurance in the Eternal Kingdom
The ultimate hope for Christians lies in the unshakeable nature of God's kingdom, which is eternal, incorruptible, and filled with glory. This assurance provides confidence and joy, knowing that their citizenship is in a kingdom that will never be shaken or destroyed. Unlike the temporary and unstable kingdoms of this world, God's kingdom offers believers a secure foundation and a future filled with hope. This assurance encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's promises and looking forward to the fulfillment of His kingdom. [49:14]
"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe." (Hebrews 12:28, ESV)
Reflection: How does the assurance of God's eternal kingdom impact your perspective on current challenges or uncertainties in your life?
Quotes
The Apostle Paul contrasts the Christian's heavenly citizenship with those who are enemies of the cross, who mind earthly things. The Christian's life is not centered on earthly desires but is focused on the eternal and the divine. This heavenly citizenship implies that Christians are part of a larger kingdom, governed by Christ, and are called to live according to the values and principles of this kingdom. [00:04:48]
The transformation into a Christian is a profound change, not just an addition to one's life. It involves a complete shift in citizenship from the kingdom of this world to the kingdom of heaven, signifying a radical reorientation of one's entire being and existence. [00:14:22]
Christians are called to live under new laws and principles, such as those outlined in the Beatitudes, which contrast sharply with the values of the world. This new way of living reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven and is a testament to the profound change that has taken place. [00:41:15]
The privileges of being a Christian include being a child of God, having access to His presence, and enjoying the communion of the Holy Spirit. These privileges are part of the new life in the kingdom of heaven and are a source of joy and strength for believers. [00:45:53]
Christians have the responsibility to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth, demonstrating God's love and truth in a world that is often in darkness. This responsibility is part of the calling of being a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. [00:47:50]
The ultimate hope for Christians lies in the unshakeable nature of God's kingdom, which is eternal, incorruptible, and filled with glory. This assurance provides confidence and joy, knowing that their citizenship is in a kingdom that will never be shaken or destroyed. [00:49:14]
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that the Christian life is characterized by a new allegiance to Christ, a new set of laws, privileges, and responsibilities, and a new perspective on life and eternity. This shift is not just a change in status but a radical reorientation of one's entire being and existence. [00:20:32]
The Christian's joy and confidence stem from the knowledge that their citizenship is in a kingdom that is eternal, incorruptible, and filled with glory. This assurance provides confidence and joy, knowing that their citizenship is in a kingdom that will never be shaken or destroyed. [00:49:14]
The Christian is not merely a man who's been forgiven; he is in an utterly new realm, in an entirely new position. All his relationships have been changed; he's a citizen of an entirely different commonwealth. [00:18:22]
The Christian is a man who realizes that his life hitherto has been lived under the Dominion and the domination of the devil, the God of this world, the way of the world, and all these evil powers. [00:37:40]
The Christian is a man who says this: he says there was a time when I didn't believe this, I couldn't understand it, I couldn't get on with it, I didn't believe it was right. I see now why the devil had blinded me. [00:38:40]
The Christian is a man who realizes with Paul, "You are not your own; you have been bought with a price." No man, he says, can say that Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Ghost. Jesus, Lord, Lord Jesus Christ, King Immortal, invisible. [00:39:40]
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