Topic: Are you a citizen of heaven? (Ephesians 2:19)
Every kingdom has its culture, values and expectations. As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are called to live by heavenly principles, not worldly standards. The Bible makes it clear that although we are in the world, we are not of the world (Ephesians 2:19). Our citizenship is in heaven, and we must conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects our allegiance to God.
The Greek word for "citizenship" is "politeia." This word carries connotations of community and shared responsibility. It's not just about individual rights and privileges, but about our collective identity and purpose. We see this word used again in Ephesians 2:19, where Paul says, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household."
Living as a Kingdom citizen requires a transformation of mind and lifestyle. It means prioritizing God’s will, walking in righteousness, and demonstrating His love in all that we do. Unlike the people of the world who are guided by selfish desires and temporary pleasures, Kingdom citizens set their hearts on eternal things.
Kingdom citizenship is the powerful potential of our influence. As citizens of God's kingdom, we are called to be salt and light in the world. We are called to influence the world for Christ, not to be influenced by the world. We are called to reflect the character of Christ, not to conform to the patterns of the world. We are called to live out our faith, not just to profess our faith.
Francis Schaeffer said, "One of the greatest injustices we do to our young people is to ask them to be conservative. Christianity is not conservative, but revolutionary." As citizens of God's kingdom, we are not called to maintain the status quo, but to challenge the status quo. We are not called to be comfortable, but to be courageous. We are not called to be safe, but to be sacrificial.
Kingdom citizenship is the precious promise of God's presence. As citizens of God's kingdom, we are never alone. God is with us, for us and in us. He is our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in trouble. He is our shepherd, our shield and our stronghold.
Kingdom citizenship is the priceless privilege of God's provision. As citizens of God's kingdom, we can trust God to meet our needs. He is our provider, our protector and our portion. He is our bread of life, our living water and our vine. He is our treasure, our tower and our teacher.
Let's embrace these practical implications of our kingdom citizenship. Let's pray with passion, influence with integrity, enjoy God's presence with pleasure and trust His provision with peace. Let's live as citizens of God's kingdom, not just in theory, but in reality.
See you Sunday, Dr. Scott Kallem