what it means to be a christian a christian is… a citizen
TRANSCRIPT
What It Means to Be a Christian
A Christian is…
A Citizen
Dual Citizenship
• Citizen – someone who is a member of a nation or state to whom he owes allegiance and is entitled to its protection
• Typically born into, but can be naturalized
• Citizenship – the privilege of belonging with its benefits
Dual Citizenship
• We are citizens of this country (or some other nation) – we have responsibilities to our nation
Dual Citizenship
• We are also citizens of heaven •Phil. 3:20, our citizenship is in
heaven•Colossians 1:13, into the
kingdom•Eph. 2:19, fellow citizens•John 18:36, Rom. 14:17• We are “born again” into this
kingdom – John 3:3, 5
Dual Citizenship
• DUAL citizens• As Christians, we have
obligations to our physical kingdom, BUT we look to heaven
•1 Peter 2:11, cf. Heb. 11:13-16, sojourners and pilgrims
“If you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world trying
to get to heaven; your are a citizen of heaven making your
way through this world” (Vance Havner)
Our Physical Citizenship
• Be a good citizen!•Matt. 22:21, Render to
Caesar•Titus 3:1, Be subject to
rulers and authorities
Our Physical Citizenship
• WE must obey the law•Romans 13:1-5•1 Peter 2:13-15, submit
• We are to submit regardless of how godly/ungodly it might be
Our Physical Citizenship
• WE must obey the law• The ONLY exception, Acts 5:29• NOTE: Even in this we need to live
with absolute integrity and obey all that we can!
• We do have authority to “appeal to Caesar” – act within the boundaries of law
Our Physical Citizenship
• Pay your taxes•Romans 13:6•Matthew 22:21, Render
to Caesar
Our Physical Citizenship
• Honor the government•Romans 13:7•1 Peter 2:17• NOTE: this is not a suggestion!
Even a corrupt government is to be treated with respect (i.e. honor the law or office, even if the one occupying it is corrupt)
Our Physical Citizenship
• Pray for our kings•1 Timothy 2:1-2• Pray for them (the ungodly
need it even more)That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.
Our Spiritual Citizenship
• Honor our King!• Jesus is Lord! John 18:37, 1 Tim. 6:15, Rev. 19:16Rev. 17:14, “those who are with Him are called, chosen and faithful.”
•Phil. 1:27, conduct worthy •Eph. 5:24, subject to Him
Our Spiritual Citizenship
• Follow its laws• Every kingdom has laws• Our law is the Bible•James 1:25, John 12:48, Rev. 20:12
•Luke 6:46, Matt. 28:18-20, every text of obedience
•James 2:10
Our Spiritual Citizenship
• Promote the kingdom• Live changed lives, Col. 3:10, 1 Pet. 1:17
• Be an example, Phil. 2:14-16, Matt. 5:16, 1 Pet. 2:11-12
• Pay your “taxes” – supportMatt. 22:21, cf. 1 Cor. 16:1-2, Matt. 6:33, Rom. 12:1
Our Spiritual Citizenship
• Promote the kingdom• Evangelize – the only way
the kingdom will grow•Matt. 28:18-19Eph. 4:162 Tim. 2:2John 15:5-8
Our Spiritual Citizenship
• Pray for the kingdom • Cf. Matt. 6:10, “Your
kingdom come” • Paul requested prayers for
opportunities, success and boldness – 2 Thess. 3:1, Eph. 6:18-20, Col. 4:2-4
What does your citizenship mean to
you?