LIVING AS CITIZENS OF HEAVEN
Last week, we learned about the joy of a heavenly perspective—how to think and see hardships and everyday life through an eternal lens. Today, Philippians takes us a step further, not only to think and see heavenly, but to live heavenly. I believe we are living in the latter days of the last days. Therefore, to advance the gospel, we must contend for and stand firm in the faith together, no matter what comes our way.
MAIN SCRIPTURE: Philippians 1:27-30
Summary
These verses serve as a bridge between chapters 1 and 2. Paul carries forward his message, “to live is Christ,” by reminding us that if we truly belong to Christ—if our citizenship is in heaven—then our beliefs, lives, and unity should reflect that citizenship here on earth. In other words, what we believe and how we live should match who we belong to. We are prompted to measure the quality of our living in accordance with the Word of God. This would unite us to stand in one spirit and with courage in God to contend for the faith.
Teach and Apply
I see four C’s in our scripture to help us live as citizens of heaven and even spread the kingdom of heaven on earth: conviction, conduct, contend, and courage.
Hold to convictions defined by the Word of God.
The church must know and hold onto what God intended for us to believe and live out. The Bible gives us our core beliefs. The Bible gives us our convictions, what is righteous, sinful, holy, and godly. You can view the Assemblies of God doctrine here: Our Fundamental Truths
2 Timothy 4:1-4 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
We live in a society that seeks to redefine scripture to form the lives they want to have, versus letting scripture shape the lives God wills us to have. In this type of world, we can’t afford to glaze over scripture every once in a while. We can’t afford to ignore its application to our own lives. Convictions come as we submit to the truth, to God’s Word. It will not be a conviction until we’ve let it convict us and change our hearts and way of thinking.
We are saturated by the presence of this world because we are surrounded by it. Being with God in His Word, prayer, worship, Christian fellowship, etc, is a must. Our minds need God’s mind. Our hearts need God’s heart. Our lives need the truth and word of God. Our lives need guidance. I pray we will hold onto the word of God.
What we believe determines how we behave, and what we behold is what we become.
Conduct yourself as a citizen of heaven.
V. 27 conduct yourselves πολιτεύεσθε (politeuō). The word used here is where we get our word for politics. Polis, meaning city, and the responsibility of the citizens in the city.
Paul urges the church not to live like or copy the citizens of Rome or Philippi; rather, imitate the Word of God, specifically the life and message of Christ. Live a life worthy of the gospel.
We’re called to define and consistently live out what it looks like to be a citizen of the Kingdom of God. This calling is higher and separate from earthly expectations. There’s an expectation on citizens of America, but then there is one that’s of a higher standard on God’s people. Be a Godly citizen, not just a civil citizen.
If we know and believe the Word of God, then it will shape and form our convictions, but we also have to let it shape our conduct. Living the word of God is the great standard and guide for all believers to the point that a believer in Alaska should recognize a believer in Delaware. Or a believer in Germany should recognize a believer in Australia. This is crucial to properly representing and communicating the gospel, the truth, in a loving and persuasive way.
One of the most powerful weapons in reaching the lost isn’t a stirring sermon or a powerful social media post; it is the consistent life of believers.
But let it be known, no matter how lovingly you share truth, it won’t always be received as intended. Truth in love in the hearers of one in rebellion easily calls all attempts of honest love as “hate.” Not all welcome the truth of God’s Word, hence the reason it is often attacked or manipulated to fit someone’s own conviction and way of life.
Contend for the faith together.
The church of Philippi would not be surprised by persecution or suffering; this was expected and what they experienced at the birth of their church.
The Greek word here is synathelo, which is where we get the word “contend.” Depending on your translation, the words “Contend”, “Striving,” and “Fighting” together are used. This word was used in the context of both war and athletic events, including the training, preparation, and performance. In this verse, the idea is contending together, or working as a team, for the advancement of the gospel, our faith.
It would be nice for the Christian faith to spread with ease, but it doesn’t work that way. There is a fight for the faith as we spread the gospel because THE enemy does not wish to see us be successful. Certainly, the world will know we are disciples of Christ by our love for one another and our love for the lost. But scripture says again and again that we will encounter opposition and moments where we also have to defend the gospel and contend for the faith while we spread it. To fight for the faith or contend for the faith is to defend and to advance the gospel for the sake of the lost. This means we aren’t just defending the faith, we are contending for hearts that are deceived by the devil, and teaching that comes from demons.
Paul says we struggle together. Paul is going through the same thing, and he encourages them to stand together in one spirit and purpose.
This didn’t mean struggle with each other, but it happens. There can be struggles within Christianity because of lies, false teaching, twisting truths, or watering down convictions to the point where even Christian’s can no longer discern right from wrong and wrong from right, or claim evil is good and good is evil. This has been, is, and will be a struggle we must have. There must be consistency in beliefs, convictions, and Biblical positions on what is sinful and what is holy. If there isn’t, let the struggle or wrestling in the body of Christ begin until it has been purified and on the same page.
A new Barna study reveals that half of Americans no longer see traditional sins as wrong, marking a major moral and spiritual shift in U.S. culture. Dr. George Barna, head of the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, says this “redefinition of sin” has led to decades of social turbulence and spiritual confusion. “Fewer than one in five Americans,” Barna adds, “maintain a biblical view of right and wrong.” http://dlvr.it/TNsdCf
1 Timothy 4:1-5 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. 3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
Boy, how things have progressed into greater degradation. Those lies are nothing compared to what we are facing today.
The church has recently had to struggle and wrestle with topics we never thought we would have to. For example, the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, the sanctity of life in the womb, gender identity and transgenderism, sex outside of marriage, adultery, idolatry, drunkenness, abuse in churches, swindling of money, zodiac signs, crystals, and the list goes on.
Take courage in the promises of God
Paul says in verse 28: “Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.”
God forbid if we are intimidated or afraid of our own brothers and sisters in Christ.
Paul is speaking about a deep and fearless confidence we all can have in God. We can stand in confidence that no matter what happens, God saves His citizens. In the face of suffering or martyrdom, our present and future hope is eternal life with God.
Remember the reward for all who are persecuted. Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
We must not let any opposition, whether subtle or fierce, make us shrink back in fear. Threats may be loud, intimidation may be scary, and the loss of friendships or family members may be painful. Don’t let that intimidate you. Stand strong together. Remember, you are saved and will be delivered into eternal life.
Also, remember that your convictions, conduct, and courage are even contending for the faith as the opposition watches you not retaliate but love them in the midst of their persecution. God melts and softens hard hearts towards Him and the faith when we treat our opposition with the mercy of Christ.
The result of our commitment to Christ and the faith may be suffering, but we ought to consider it a privilege to share in the same life Christ experienced and endured. Great is our reward, but even greater is the glory that will be given to God.
Discussion
What is one thing from the message that resonated with you?
What do you think it means to “live as a citizen of heaven” while still living on earth?
Pastor Ryan said, “It will not be a conviction until we’ve let it convict us.” What does that mean to you personally?
How does spending time in the Word, prayer, and fellowship help strengthen your convictions?
How can the way we live as believers help communicate the gospel more effectively than words alone?
What additional notes did you make during the sermon?
What can we pray for regarding the sermon? Do you have any prayer needs?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life, we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready, say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!