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What It Means to Be a Christian

Discover the dual citizenship Christians hold in this insightful exploration of responsibilities to earthly nations and heavenly kingdom. Learn how to navigate these roles with integrity, obedience, and honor.

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What It Means to Be a Christian

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  1. What It Means to Be a Christian A Christian is… A Citizen

  2. 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

  3. Dual Citizenship • We are citizens of this country (or some other nation) – we have responsibilities to our nation

  4. 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

  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)

  6. Our Physical Citizenship • Be a good citizen! • Matt. 22:21, Render to Caesar • Titus 3:1, Be subject to rulers and authorities

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. Our Physical Citizenship • Pay your taxes • Romans 13:6 • Matthew 22:21, Render to Caesar

  10. 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)

  11. 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.

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. What does your citizenship mean to you?

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