Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:20-4:1
Our Heavenly Citizenship
Philippians 4:1-9
Intro.
1. We are citizens of several jurisdictions (city, county, state, country).
a. Citizens have rights, privileges and responsibilities which are administered by/from appropriate governmental authorities.
b. We are expected to be honest citizens (not criminals).
2. Christians have a heavenly citizenship, Phil. 3:20 (Eph. 2:19).
a. Heaven administers the affairs of our life (cf. Matt. 16:19).
b. Heaven is our home, our country, Heb. 11:9-10, 16.
c. God expects us to live as responsible citizens of heaven, Phil. 1:27. Conduct characteristic of heavenly citizenship; Behave as worthy citizens.
3. Traits (features) of our heavenly citizenship, Phil. 4:1-9.
I. HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP CALLS FOR UNITY AND COOPERATION AMONG FELLOW-CITIZENS, 4:1-3.
A. Must be of the Same Mind in the Lord, 4:2 (“to be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious”).
1. Takes constant vigilance and work, 4:1-2 (Eph. 4:3).
2. Takes mutual exhorting (Paul didn’t build up one while tearing down another and expect to achieve unity and peace), 4:3.
3. Takes genuine love, 2:2 (1 Cor. 13:4-7; 1 Pet. 4:8; 1 Jno. 3:18).
4. These are always needed in every congregation.
B. Our Mutual Goal Must Be:
1. Set our minds on heavenly things, Col. 3:1-3.
2. Be of the same mind in matters of revealed truth, 1 Cor. 1:10.
II. HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP PRODUCES JOY, 4:4.
A. No Lasting Joy in the Life Apart from God, Lk. 12:15-20.
1. God’s presence is there fullness of joy, Psa. 16:11 (“in the Lord”):
a. Because of forgiveness, Lk. 15:6-7.
b. Safety of His fellowship, Jno. 10:27-29.
c. Hope of the future sustains us, Rom. 12:12 (Heb. 6:19).
2. A constant joy (“always”), 4:4.
III. CITIZENS OF HEAVEN ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR FORBEARANCE, 4:5.
-Gentleness, self-control, patient restraint; “equitable, fair, mild, gentle;” “moderation”, KJV).
A. In Contrast to Contentiousness, Titus 3:2.
1. Toward brethren, 4:2.
2. Toward those we teach, 2 Tim. 2:24-26.
3. Toward all men, 4:5.
B. Our Incentive: “The Lord is at hand”, 4:5.
-Divine judgment awaits the harsh.
IV. HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP ENABLES A LIFE FREE OF ANXIETY, 4:6-7.
A. Anxiety: A Distracting Care from Little Faith, Matt. 6:25, 27-31.
1. “Be careful for nothing” (KJV): Over concern which takes our thoughts and efforts away from our service to God.
2. Citizens of heaven have reasons not to be anxious:
a. Salvation of our souls/blessings, Eph. 1:3, 7.
b. God’s faithful care and provisions for life, Matt. 6:33.
c. Joyful expectation, 1 Ths. 4:13.
d. This world is not our home.
B. Prayer Helps Overcome Anxiety, 4:6; Heb. 4:16; Jas. 5:16.
-Constantly, with thanksgiving.
C. God’s Peace Protects Us, 4:7; cf. Jno. 14:27.
V. HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP DEMANDS WHOLESOME THOUGHTS, 4:8.
-We are what we think! Mk. 7:20-23
VI. GOD GRANTS FELLOWSHIP AND HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP TO THOSE WHO OBEY HIM, 4:9; cf. 3:16-19 (Heb. 5:9).
Conclusion
1. God has prepared a city for people of faith, Heb. 11:16.
2. Let us live worthily of our citizenship, so that our names, once written in the Lamb’s book of life, shall never be erased.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: March 13, 2015