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