Our Citizenship is in Heaven

Jeremy Paschall
03/22/15 - Sunday AM Worship

1. Introduction (Acts 16:37)
   • Paul describes himself as a Roman citizen...
   • He had never been there. (Acts 19:21; Rom. 1:10)
   • Like Paul in this way, Christians are citizens of a place that we have never been... (Phil. 3:17-21)
2. "Our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20)
   • Raised us up to be seated with Christ. (Eph. 2:1-7)
   • Into Christ's heavenly kingdom. (Col. 1:13-14)
   • Enrolled / written / registered in heaven (Heb. 12:22-23; cf. Rev. 21:27)
   • Mind / affections set there. (Col. 3:1-2)
   • Treasures stored up in heaven. (Mt. 6:19-21)
   • Our inheritance is found there. (1 Pet. 1:3-5)
   • Souls anchored there in hope. (Heb. 6:19-20)
3. Both blessings and responsibilities...
   • Our belonging.
     • We are aliens here in this world (1 Pet. 1:3-5)
     • We won't "fit in," we don't "belong" here.
     • Though we don't belong, we must live here.
   • Our duty.
     • We must beware of worldly entanglements (1 Pet. 2:11; 2 Tim. 2:4) 
     • Such distractions can cost us our citizenship and the blessings that come with it.
     • "Keep... unstaned by the world" (James 1:27)
   • Our hope.
     • With a focus fixed firmly on heaven, we look forward to Christ's return. (Phil. 3:20-21)
     • A dreadful thing for those of this world, but a joyous thing for the citizens of heaven.
     • Will be "welcomed home", fulfilling our hope.
4. Conclusion
   • Have you thru obedience to God's Word become a citizen in the kingdom of heaven? (Jn. 3:1-5)
   • Honestly, are you any different from the world?
   • Can you honestly say that you look forward to Christ's return?