Enemies or Citizens?
“Are you walking as an enemy of the cross or living as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven?”
Sermon Summary
In our journey through the Scriptures today, we are called to a profound self-examination, as Apostle Paul urges in 2 Corinthians 13:5, to test whether we are truly in the faith. This examination is not merely a ritual but a deep introspection to discern whether we are living as enemies of the cross of Christ or as citizens of the kingdom of God. The passage from Philippians 3:17-21 challenges us to reflect on our spiritual state, urging us to consider whether our lives reflect the transformative power of being reborn in Christ.
The Christ hymn in Philippians 2, which we explored during Christmas, serves as a backdrop to this examination. Some scholars suggest that the last verses of Philippians 3 might be the concluding stanza of this hymn, completing the gospel story arc from creation to Christ's return. This perspective invites us to consider our place in the narrative between Christ's ascension and His anticipated return. It is in this space that we are called to live out our faith, working out our salvation and shining as lights in the world.
Paul presents two distinct paths: living as enemies of the cross or as citizens of heaven. Those who walk as enemies are characterized by minds set on earthly things, desires that become their gods, and a glorying in shameful acts. In contrast, citizens of heaven recognize Jesus as their King, embrace a new community, and live with the hope of Christ's return. This citizenship transforms our values, perspectives, and actions, aligning them with the kingdom of God.
The call to be born again, as emphasized by George Whitefield during the First Great Awakening, remains relevant. It is not enough to identify as Christians; we must experience a genuine transformation that shifts our allegiance from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. This transformation is not about religious rituals but about a profound change in our identity and purpose.
As we await Christ's return, we are reminded of the essential truths of the gospel: Jesus is coming back, there will be a resurrection and judgment, and our eternal destiny hinges on whether we are enemies of the cross or citizens of heaven. This reality compels us to live with intentionality and urgency, ensuring that our lives reflect the hope and glory of the gospel.
Key Takeaways:
Self-examination is crucial in our spiritual journey. We must continually assess whether our lives align with the faith we profess, ensuring that we are not merely identifying as Christians but living as transformed citizens of God's kingdom.
The Christ hymn in Philippians serves as a reminder of the complete gospel story, urging us to live between Christ's ascension and return with purpose and hope. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the gospel, shining as lights in a dark world.
Living as a citizen of heaven involves a fundamental shift in our values and perspectives. We embrace a new King, a new community, and a new way of living that aligns with the kingdom of God, transforming how we view everything from relationships to resources.
The call to be born again is a call to genuine transformation. It is not about religious rituals but about a profound change in our identity and purpose, moving from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. This transformation is essential for living as citizens of heaven.
The return of Christ is an essential truth of the gospel, reminding us of the urgency and significance of our faith. Our eternal destiny hinges on whether we are enemies of the cross or citizens of heaven, compelling us to live with intentionality and hope.