Living as Citizens of Heaven

Scripture Text

Philippians 1:27-30

Intro: There are many who call themselves Christians yet live their lives identical with the world. The bible says we are to live not as the world but as citizens of heaven.

I. Christians are to live worthy of the Gospel. Philippians 1:27a (NLT) Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Being a Christian is indeed a high calling. To live worthy of the Gospel does not mean that one must live perfectly. Instead, Christians ought to live differently because of the grace they have received. When we believe, we become God’s children, Heirs of his promises, and members of Christ’s body. And this privilege was bought at a price—the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Christians ought to reflect a life that brings glory to Christ and shows gratitude to God in every aspect of their lives on earth.

II. Christians are to fight together for the Gospel. Philippians 1:27b (NLT) Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing side by side, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. We are all one in the body of Christ united by the Holy Spirit and we are to fight together for the faith of the Good News. We are in a battle against Satan and the philosophies of the world. The word fight means to agonize, struggle, battle, and contend for the gospel. The K.J.V. of the bible says we are to strive together. The word strive is taken from an athletic term. It is the picture of a team working and struggling together against strong opposition.
Like athletes on a team, we are to work together with one mind focused on one goal—to help advance the faith that comes through the preaching of the gospel. In order to face opposition from the world and Satan, we need to be unhindered by internal dissension, jealousies, and rivalries. We are stronger when we stand together and we show the world that Jesus is for unity and peace.

III. Christians are not to be intimidated by our enemies.   Philippians 1:28 (NLT) Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. Persecution is a sign that the persecutors are doomed. The Spirit of God is able to take their persecution of Christians and convict their hearts of the evil they are doing. Their persecution of a fellow human being causes thoughts of doom and judgment to their hearts: it convicts them, and because of that conviction they stand a better chance of being saved. If a believer stands fast in persecution, it is a clear sign that he is being strengthened by the Spirit of God and is a true believer.

IV. Christians are to trust in Christ and suffer for Him.   Philippians 1:29 (NLT) For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.
We Christians have received a high calling. By God’s grace alone and by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we had been given the privilege of trusting in Christ for our salvation. We also have another privilege: that of suffering for him. Paul considered it a privilege to suffer for Christ. Paul wanted the believers in Philippi and all Christians to understand that suffering persecution was not punishment for their sins, persecution comes from those that do not believe. Suffering for the faith is considered to be a high honor. Peter the disciple who denied knowing Jesus was willing after the Spirit of God came at Pentecost to die for Him. Crucified upside down.

V. Christians struggle together for Christ. Philippians 1:30 (NLT) We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. Paul and the Philippians faced the same great struggle, contending with Satan for spreading the gospel. Christians all over the world today are struggling against Satan and the adversaries of Christ. Paul wanted to encourage the Philippian Christians in their struggle for Christ. Like the Philippians, we are in conflict with anyone who would stand against the saving message of Christ. Jesus Himself tells us in:Matthew 5:10-12 (NLT) ¹⁰  God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. ¹¹  “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. ¹²  Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. Jesus was telling his disciples and us today that we shouldn’t be surprised when people mock us, persecute us, and lie about us. Jesus faced the same such treatment. He says we are to be glad and rejoice because great will be our reward in Heaven.           

Conclusion: Remember it's not just what we say as Christians, but it's living the Christian lifestyle before others. That's the greatest way to get the attention of a lost and dying world. It's also the best way to bring glory, praise and honor to Christ our Savior and Lord. Then we will hear in heaven “well done good and faithful servant.”

Invitation: If you are a Christian, are you joining with other Christians fighting for the faith? Are you fully trusting in Christ and willing to suffer for Him if need be? Do you realize all Christians are to be struggling together to promote the gospel message?

If you are not a Christian, now is the accepted time to confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him to take charge of your life. Then be baptized!