DUAL CITIZENSHIP

Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The Greek word translated “conversation” in this verse is not the same as any other verses using the English word “conversation”. In most of those- the term conversation means “lifestyle”, but not so here. The word is politeuma, and means- a community, i.e. citizenship.

 

I. WHAT THE DUAL CITIZEN SHOULD DO BECAUSE OF THEIR HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP [Philippians]

 

1. Behave [1:27-29] – not to be saved, but because you are saved

 

2. Be Similar [2:1-7]

 

3. Be Submissive [2:8-17]

 

II. WHAT THE DUAL CITIZEN SHOULD DO FOR THEIR EARTHLY COUNTRY

 

1.  Should Pray for Leaders [1 Tm. 2:1-3]

 

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

 

2. Should Pay Taxes [Rom. 13:1-6]

 

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God : the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

 

3.  Should Perform Civic Responsibilities [Rom. 13:7]

 

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

 

III. WHAT THE DUAL CITIZEN SHOULD REMEMBER WHEN THE KINGDOMS ARE IN CONFLICT

 

1. Remember We Have A Higher Priority [Acts 5:27-29]

 

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

 

2. Recognize We Have A Higher Patriotism [Heb. 11:8-16]

 

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age , because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

 

3. Realize We Have A Higher Purpose [2 Cor. 5:17-21]

 

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.