But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20
Understanding Our Kingdom Citizenship
Being citizens of the Kingdom means that we belong to a much greater reality than this earth. As we read in Philippians, our true home is in heaven. This does not just affect our future, but shapes how we live today. When we embrace our identity as kingdom citizens, we begin to see ourselves as part of a community that values love, justice, and peace. We are called to reflect the character of our King, living lives that demonstrate His goodness and grace. It is through this lens that we can understand our responsibilities and privileges as members of this divine kingdom.
Philippians 3:20
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20
Ephesians 2:19
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. – Ephesians 2:19
Colossians 1:13
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. – Colossians 1:13
2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: We implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. – 2 Corinthians 5:20
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. – Romans 14:17
Living Out Our Kingdom Values
As we embrace our role as citizens of God’s kingdom, we are called to embody the values that represent His character. This means living lives marked by righteousness, love, and service. Our actions should reflect the ethics of the Kingdom, as we demonstrate kindness and justice in our community. Engaging in acts of service and goodness not only blesses those around us but also brings glory to our King. Each day presents us with opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ in a world that needs His love and compassion.
Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:14
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. – James 1:27
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45
Embracing Our New Identity
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are transformed into a new creation. Our identity in Christ means that we are no longer defined by our past or our earthly status. As kingdom citizens, we are heirs to promises and blessings that come from being part of God’s family. This new identity gives us hope and a purpose as we navigate our lives. Together, we can encourage each other to step into this newness and actively live out what it means to be citizens of the living God.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. – 1 Peter 2:9
Ephesians 1:5
He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will. – Ephesians 1:5
Romans 8:17
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings, in order that we may also share in His glory. – Romans 8:17
Galatians 3:26
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. – Galatians 3:26
The Call to Unity in the Kingdom
Unity among us as citizens of the Kingdom is essential. We must remember that we are part of one body, each of us contributing our unique gifts and talents for the greater good. By supporting one another and working together, we can make a significant impact in our communities. Unity doesn’t mean conformity; rather, it celebrates our diversity under the common purpose of advancing God’s Kingdom. Together, we have the power to exemplify the love of Christ and to create a space where all feel welcomed and valued.
Ephesians 4:3
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:3
Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:14
Philippians 1:27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. – Philippians 1:27
1 Corinthians 12:12
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Romans 15:5-6
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 15:5-6
Building God’s Kingdom Together
As kingdom citizens, we are entrusted with the task of building God’s Kingdom on earth. This involves sharing the gospel, serving others, and promoting justice and mercy. Our actions should mirror the love Christ has shown us. Working together helps us to fulfill the Great Commission, which calls us to spread the good news of Jesus. It is an honor to be part of such a mission, and together, we can inspire others to encounter God’s love.
Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. – Matthew 28:19-20
Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free. – Luke 4:18
Isaiah 58:6
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? – Isaiah 58:6
James 2:14
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? – James 2:14
Acts 20:35
In all things I showed you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ – Acts 20:35
Hope in Our Everlasting Kingdom
As we look forward to our life in the eternal Kingdom, we find our hope and strength. Our future is bright, knowing that one day we will be fully in His presence. This promise encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, reminding us that our struggles here are temporary. Together, we can hold tightly to this hope and encourage one another in our faith, as we look forward to the day when our King returns and His Kingdom is fully established.
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. – Revelation 21:4
2 Peter 3:13
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. – 2 Peter 3:13
Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. – Romans 8:18
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:6
John 14:2-3
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. – John 14:2-3
Final Thoughts
As we have explored the idea of kingdom citizenship, we recognize how important it is for us to live as active members of God’s family. Our identity in Christ is not just about personal blessings; it involves our shared responsibility to build His Kingdom together. We have been given a purpose and a calling that influence how we relate to God and to one another.
Let’s remember that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to embody kingdom values through love, service, and unity. Our mission is to reflect the character of our King and spread His love far and wide. By learning and growing together in faith, we can encourage one another to live as true citizens of heaven.
As we look ahead, let us pursue righteousness and justice, drawing hope from the promises of our eternal Kingdom. Together, we can reach out to those around us, inviting them to experience the beautiful gift of citizenship in God’s Kingdom. We encourage you to continue exploring topics to deepen your understanding of faith, like reading about foreigners in your land or foreigners’ assimilation in our communities.