Citizens of Heaven!
The sermon emphasizes that believers, as citizens of heaven, should focus their minds on heavenly matters rather than earthly distractions.
Theodore Epp emphasizes that as believers, our true citizenship is in heaven, and we should focus on heavenly things rather than earthly distractions. He draws parallels between the faith of the patriarchs and our current journey, urging us to seek the eternal city designed by God. Epp warns against those who prioritize earthly desires, labeling them as enemies of the cross, and encourages believers to align their thoughts with the teachings of Christ. He reminds us that while we live on earth, our lives should reflect our heavenly calling, as we await Christ's return with confidence.
Text
Philippians 3:17-21
All of us who have believed in Christ, like the patriarchs, are "looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Heb. 11:10, NASB).
Believers of old were "seeking a country of their own" (v. 14, NASB), and we, too, are seeking a heavenly country. Even though we reside on earth, our legal residence is in heaven.
Therefore, our minds should be on that which originates in heaven rather than on that which originates on earth.
Paul told of those whose minds were on earthly things. He referred to them as "enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things" (Phil. 3:18,19, NASB).
In contrast to this kind of people, the believer is to follow the injunctions of Colossians 3:1-3: "If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (NASB).
Jesus Himself prayed, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:10). Jesus was concerned about God's will being carried out, not just in the end times but also now in the believer.
So whereas the pattern of our life is heavenly, the practice is here on earth.
"And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming" (1 John 2:28).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding Our Citizenship
- {'A': 'Believers are citizens of heaven.', 'B': 'Our legal residence is in heaven.', 'C': 'We seek a heavenly country.'}
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II
- The Contrast of Mindsets
- {'A': 'Enemies of the cross focus on earthly things.', 'B': 'Their end is destruction.', 'C': 'Their appetite is their god.'}
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III
- The Call to Seek Heavenly Things
- {'A': 'Colossians 3:1-3 encourages us to seek things above.', 'B': 'Our lives are hidden with Christ.', 'C': 'We are to set our minds on heavenly matters.'}
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IV
- Living Out Our Heavenly Citizenship
- {'A': 'Jesus prayed for God's will on earth.', 'B': 'Our practice reflects our heavenly pattern.', 'C': 'We should abide in Him for confidence at His coming.'}
Key Quotes
“We, too, are seeking a heavenly country.” — Theodore Epp
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” — Theodore Epp
“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- Reflect on your priorities and ensure they align with your heavenly citizenship.
- Practice setting your mind on things above through prayer and scripture.
- Live out your faith actively, demonstrating God's will in your daily life.