Dedicated To The Men of God
Who Preach the Word of God As It Is To Men As They Are
"Preach The Word"
"OUR HEAVENLY
CITIZENSHIP"
TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 3:17-21
(vs.20) "For our conversation is in heaven..." The word "conversation" means citizenship. When I think of citizenship or being a citizen, three things come to mind.
A. Our Birth: One becomes a citizen of a country by being born within the boundaries of that country. He can also become a citizen outside the boundaries of the country by being born to parents who are already a citizen of that country. This is called blood relation.
B. Our Bond: We pledge an allegiance to the country and for all its stands for.
C. Our Behaviour: Paul focuses upon three aspects of the Heavenly Citizen: He deals with the Citizen's Likeness, the Citizen's Life, and the Citizen's Lord!
I. THE CITIZEN'S LIKENESS
II. THE CITIZEN'S LIFE
Paul deals with those who Lead, those who are Led, and those who are Looking!
A. Those Who Lead: The life of the spiritual leader are described in these verses. If you are in the place of leadership, it would do you well to pursue after these qualities and traits. The life of the leader:
1. Shows Consistency: (vs.18) "...of whom I have told you OFTEN..."
2. Shows Sympathy: (vs.18) "...and now tell even with weeping..."
3. Shows Humility: (vs.17) "...so as ye have US for an ensample..."
B. Those Who Are Led: Look at the qualities of those who are led:
1. The Family: (vs.17) "Brethren..."
2. The Following: (vs.17) "Brethren be Followers..."
3. The Fellowship: (vs.17) "Brethren be followers together..."
4. The Faithfulness: Contrast the lifestyle of those who are the enemies of the cross.
C. Those Who Look: (vs.20) "...from whence we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." The word "look" means to wait with eagerness and energy. Looking for the Savior involves:
1. Anticipation: Simeon came expecting and anticipating the coming of the Christ child, the consolation of Israel.
2. Assurance: Looking has to do with being confident that God's promises will come to pass. (cf. Job 19:25-26)
3. Activity: Looking has to do with patient enduring that is active. (Example: Noah building the ark)
4. Adherence: Looking for the Savior has to do with sticking with and adhering to just as Joseph adhered to God while in Egypt.
III. THE CITIZEN'S LORD
Three truths of the Citizen's Lord:
A. He Will Return: (He will Come)
B. He Will Redeem: (He will Change)
C. He Will Rule: (He is Capable)
Sermon From Steve Dagenhart- Pastor Calvary Baptist Church- Taylorsville, NC--USA
