Not From Around Here
In the ancient world, when Greeks walked the agora or Romans gathered in their forums, citizenship carried a profoundly different weight. For them, to be a citizen wasn't merely to possess rights and privileges—though these existed. And friends, this ancient understanding perhaps better reflects the biblical concept of our heavenly citizenship. Scripture teaches that followers of Christ are, in fact, "citizens of heaven"—a profound status that grants us remarkable privileges, yes. But one that simultaneously places upon us serious responsibilities and duties. Join Tom Pennington as he explains from Philippians 1 that we, as Christians, are Not From Around Here.
Part 1
Because of our belief in Jesus Christ and the good news of the gospel, we have become citizens of heaven. Practically, this simply means that we have entered into partnership, into a spiritual fellowship with God’s people. We have become members of a new community—what the New Testament calls the “church.” And, as Christians, Paul calls us to live in light of that wonderful reality.
Part 2
Believers have earthly citizenship based on where they reside and a heavenly citizenship based on the person and work of Jesus Christ. But a heavenly citizenship comes with key responsibilities—one of which states that we must strive together for the sake and faith of the gospel. In other words, as Christians, we must actively defend and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Part 3
Christians have entered into a partnership, a spiritual fellowship with the Creator of the universe as adopted, beloved children. God becomes not just our Lord, but our Father. And it’s in Philippians where the apostle Paul stresses that we are to live worthy of this heavenly citizenship and calling. Our lives should reflect the values, priorities, and character of the kingdom we now represent.
Part 4
In Philippians 1, Paul reminds the church at Philippi that there are consequences that come from belonging to Jesus Christ and His heavenly kingdom. For us as Christians, Paul reminds us that we are in good company when we suffer for Jesus' sake: We have stood for the gospel along with the apostles and the first century church, as well as with Christians in church history.