Citizens Uphold the Kingdom of God

 

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20 (NIV)

Citizens of Heaven

In Philippians 3:20, the people of Philippi were reminded that their citizenship was in heaven. Why did Paul feel it compulsory to remind the brethren of this fact? The answer is found in verses eighteen and nineteen.

“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:18-19 (NIV)

Enemies of the Cross of Christ

Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ for they live for their bellies and they set their minds on earthly things! The belly here refers to the hollow part of the person, the inner most being, their lower region, the soul, the seat of thought, choice and feelings of the individual. Therefore, those who live for their bellies are not filled with the substance of God but the hollowness of the world. Their perspective in life is dictated by the world and therefore, is void of spiritual substance, which makes them an enemy of cross of Christ.

Influence of Political Spirits

Unfortunately, today many are allowing themselves to be led astray by the popular views of the world. They have forgotten that they are duty bound to uphold the kingdom of God. They are allowing political spirits to shape their thoughts and to feed their appetites. They are allowing their love for a man to govern their Christianity. They have given their tongues over to the enemy and have spewed words that uphold rebellion, discord, and an unloving spirit. They wear their disobedience as a badge of honor thinking that God will be pleased with their stance. He will not.

Danger of Idle Words

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21

Recently I heard a believer categorize Trump as the devils child. But have we forgotten that there was a time when we too were the devils child? Were we so unlike Trump before we came to know Christ? However, the power of God’s love rescued us from the camp of the enemy and placed us securely in the fold of God. Is that not what we desire for everyone including Trump? Is that not what the great commission of Christ is all about?

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36

We are commanded to pray for our leaders. However, many believers have blatantly refused to pray for Trump because they do not like him.

“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;” 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Obedience is required for Citizens 

Nowhere in the Paul’s instructions does it say that we must first like the person before we pray for them. We are to be moved by the power of love. The Love of God is to flow through us toward others. We are to pray for our leaders so that they will be guided by the hand of God. When we abandon our post who will lead our leaders? Who will ensure that they stay on the right course? Will it not be to our benefit and our children’s benefit for them to be led by God rather than the enemy? When we pray for them do we not ensure that the kingdom of God is advancing and has influence in our government?

The act of obedience and prayer is the act of a true son or daughter of the God. The refusal to pray is direct and blatant opposition against the kingdom of God. It reflects hostility toward the command of God. How can any believer justify such a position before the throne of Christ? How can they tell him that the price he paid is insufficient to command their obedience to pray for Trump or any other person they do not like?

Which Kingdom are you Upholding?

The truth is that those who refuse to do as Christ commands are upholding a kingdom but it is not the kingdom of Christ. In the end, they will not hear well done. They will not be welcomed for they have valued earthly things above spiritual things. They have deemed themselves more knowledgeable than God and they have called God a liar.

“And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:” Daniel 2:21

“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.” Romans 13:1

If they believed that God ass true then they would know that he is the one that ordains the powers and the leaders that are in positions of authority. They would know that he is the one that removes and sets up kings therefore they would honor him with their obedience, they would glorify him with their trust, they would exalt him with their actions, they would speak words that would uphold the kingdom of God and would testify that they belong to Christ.

Heaven is not a Democracy

As citizens of heaven we must remember that Heaven is ruled and governed by one God. It is not a democracy it is a dictatorship for there is only one Lord and one King and each of us are voluntary subjects. We are commissioned to carry out the expressed will of our Savior, to do otherwise is treason.

Our earthly existence is not our heavenly reality therefore, we are to put the commands of God above our feelings and above earthly points of view. We are not to be carried away by any other spirit other than Holy Spirit. 

If we do not train ourselves to operate as obedience citizens of heaven now how can we expect Christ to welcome us in later?

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