What It Means to Be a Christian A Christian is… A Citizen

What It Means to Be a Christian

A Christian is…

A Citizen

Dual Citizenship

• Citizen – someone who is a member of a nation or state to whom he owes allegiance and is entitled to its protection

• Typically born into, but can be naturalized

• Citizenship – the privilege of belonging with its benefits

Dual Citizenship

• We are citizens of this country (or some other nation) – we have responsibilities to our nation

Dual Citizenship

• We are also citizens of heaven •Phil. 3:20, our citizenship is in

heaven•Colossians 1:13, into the

kingdom•Eph. 2:19, fellow citizens•John 18:36, Rom. 14:17• We are “born again” into this

kingdom – John 3:3, 5

Dual Citizenship

• DUAL citizens• As Christians, we have

obligations to our physical kingdom, BUT we look to heaven

•1 Peter 2:11, cf. Heb. 11:13-16, sojourners and pilgrims

“If you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world trying

to get to heaven; your are a citizen of heaven making your

way through this world” (Vance Havner)

Our Physical Citizenship

• Be a good citizen!•Matt. 22:21, Render to

Caesar•Titus 3:1, Be subject to

rulers and authorities


• WE must obey the law•Romans 13:1-5•1 Peter 2:13-15, submit

• We are to submit regardless of how godly/ungodly it might be


• WE must obey the law• The ONLY exception, Acts 5:29• NOTE: Even in this we need to live

with absolute integrity and obey all that we can!

• We do have authority to “appeal to Caesar” – act within the boundaries of law


• Pay your taxes•Romans 13:6•Matthew 22:21, Render

to Caesar


• Honor the government•Romans 13:7•1 Peter 2:17• NOTE: this is not a suggestion!

Even a corrupt government is to be treated with respect (i.e. honor the law or office, even if the one occupying it is corrupt)


• Pray for our kings•1 Timothy 2:1-2• Pray for them (the ungodly

need it even more)That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.

Our Spiritual Citizenship

• Honor our King!• Jesus is Lord! John 18:37, 1 Tim. 6:15, Rev. 19:16Rev. 17:14, “those who are with Him are called, chosen and faithful.”

•Phil. 1:27, conduct worthy •Eph. 5:24, subject to Him


• Follow its laws• Every kingdom has laws• Our law is the Bible•James 1:25, John 12:48, Rev. 20:12

•Luke 6:46, Matt. 28:18-20, every text of obedience

•James 2:10


• Promote the kingdom• Live changed lives, Col. 3:10, 1 Pet. 1:17

• Be an example, Phil. 2:14-16, Matt. 5:16, 1 Pet. 2:11-12

• Pay your “taxes” – supportMatt. 22:21, cf. 1 Cor. 16:1-2, Matt. 6:33, Rom. 12:1


• Promote the kingdom• Evangelize – the only way

the kingdom will grow•Matt. 28:18-19Eph. 4:162 Tim. 2:2John 15:5-8


• Pray for the kingdom • Cf. Matt. 6:10, “Your

kingdom come” • Paul requested prayers for

opportunities, success and boldness – 2 Thess. 3:1, Eph. 6:18-20, Col. 4:2-4

What does your citizenship mean to

you?

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What It Means to Be a Christian A Christian is… A Citizen