2022.07.10 - Characteristics Of A Citizen Of Heaven

As citizens of Heaven, we to have great privileges and responsibilities. This morning we are going to look at four characteristics of citizens of heaven. I) Your Name Has Been written in the Book (4:3) Not everyone’s name is written in heaven. Because I am a U.S. citizen. My name is written in a record book in New York. Now the amazing thing about this I didn’t have to work for it I was born into it. It is the same way when it comes to having my name in Heaven’s book, I didn’t have to work for my citizenship in heaven I was born into it. It is a free gift from God! And the fact that our names are written in heaven is a cause for rejoicing. If you are a citizen of heaven, then your name is written in heaven’s book. You belong to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, and he will never blot you out of his book. And that is cause for great rejoicing. II) Your Life is to be Governed from another Country (3:17) Paul is reminding us that we are citizens of another country and ambassadors while living here. As good ambassadors we should be able to say what Paul said, “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” (Philippians 3:17) Have you been a good ambassador? Would you encourage others to follow the example of your life as Paul encouraged others to follow his example? III) Your Heart is Focused on the Lost Around You (3:18-19) Paul weeps as he writes verses 18 and 19. His tears stain the page as he writes. Why? Because there are so many who think they are ok with Christ and yet live as enemies of the cross of Christ. In verse 19 Paul gives us his four-part evaluation of these enemies of the cross. 1. Their condemnation is settled Notice verse 19, whose end is destruction. Other passages call it death or judgment. Paul was overwhelmed by the gravity of such an eternal, unremitting, never-ending existence. You see, the question is not, “Does a person cease to exist?” The question is “Where will that person exist for eternity?” Apart f