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Philippians 3:18 – 4:1. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Philippians 3:18 – 4:1.
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Philippians 3:18 – 4:1 18For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Philippians 3:18 – 4:1 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Philippians 3:18 – 4:1 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians 3:18 – 4:1 1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
Foreigners in Knoxville, TN Hardin Valley Church of Christ June 1, 2008
Sometimes It Is Obvious when People or Things Are Out of Place
Goal of Lesson • We live in the world, but don’t belong to the world • Belong to another Kingdom that is different • We must live as citizens of the Kingdom as we live everyday in the world
Citizen of Heaven or World? Phil. 3:18–20 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. • Kingdom of Heaven and World in Opposition • Citizen of World • god is their own desires • mind on earthly things • only ends badly
Living in a Strange Place • Have to live in the world w/o becoming the world • 1 Peter 2:11 • sensuality, pleasures • power, position, money • popularity, acceptance • Do we look different? • different values may not be popular (1 Peter 4:4-5) • different in love and compassion • different in the hope that we offer • not different for difference sake
How do we stay loyal to our King while in foreign territory? • Know the King and His Cause • Creator, conquered death, Savior (Phil 2:5-11, 3:7-11) • Transcendent cause • Know values and customs of the Kingdom • in the Word regularly • surround ourselves w/fellow citizens • worship, small groups, friends • Look beyond the physical (2 Cor. 4:18) • what’s the real value? • soul behind the physical person
How do we stay loyal to our King while in foreign territory? • Remember we’re in a fight w/eternal consequences • “enemies of the cross of Christ” • everyone is a potential casualty • Remember • victory is assured (Jn 11:25-26) and • our Real Home is unbelievable (Rev. 21:1-4)