Citizenship in Gods kingdom

Ephesians 2:19-22

Introduction: Citizenship is one word that most of us have heard a lot of recently. Our politicians have talked a lot about it and we as individuals have an idea of what citizenship is supposed to look like as well. Do you know there is citizenship in Gods kingdom as well? The apostle Paul talks a lot about it in Ephesians chapter 2. Living in America we take citizenship very seriously, as a child of God we need to take citizenship in His kingdom even more seriously. America is here because of Gods blessing, why do we put more emphasis on the blessing than the one who gave it? Paul had to deal with citizenship and the impact it had on the church. The church at Ephesus was comprised of Jew and Gentile and they didn’t get along, at all. There focus was on man’s citizenship instead of Gods citizenship the church today can’t afford to make this mistake. Will you give God your attention this morning as we look at His word and let it speak to our hearts concerning “citizenship in Gods kingdom?”

I. Christian citizenship is established in verse 19 by….

1. Bonding the believer

Paul tells us we are “fellow citizens” in Gods kingdom, as a citizen in any country you have full rights and privileges along with full responsibilities.

2. Binding the believer

Citizenship of believers is shared with the “saints” of old and the current church through the current “household of God.”

II. Christian citizenship is erected in verses 20 and 21 by…

1. Building the believer

Through preaching (“prophets”), teaching (“apostles”), singing praises and reading and studying our bibles we are built up daily and our lives established on the “chief cornerstone.”

2. Blessing the believer

Our citizenship can be strengthened two ways; first by fellowship with one another in this assembly and by joining with the assembly of others. Paul tells us we are “fitly framed together” through our new birth we are family.

Second through the moving of God in our lives and in our churches, we read that we are a “holy temple in the land” we are a living testimony to what God can do through His son Jesus Christ.

III. Christian citizenship is evolving in verse 22 by…

1. Fostering a following

The bible says we have been “builded together for a habitation of God” you and I are God’s dwelling place. The bible uses the word “tabernacle” to illustrated Gods desire to dwell among His people. By giving God an adequate vessel to work with we first increase our personal following then we encourage others to follow as well.

2. Forming the follower

As a citizen in Gods family He wants to form us daily “through the spirit” by working in our lives to make us better people, better fit for His service and hungry for His word, desiring to satisfy Him.

Conclusion: Are you a “citizen in Gods kingdom” in other words are you saved by the blood of Jesus Christ? If not you need to seriously consider eternity this morning and where you will spend it. If you are a “citizen in Gods kingdom” You need to ask yourself the question; am I enjoying all the privileges and fulfilling all the responsibilities of being one of Gods citizens? Close as the spirit leads!