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

2. 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

3. Dual Citizenship
We are citizens of this country (or some other nation) – we have responsibilities to our nation

4. 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

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)

6. Our Physical Citizenship
Be a good citizen!
Matt. 22:21, Render to Caesar
Titus 3:1, Be subject to rulers and authorities

7. Our Physical Citizenship
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

8. Our Physical Citizenship
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

9. Our Physical Citizenship
Pay your taxes
Romans 13:6
Matthew 22:21, Render to Caesar

10. Our Physical Citizenship
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)

11. Our Physical Citizenship
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.

12. Our Spiritual Citizenship
Honor our King!
Jesus is Lord! John 18:37, 1 Tim. 6:15, Rev. 19:16 Rev. 17:14, “those who are with Him are called, chosen and faithful.”
Phil. 1:27, conduct worthy
Eph. 5:24, subject to Him

13. Our Spiritual Citizenship
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

14. Our Spiritual Citizenship
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” – support Matt. 22:21, cf. 1 Cor. 16:1-2, Matt. 6:33, Rom. 12:1

15. Our Spiritual Citizenship
Promote the kingdom
Evangelize – the only way the kingdom will grow
Matt. 28:18-19 Eph. 4:16 2 Tim. 2:2 John 15:5-8

16. Our Spiritual Citizenship
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

17. What does your citizenship mean to you?