Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Timely Teaching for Turbulent Times”
Week 6 of 6: “The Impact of Citizenship!”
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: GOVERNMENT…Servants of God!
As we wrap up a week of devotions on our relationship to government, today I’d like to reprint the main points from Sunday’s message (Listen to it at the links above.) As we go to the polls (or have gone) we realize we live as a child of God, part of his heavenly kingdom, and as a citizen of the United States, an earthly kingdom. We live in both, participate in both, but remember some clear distinctions while recognizing similarities.
Here are seven distinctions of the two kingdoms:
- We become a citizen of God’s Kingdom by faith in Jesus.
- We become a citizen of America by birth or citizenship process.
Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
- Our primary citizenship is in heaven.
- Our secondary citizenship is on earth.
Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,
- The leader of God’s kingdom is Christ.
- The leader of America is our President.
Ephesians 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
- The guide for the Christian is the Word of God.
- The guide for the government is the constitution.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
- The primary role of God’s kingdom is the salvation of souls.
- The primary role of government is the safety of people.
1 Peter 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Romans 13:3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
- My purpose as a Christian in America is to make Christians.
- My purpose as a Christian in America is not to make a Christian nation.
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
- My Christian life is motivated by grace.
- Life in America is motivated by the law.
Romans 13:6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes;
Here are three similarities:
- Christ is the head of both.
Romans 13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
- I give respect and honor to both.
Romans 13:7 Give to everyone what you owe them: … if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
- I desire to impact both.
Jeremiah 29:7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
Apply: Impact the nation in which you live…GO VOTE! Impact the kingdom of God…SHARE Jesus with someone!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for making me a member of your kingdom by grace and allowing me the privilege to be a citizen of America. Help me to understand and keep each kingdom distinct while I live in and impact both…to your glory! AMEN.