Many learned the children’s song “Heaven is a Wonderful Place” in Sunday school. The song begins, “Heaven is a wonderful place, filled with glory and grace. I want to see my Father’s face. Yes! Heaven is a wonderful place.” Although the song is simple, it captures a remarkable truth. The most wonderful aspect of heaven will be seeing the face of the One who loves us so much. But this is only the beginning...
Today's Takeaway // Live now as a citizen of heaven.
Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20 (CSB)
When we live now as a citizen of heaven, we will:
- Love our true King
For a Child will be born for us, a Son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
– Isaiah 9:6 (CSB)
– Isaiah 9:6 (CSB)
He (Jesus) is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.
– 1 Timothy 6:15b (CSB)
– 1 Timothy 6:15b (CSB)
And He (Jesus) has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
– Revelation 19:16 (CSB)
– Revelation 19:16 (CSB)
When we live now as a citizen of heaven, we will:
- Love our true King
- Listen to His commands
If you love me, you will keep My commands.
– John 14:15 (CSB)
– John 14:15 (CSB)
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves the One born of Him. This is how we know that we love God’s children: when we love God and obey his commands. For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. And His commands are not a burden, because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith.
– 1 John 5:1-4 (CSB)
– 1 John 5:1-4 (CSB)
If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
– 1 John 4:8-9 (CSB)
– 1 John 4:8-9 (CSB)
When we live now as a citizen of heaven, we will:
- Love our true King
- Listen to His commands
- Look different from the world
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises, of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day He visits.
– 1 Peter 2:9-12 (CSB)
– 1 Peter 2:9-12 (CSB)
In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
– 2 Timothy 3:12 (CSB)
– 2 Timothy 3:12 (CSB)
When we live now as a citizen of heaven, we will:
- Love our true King
- Listen to His commands
- Look different from the world
- Long for our true home
For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better— but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound. Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.
– Philippians 1:21-27a (CSB)
– Philippians 1:21-27a (CSB)
When we live now as a citizen of heaven, we will:
- Love our true King
- Listen to His commands
- Look different from the world
- Long for our true home
- Lay up treasures in heaven
Discussion Questions //
- In today’s message, Pastor Josh shared about his summer college internship in the Dominican Republic and some things that reminded him he wasn’t truly “home." If you’ve had the opportunity to leave the country for vacation or work, share about your experience and what was different from the U.S.
- Philippians 3:20 says, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Take time to unpack and discuss each of the four main points from the message.
- When we live now as a citizen of heaven, we will:
- Love our true King – why is Jesus the true King?
- Listen to His commands – what are some commands to do or not to do that you tend to struggle with? (i.e. be generous, put others first, share your faith, etc.)
- Look different to the world – how might this practically play out for a Christian living in the world today?
- Long for our true home – what are one or two things about heaven that you find yourself longing for the most and why?
- Lay up treasures in heaven – don’t miss week 5, as Pastor Tim will be sharing about this.
- What is one practical way that you can apply this message and discussion to your life this week?
- Close in prayer.
Worship Setlist //
Same God / Lean Back / There is a King / No Doubt About It
Devotional //
Get More From the Message | Each week, a new devotional will be available. This devotional is based on the previous Sunday's message, and it aims to take the message further and help you dive deeper into the topic. You can find the devotionals at the link, or sign up to receive weekly emails.
Catch Up //
You can watch or listen to past messages online!
Give //
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