Our Citizenship

Vol 3 No 35 THEO'S DEVOS

Ephesians 2:19b-20 You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20We are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.\

Does any of the political chaos that the country seems to be in right now bother you? Are you noticing any changes in our culture that concerns you? There are lots that cause me to fret a little until I, like David, Paul, and other biblical writers, begin to see more clearly what is really happening and where I/we really belong.
It is true that most of Theo's Devos readers are citizens of the USA but there are many that are citizens of several other countries all around the world. The truth of the matter is that if you are a Christian, you have a dual citizenship and it is the primary citizenship that makes all the difference in the world. Our verses today clearly point out the our primary citizenship is in God's holy family. We are citizens of that spiritual world that lies, unseen, behind what we think is reality. This citizenship contains certain benefits that the citizens of any country simply cannot draw on without accepting Christ as their personal savior.
I have had the great privilege to travel to many countries of the world and, wherever I have gone it is has always been a blessing to run into a fellow citizen of my home country. It is as though we were best of friends from the moment we have met. It has always been a point of pride to say that I was a US citizen. That feeling is always twice as intense when I find out that I have just met a fellow Christian. Someone who shares my heavenly citizenship. There is no way to explain that feeling and, what is more interesting, is that I receive that feeling when I meet a Christian in this country. It is as though my citizenship of heaven is even more important that my citizenship here on earth. The reason? Because the Godly citizenship is an eternal one where my earthly citizenship is just that: earthly.
There is an even more important factor here. I am not just a citizen of heaven but I am a member of God's family. My heavenly father is the King of King and Lord of Lords. If you meet a citizen of another country you will be in the presence of someone who has a special standing with the leader of that country. But if you ever met the son of daughter of that leader you would be meeting someone who has an even greater important to him or her. This means that we are not simply citizens of heaven but we have a very special position within that citizenship. We have certain benefits that a mere citizen would not have. We are heirs to that Kingdom and will inherit it someday.
Please do not live your life as though you had little meaning in the scheme of things. You are related to the apostles and prophets. You have been chosen by God for something very special. When you start each day be sure to thank God for these truths. It will warm the heart of God and transform your day from the very beginning.
May God bless you as you consider the impact of this fact.

Theo



Dear Small Group Leader (or soon to be Facilitator)

Please allow everyone in your group to answer the Quick Question. It will get things started on the right foot, encouraging quieter ones to open up. Please do not require everyone to answer every question. They may not be ready to share yet. Also please allow at least 5-10 minutes at the end of your study so as many as would like to can respond to the REFLECTION question. This may be the most important time in your small group study. Thank You


SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY


Please Read: Ephesians 2

QUICK QUESTION: What is the best thing about being a citizen of the United States?

1.What happens when you believe the message the Jesus brought?

2.What does it mean when Paul refers to the foundation?

3.How does the church live and grow?

4.In what way does God live in us?

5.How should we treat foreigners and aliens?

6.How can your church reach out to others in your community?


REFLECTION: Is there someone in your community that may be considered and 'outsider?' If so how can you reach out to them in the love of God?