UNCHAINED: Excerpts from Philippians

Citizens of Heaven

Prayer for Never the Same November. Philippians 1:27 (NLT): “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” 

LIVE AS A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN. This meant a lot to the church at Philippi—it was a  Roman colony. You had your name, where you were born and date of birth officially recorded. Your Dad had the right to participate in governance, you could vote/run for office. You had the right to a fair trial within Roman jurisdiction. You were not to be harmed, tortured or killed until you were tired. You had authority and the right to appeal to Caesar.

CONDUCT YOURSELVES IN A MANNER WORTH OF THE GOOD NEWS. We have been born into a new kingdom. 1 Peter 1:23 (NLT): “For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” We have delegated kingdom authority. Luke 10:19 (NLT): “Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.” We have power from on high. Luke 24:49 (NLT): “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” 

STANDING (FIRM)–STANDING TOGETHER. Attitude: the way you think and feel about someone or something. David prayed that God would “renew a right spirit” within him” (Psalm 51:10, KJV). We should all be of the same attitude: attitude determines altitude

With One Purpose (Agenda). Purpose: the reason why something is done or used; the aim or intention of something.

FIGHTING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH. It’s Fighting “For” Not Fighting “In” the Faith. Striving Together as in an Athletic Formation like a Football offensive line.

*

Rev. Bryan A. Tomes 

Crossroads Community Church 

www.crossroadsconnects.com