Text: Colossians 2:15
In His death, Jesus made a “public display” of the civil rulers and “put them to open shame” (ESV). The full force of civil authority was against Christ (Acts 4:26), and they failed. But Jesus didn’t abolish civil authority (Romans 13:1). Therefore, we may live as citizens of an earthly country, but we must keep everything in perspective.
Rights and Privileges of Citizenship
- Citizenship in a country usually comes with certain advantages – no reason why Christians can’t take advantage of these
- Paul took advantage of his Romans citizenship – to escape physical abuse (Acts 22:24-29); to get an opportunity to speak (Acts 21:39-40); to hold public officials accountable for violating his rights as a citizen (Acts 16:35-39); to appeal his case to Caesar (Acts 25:11-12)
- We can take advantages of our citizenship in the U.S.
All Governments Will Eventually Fall
- A crown does not endure to all generations (Proverbs 27:24)
- Even great world powers fall (Daniel 2:36-43)
Christ’s Kingdom Will Endure Forever
- Unlike the others, Christ’s kingdom would not be of earthly origin (Daniel 2:44-45)
- The gates of Hades would not overpower it (Matthew 16:18-19)
- The kingdom will remain until the end with Christ hands it over to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24)
Our Citizenship is in Heaven
- We certainly enjoy numerous blessings of citizenship in this country – be mindful of them, be thankful for them, and use them
- But first and foremost our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20) – we eagerly wait for Christ’s return
- We have a great reward waiting for us (1 Peter 1:4)
- No matter what we have here, it cannot compare with what we will receive over there (Matthew 16:26)
