Citizens of Heaven
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Our Dual Citizenship
We get the English word “politics” from the Greek word polis (city).
Philippians 3:20 KJV:
For our conversation [politeuma, country] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
This is the only place the word politeuma is used in the New Testament. It basically means a commonwealth or country, and you can get the idea of citizenship from it.
Philippi was a city in the empire of Rome, and it derived privileges from its Roman status. They were proud of their citizenship of Rome. They considered themselves to be political people, and belonging to Philippi was a big deal to them.
Let’s look at three words: aliens, strangers, and foreigners.
Ephesians 2:12 KJV:
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers [without rights] from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Here, “aliens” just means visitors, someone who is not from there. The Gentiles did not know the customs of Israel or have any part of it.
Ephesians 2:19 KJV:
Now therefore ye are no more strangers [without rights] and foreigners [settler but without rights], but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
We really have dual citizenship.
Philippians 1:27 KJV:
Only let your conversation [our life as citizens] be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
The Aramaic states that our work is in heaven. So, it’s not just about our rights and privileges; our actual work is in heaven. We also have a family corporation, so we have corporate rights as well.
Philippians 2:10–11 KJV:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
We have the right and privilege, as part of our corporate rights (in the family business), to use Jesus Christ’s name.
Colossians 3:15–17 KJV:
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
2 Thessalonians 1:11–12 KJV:
11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
When we use the name of Jesus Christ and we stand on our rights, privileges, and duties to stand for God, then He underscores it with His power.
Philippians 3:20–21 KJV:
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for [eagerly anticipating] the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
The reason we labor and exercise our spiritual rights, the reason we stand, is because we know He’s coming back.
Philippians 4:1 KJV:
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast [steko] in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
This teaching is also available on the Acts Now Fellowship website.
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