YOU ARE A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN

ICEBREAKER
Have any of you ever traveled abroad? What did you notice about how you felt being a U.S. Citizen while you were there?

We’re discussing a series called “New Year. New You.” And, it’s all about “Strengthening your core for a healthier life” meaning your spiritual core, your Identity in Christ. Today we’re talking about the principle “You Are a Citizen of Heaven.” 

REVIEW & DISCUSS
Read or Review Philippians 3:17-4:1.

• v19 - Do you recall what underlying meaning of the phrase “their destiny is destruction”? (“their end is waste”)
• v19 - So in connection with the phrase “their God is their stomach, and their glory is their shame,” what is this biological metaphor really saying here?

YOU ARE A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN

Every citizen is afforded certain rights and protections. They also tend to live by certain principles of that country. What are some of the rights and protections we have as U.S. Citizens? What are some of the principles we tend to live by?

1 Peter 1:17 tells us to "live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear." Colossians 3:2 tells us to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” How does seing ourselves as “Citizens of Heaven” change our view of what we expect for rights and protections? What are the principles that we live by that are contrary to the principles of being a U.S. Citizen?

TAKEAWAY
In what ways do you think you tend to live more as a Citizen of this World?

In what ways would you like to live more as a Citizen of Heaven?

PRAYER
​First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about encouraging one another. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer.