Life Is Falling Apart, But I’m Not
Life Is Falling Apart, But I’m Not
Ephesians 2:17-22 (NIV84) 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
1 Peter 2:5 (NASB95) You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20 (NIV84) But our citizenship is in heaven.
Why I don’t have to “fall apart”:
I’m in relationship with the person in charge of all history, all circumstances, and all conditions.
Psalm 47:2 (NASB95) For the Lord Most High is to be feared, A great King over all the earth.
Psalm 103:19 (NASB95) The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.
Revelation 19:16 (NASB95) And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
John 15:15 (NIV) I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
I may not yet live in heaven, but I have the same rights and duties of a citizen of heaven.
What my “citizenship” grants me:
1. I can make an appeal all the way to the top.
Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
2. I’ve got God’s kingdom at my back.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4, 7 (NRSV) Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds… Look at what is before your eyes. If you are confident that you belong to Christ, remind yourself of this, that just as you belong to Christ, so also do we.
3. I’ve been given the honor of representation.
1 Peter 2:9-10 (NASB95) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Deuteronomy 4:2, 6-7 (NRSV) …keep the commandments of the Lord your God … observe them diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!” For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the Lord our God.
1 Corinthians 6:1-6 (CSB) 1If any of you has a legal dispute against another, do you dare go to court before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2Or don’t you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest cases? 3Don’t you know that we will judge angels—not to mention ordinary matters? 4So if you have cases pertaining to this life, do you select those who have no standing in the church to judge? 5I say this to your shame! Can it be that there is not one wise person among you who is able to arbitrate between his brothers? 6Instead, believer goes to court against believer, and that before unbelievers!
Matthew 5:16 (NASB95) “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
How to get “citizenship”:
I have to admit I’m an alien.
I have to transfer my trust over to Jesus Christ.
Growing Deeper Together
Use these points throughout the week as part of your quiet time, in your small group, or over coffee with a friend to help you apply what you learned in today’s message.
“Worry is being out of touch with the boss.” Are you trusting in God’s sovereignty in all things? Spend time reviewing the verses in the first bullet and rededicate yourself to relying on God and his plan for you in ALL things.
- Shane talked about part of the story of Esther (chapter 4). Read the whole book this week (it only takes about 30-45 minutes!) and consider these questions:
- How does it feel to know the scepter is always out for you as a child of God & citizen of heaven?
- When have you stepped out in faith like Esther did? What was at stake? How did things turn out?
- How do you prepare to do God’s will when it isn’t easy?
Are you living free, like a citizen, or still living like a slave? Do you believe God’s power is in & with you? Meditate on these scriptures: Acts 1:8; Ezekiel 36:27; Isaiah 11:2 in your quiet time this week.
Many of us are “living beneath our dignity”. Change that today! Renew your citizenship & reclaim your rights as a child of the King. Or make the choice to become a citizen of heaven today. Admit your current status & accept God’s invitation. Wherever you are today, come see us in the prayer lounge after service – we would love to pray with you as you step deeper into faith in Christ.