The Value of Your Citizenship

Intro

Text - Acts 22.25-29

Acts 22:25–29 NKJV

25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?” 26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman.” 27 Then the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” He said, “Yes.” 28 The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.” And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.” 29 Then immediately those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the commander was also afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

Title - The Value Of Your Citizenship

Main Subject

The benefits of our heavenly citizenship can only be enjoyed when we acknowledge the true value of our citizenship.

Background

why did Paul brought up his citizenship

because a Roman citizen has certain rights that cannot be ignored even by the military

as a Roman citizen he is entitled to a fair trial, and to be heard even in the courts of emperor in Rome

why did the commander declared how he gained his citizenship

perhaps he wanted to brag about it - how he bought his citizenship with a large sum

why were the commander and the soldiers afraid afterwards

because Paul declared that he was born a citizen -

because they were about to harm him without a fair trial

Both sides wanted to exercise their rights and privileges as Roman citizens.

but Paul demanded that his cvitizenship be respected (for a higher purpose)

and the soldiers were in danger of misusing - and perhaps losing - their citizenship

How much more important is your heavenly citizenship!

how do we acknowledge its value?

how do we use our privileges?

what are we doing in order to maximize its benefits?

Acknowledge the value of heavenly citizenship

Which one has more value -

the Roman soldier bought his citizenship with a large sum

Paul claimed he was a citizen by birth

Acts 21.39 “39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people.””

How citizenship is gained in the Roman empire

by manumission (process of release) - conquered cities, slaves

as a reward - granted by the Emperor

by purchase - by a slave, etc.

by birth - by parents who are legal citizens

In Rome, citizenship is granted according to the person’s value to the empire

a servant may earn or buy his freedom to become a freedman

a freedman is half- or quarter-citizen!

a freedman may serve in the military to gain high citizenship (equestrian, etc.)

In the kingdom of God, citizenship is granted not according to our merit, but according to the merit of Jesus Christ, and is therefore God’s favor towards us!

Ephesians 2:18–19 NKJV

18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

Enjoy the benefits of your citizenship

John 16:24 NKJV

24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Luke 11:9–10 NKJV

9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Paul demanded his rights to a fair trial.

God gives us fair trials everytime!

1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

God gives us protection

God supplies our every need

Philippians 4:19 NKJV

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Maximize the benefits of your heavenly citizenship

Note

Romans who become soldiers gain a higher citizenship of military

in others nations, citizens take pride in serving their country in the military

(Filipinos are not fond of serving the country in the military)

Hebrews 12:28 NKJV

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

Colossians 3:23–24 NKJV

23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Our Christian service DOES NOT make us more important than other Christians

but they do make us valuable in the work of God, and will be rewarded accordingly.

Conclusion

Rejoice - because you are born into God’s kingdom

Enjoy - god’s favor over your life

Offer your life - in the service of God