VHG DISCUSSION: BACK TO BASICS – PART 2
THE PROCESS OF KINGDOM CITIZENSHIP
Summary:
One basic truth of Scripture is that all believers are citizens of God’s kingdom. This is stated many times throughout the Scriptures, [Luke 17:20; John 3:3,5; Col. 1:12-13; Phil. 3:20]. Now, as with every kingdom or country, there is a process that governs citizenship, God’s kingdom being no different. Salvation is to be viewed as the act of becoming a citizen of God’s kingdom, and through the process of genuine repentance, water and Spirit baptisms, coupled with a lifestyle evidenced by faith and fruits, believers access and experience their citizenship. From an earthly perspective believers can be citizens of differing countries, however the highest and most noble of citizenships is to be called a citizen of heaven, [Eph. 2:4-6]. The time has come for every believer to understand the importance of mind-changing, life-directional repentance. As citizens of God’s kingdom, we are heading in a new direction driven by new thinking. All citizens of this kingdom must be immersed or dipped in the name and the Spirit of our king, Jesus Christ, and every citizen must seek to abide by the kingdom laws of faith and fruits; ever learning to live by the faith while exhibiting behaviour that is attractive to our fellow human beings. To this basic truth, all believers can say, “Thy kingdom come!”
Discussion Questions:
- According to the Scriptures, repentance is the starting point for receiving the kingdom, [Mark 1:14-15], and with this comes a directional change in a believer’s life, [Phil. 3:13-14]. Repentance starts with changed thinking and leads to changed living. Discuss a few concrete ways that a believer can demonstrate a life of repentance and what one should do if they make a mistake, a wrong choice, or a bad decision.
- Hebrews 11:6 cites faith as that which “pleases God” and the required principle through which every believer must come to God. Faith can be defined as firm trust and unwavering belief; however, faith takes time to develop. Discuss specific ways and practices that believers can grow, develop and mature in their faith, along with ways that they can overcome seasons of doubt. Prayer: Father, Grant Each Of Us Citizenship In Your Glorious Kingdom, In Jesus Name.
Prayer: Father, Grant Each Of Us Citizenship In Your Glorious Kingdom, In Jesus Name.