By Bro. Godbuilt Godwin Igbava (Deacon, COC – Grey)

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DEFINITION OF TERMS:

Citizen: A member of a city or state. The Habitant of a country or district. A person who is legally recognized as a member of a country (polites‐Greek word, Citizen).

Guard: Watch over in order to protect or control, take precaution against. Guide:

Something which helps a person takes a decision or form an opinion.

Now with this clear understanding, let us go to the body of the lesson to learn further and to know also the reason as people who have gathered together in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to worship the Almighty God, Jehovah, called to be Christians.

We belong to one nationality or the other, however, I want to inform you that I will not be discussing. The world or earthly nationalities, instead I will be speaking on the Christian nationality which is spiritual and heavenly, though there are some that are present here who are yet to be citizens of that country.

Jn. 15:19,

19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Jn. 17:14

14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.

CONDITIONS OR REQUIREMENTS OF CITIZENSHIP

1. By Birth, Ephesians 2:19‐22, John 3:3‐6
2. By Purchase; Acts 22: 28
3. By Merit (Reward) Acts 10: 1‐4, 34‐35

WHY BE ON GUARD?

We are to be on guard because the scripture had shown examples of unpleasant things that happened to men of faith. For, the accuser, Satan the devil is seeking someone to devour lest we fall.

1 Cor. 10:9‐11

9 We should not test Christ, as some of them did‐and we’re killed by snakes. 10. And do not grumble, as some of them did‐and were killed by the destroying angel. 11. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.

POINTS TO NOTE

1. The Time (Days) Are Evil.

Ephesians 5:16

16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

2. The Time Is Nearer Than We First Believed.

1 John 2:18

18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.

3. The End Of All Things Is At Hand.

1 Peter 4:7

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

4. No One Knows The Hour

Matthew 24:44

44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

5. Judgment Will Begin With Us

1 Peter 4:17

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

HOW TO WORK WITH THE ABOVE POINTS

Frankly speaking, Christian living is characterized with challenges, however we are admonished to live an show good conduct that match or is worthy of om citizenship.

1 Pet. 1:14‐16 – 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16. for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Philippians 1:27 – 27 whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. Christian statues are heavenly bound. This implies and signifies that the condition or life that we live must impress our maker and Saviour who is the foundation of our lives.

Philippians 3:20

20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Col. 3:1‐6 – Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seateth at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity,. lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.

1 Peter 2:11‐12 – 11. Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

CONCLUSION (GUIDE TO CITIZENSHIP)

God desire all men to be heavenly citizens by sending Jesus Christ to the earth to die for our sins while we were yet deep in sin.

Romans 5:8

8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The choice is yours now to clinch on that free opportunity extended to the world, because citizenship will be granted to anyone willing to do the following;

1. Hear
2. Believe
3. Repent
4. Confess Christ
5. Baptize.

Being set free from darkness into life, the light of men, Jive godly then you have all the rights of heaven

John 5:24 – 24 Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

1 John 3:14‐15

14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15 Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen.

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