Our Heavenly Citizenship - Sunil Poonen
Summary
The central message is that believers' true citizenship and inheritance are in heaven, not in earthly possessions or achievements. The speaker contrasts the world's focus on material gifts and earthly security with the Christian call to prioritize God as our sole inheritance. He urges the audience to fix their minds on heavenly treasures, counting all earthly things as rubbish compared to knowing Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God speaking to Aaron about no inheritanceGod tells Aaron and the high priests that they shall have no inheritance in the land because God is their portion.Numbers 18:20
The Levites' calling in DeuteronomyMoses explains that the Levites received no land inheritance because God was their designated inheritance.Deuteronomy 18:2
David and Asaph desiring God above allDavid declares that God is his portion and that he desires nothing on Earth besides Him.Psalm 16:2Psalm 73:25
Counting all things as loss for ChristPaul counts everything as rubbish compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ and gaining His righteousness.Philippians 3:7–10
Enemies of the cross versus heavenly citizensWhile those of the world set their minds on Earthly things, believers possess a citizenship in heaven and eagerly wait for Christ.
Setting your mind on things aboveColossians instructs believers to fix their minds on things above rather than on things on the earth.Colossians 3:2
Dying to the world through the crossGalatians expresses that through the cross of Christ, our interest in the world and the world's interest in us should be dead.Galatians 6:14
Considered rubbish by the worldPaul notes that the world views apostles and faithful followers as the rubbish of the earth.
Confessing to be strangers and exilesFaithful men and women died in faith recognizing they were strangers and exiles on earth seeking a heavenly country.Hebrews 11:13
Men of whom the world was not worthyHebrews concludes that the world was not worthy of those who suffered for God because their minds were set above.
