07/15/18 POLITICS, CITIZENSHIP, LOYALTY, FAMILY
My "politics" is based on my citizenship and loyalty.
I am a citizen of heaven and I am committed to the King of kings, JESUS.
Philippians 3:20
20 For our conversation (CITIZENSHIP, from the Greek word "politeuma") is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
(DLG note... The Greek word, "politeuma" refers to the administration of civil affairs, or a commonwealth or government or laws, therefore, "conversation" in the KJV is better translated as "community" or "citizenship."
Remember, definition and usage of words changes, and the English words "conversation" and "communications" (along with many other words) conveyed certain ideas 400 years ago that are not understood today, which is why we must explain and define many Biblical terms and concepts. The word of God was given in Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic, but it is translated into the various languages of the world, so that we might know what God revealed through prophets and apostles.
The word, "conversation" is also used in the KJV translation of Philippians 1:27; but again, it is not referring simply to verbal communications, but rather to "behavior,"" manner of life," "a place in community."
Philippians 1:27
27 Only let your conversation (Gr. "politeuomai,") be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
(DLG note... In this case, the word which is better translated as "conduct," "behavior," "manner of life," as befitting your alliance with the rule of God).
Remember, Jesus said,
John 18:36
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Ephesians 2:19
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
(DLG note... Not foreigners or strangers, but FELLOW CITIZENS and MEMBERS OF GOD'S HOUSEHOLD.
Our loyalty to God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is based on our relationship to Him. He is our King, and we are in His family.
We are children of God by adoption and by birth.
We call God our Father because we are adopted, chosen, accepted into His household, His family.
We are "born of God," that is, we are born of the Holy Spirit.
We are children of God by faith in Jesus Christ,
We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.
He is our KING
1 Timothy 1:17
17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:14-16
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Revelation 19:16
16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
My citizenship, my home, my family, my allegiances are to the King of heaven and earth and to His rule (His kingdom).
I have an earthly citizenship, but I am primarily a SUBJECT of the King. My first, foremost and final allegiance is to God. This should not be a conflict with this world because the entire world should be willingly subject to God. However, the kings of this world often reject and rebel against the rule of the King of kings. One day in the future, Jesus will return to set up His thousand year Kingdom, which is a precursor to His eternal reign in the New Jerusalem, New Earth, New Heaven.
As we approach the time of His return and earthly reign, the rebellious rulers of this world are joining their kingdoms (political, academic, philosophical, religious, economic) in an attempt to overthrow and oust the rule of God from this world. Their efforts are an exercise in futility.
Psalms 2:1-12
1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
CHOOSE THIS DAY, WHOM YOU WILL SERVE.
Joshua 24:14-15
14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
