Peace of the King
Tim Keller | August 20, 1989
Outline
Ephesians 2:19–22
In Ephesians 2:19-22 and Philippians 3:20, we learn about the life-changing experience of becoming a follower of Christ. It’s like moving from being a stranger to becoming a full-fledged citizen in God’s kingdom, with Jesus as our guiding star. This change fills our lives with happiness, confidence, creativity, and the desire to do our best. It also gives us new responsibilities and privileges, weaving a strong community of believers. The life of those who don’t follow Christ is painted as being broken and lost, underlining the need to obey God’s teachings and the consequences of not committing wholeheartedly.
1. The right to ask for help
As followers of Christ, we have the incredible right to ask for help directly from Jesus, our heavenly ruler, who is always interested in our troubles. Romans 8 speaks of this right, showing us that being a citizen of God’s kingdom isn’t about power or wealth, but about humility and trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice for us. So, we can boldly bring our problems before God, knowing that He is always ready to show us mercy.
2. The right to protection
The story of the War of Jenkins’ Ear shows us that when one citizen is attacked, it’s as if the whole kingdom is under threat. In the same way, as citizens of God’s kingdom, we are armed with His Word and Spirit to fight our personal battles and sins, claiming freedom from their grip. Just like Joseph relied on God’s help during his tough times, we can also trust in God’s strength and presence in our lives as His kingdom’s citizens.
3. The responsibility to stand for your faith
As ambassadors of our faith, we are part of a “holy nation,” a new kind of people molded by our Christian faith, affecting every part of our lives. The church acts as a beacon, showing what society could look like under Jesus’ leadership, and it should be the heart from which all aspects of our lives spring. It’s vital to grasp and live by our spiritual citizenship, showing fairness within our community and helping each other in all areas of our lives.
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