THE JOY OF KINGDOM CITIZENSHIP

THE JOY OF KINGDOM CITIZENSHIP

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Philippians 3:20
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ."

Supporting Texts: Luke 10:20, Romans 14:17, Colossians 1:13, John 15:11, Isaiah 12:3

INTRODUCTION
Citizenship comes with rights, privileges, and responsibilities. In the natural world, people value their earthly citizenship because it grants them access to resources, security, and identity. However, as believers, our most important citizenship is not of this world but of the Kingdom of God. The moment we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour, we are translated from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13).

Being a citizen of God’s Kingdom is a source of great joy because it guarantees eternal security, divine provision, and supernatural peace. Unlike earthly nations, which have limitations, the Kingdom of God is eternal and operates by divine principles that never fail. Yet, many believers do not fully embrace the joy that comes with their Kingdom citizenship. They live in fear, anxiety, and struggle, not realising the riches they possess in Christ.

In this study, we will explore the joy of Kingdom citizenship and how we can fully embrace it in our daily lives.

1. KINGDOM CITIZENSHIP BRINGS THE JOY OF SALVATION
Salvation is the greatest benefit of being a citizen of God’s Kingdom.

a) Our Names Are Written in Heaven
Jesus told His disciples to rejoice, not just because they had authority, but because their names were written in heaven (Luke 10:20).

b) We Are Delivered from Sin and Condemnation
Through Christ, we are set free from the bondage of sin (Romans 8:1-2).

c) We Have the Assurance of Eternal Life
Kingdom citizenship grants us the hope of eternal life with Christ (John 3:16).

d) We Are Adopted into God's Family
As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we are no longer slaves but sons and daughters (Romans 8:15).

e) Biblical Example: The Joy of the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:39)
After accepting Christ through Philip’s preaching, the Ethiopian eunuch went on his way rejoicing, knowing he had become a part of God’s Kingdom.

2. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS A KINGDOM OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, AND JOY
Unlike the world, God’s Kingdom is marked by true peace and joy.

a) The Kingdom Is Not Based on Material Things
True joy comes from God’s presence, not worldly possessions (Romans 14:17).

b) Peace Comes from Knowing We Are in God’s Hands
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keeps our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

c) The Holy Spirit Is the Source of Kingdom Joy
Jesus said His joy remains in us through the Holy Spirit (John 15:11).

d) Joy Comes from Drawing Water from the Wells of Salvation
Salvation brings a continuous flow of joy in our lives (Isaiah 12:3).

e) Biblical Example: Paul and Silas Singing in Prison (Acts 16:25-26)
Despite being imprisoned, Paul and Silas rejoiced in the Lord, and their joy led to a miraculous deliverance.

3. KINGDOM CITIZENSHIP GRANTS ACCESS TO DIVINE PROVISION
As Kingdom citizens, we have access to the resources of heaven.

a) God Takes Care of His Own
Jesus assured us that the Father knows our needs and will provide (Matthew 6:31-33).

b) We Have Supernatural Provision
David declared, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).

c) Our Needs Are Met According to God’s Riches
God supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

d) Kingdom Citizens Do Not Live in Fear of Lack
God has given us the spirit of power, not of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

e) Biblical Example: The Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:13-16)
Through divine provision, her little oil and flour sustained her throughout the famine.

4. KINGDOM CITIZENSHIP COMES WITH DIVINE PROTECTION
The Kingdom of God is a place of security and safety.

a) We Are Protected Under God’s Wings
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High is safe (Psalm 91:1-4).

b) Angels Are Assigned to Kingdom Citizens
God commands His angels to guard us (Psalm 91:11).

c) No Weapon Formed Against Us Shall Prosper
As Kingdom citizens, we are shielded from enemy attacks (Isaiah 54:17).

d) We Overcome the Enemy by the Blood of the Lamb
Our citizenship in God’s Kingdom gives us victory over the devil (Revelation 12:11).

e) Biblical Example: Daniel in the Lion’s Den (Daniel 6:22)
Because of his Kingdom allegiance, God shut the mouths of the lions and protected Daniel.

5. KINGDOM CITIZENSHIP MEANS WE REPRESENT GOD ON EARTH
As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we are His ambassadors.

a) We Are Christ’s Representatives
We are called to live as Kingdom ambassadors in this world (2 Corinthians 5:20).

b) Our Lives Must Reflect Kingdom Values
We are the light of the world and must shine brightly (Matthew 5:14-16).

c) We Must Preach the Gospel of the Kingdom
Jesus commanded us to spread the good news of His Kingdom (Matthew 28:19-20).

d) Kingdom Citizens Must Live by Kingdom Laws
We follow God’s Word as the supreme authority in our lives (Joshua 1:8).

e) Biblical Example: The Apostles in the Early Church (Acts 4:18-20)
The apostles boldly represented God’s Kingdom, refusing to be silent about their faith.

CONCLUSION
The joy of Kingdom citizenship is unparalleled. It is not dependent on earthly conditions but on the unchanging nature of God. As Kingdom citizens, we have salvation, peace, divine provision, supernatural protection, and a glorious future in eternity. These privileges should fill our hearts with unshakable joy and gratitude.

However, with the blessings of Kingdom citizenship come responsibilities. We are to live as representatives of Christ, spreading His message and walking in righteousness. The more we embrace our identity as Kingdom citizens, the more we will experience the fullness of joy that comes with it.

PRAYER POINTS
1.  Lord, thank You for making me a citizen of Your glorious Kingdom.

2.  Father, fill my heart with the joy of salvation.

3.  I reject fear and anxiety; I walk in Kingdom peace.

4.  Lord, provide for all my needs according to Your riches.

5.  I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper.

6. Holy Spirit, empower me to live as a Kingdom ambassador.

7.  Father, let Your joy be my strength daily.

8.  Lord, let my life reflect Kingdom values.

9.  I receive grace to preach the gospel of the Kingdom.

10.  Lord, prepare me for the eternal joy of reigning with You.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1.  You will walk in the joy of your Kingdom citizenship!

2.  No force of darkness shall steal your peace and joy!

3.  God’s supernatural provision shall never cease in your life!

4.  Your life shall reflect the righteousness of God’s Kingdom!

5.  Angels will watch over you and your household!

6.  You shall be a true ambassador of Christ wherever you go!

7.  The joy of the Lord shall be your strength!

8.  You will never lack any good thing in God’s Kingdom!

9.  Your life shall be a testimony of divine protection!

10.  You will reign with Christ in His eternal Kingdom!