Passin’ Thru

Passin’ Thru

January 19, 2014 Morning Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: We should be in the world, but not of the world; we are merely passing through.

Focus Passage: Philippians 3:17-21

Supplemental Passage: "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." (1 Peter 1:16 NASB)

Introduction: Relate story of being missionary in a foreign country. You lived there, but you were not one of the citizens. You tried to learn language, culture, and other things in order share the Gospel, but you were never one of them. No matter what you did, you always stood out as a foreigner. So as it is on Earth. We do what we must do to share the Gospel, live and survive, but we do not belong here. Our home is in Heaven. Let’s not get too comfortable here.

I. Residents of Earth

a. Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2 NASB)

b. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; (2 Corinthians 2:15 NASB)

c. Characteristics of Citizens of Earth:

i. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB)

II. Citizens of Heaven

a. "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2 NASB)

b. for through [Jesus] we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, (Ephesians 2:18-19 NASB)

c. Characteristics of Citizens of Heaven:

i. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NASB)

Invitation: A caution: “Don’t be so Heavenly-minded that you are no earthly good.”