What responsibilities come with being "fellow citizens with the saints" in Ephesians 2:19? Setting the Scene “Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.” Core Idea of Citizenship • God has transferred believers from outsider status to full, legal citizenship in His Kingdom (Colossians 1:13). • With privileges come duties; Scripture presents these as non-negotiable for every citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20). Responsibility 1: Embrace the King’s Rule • Obey the King’s commands without reservation—John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Submit to His Word as the final authority in belief and behavior (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Reject the value system of the “kingdom of this world” (1 John 2:15-17). Responsibility 2: Guard the Unity of the City • Preserve spiritual unity—Ephesians 4:3, “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” • Refuse divisive talk; instead build up (Ephesians 4:29). • Reconcile quickly when conflict arises (Matthew 5:23-24). Responsibility 3: Display the City’s Culture of Holiness • Live distinctly—1 Peter 1:15-16, “Be holy in all you do.” • Offer bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). • Reject immorality, impurity, greed—Ephesians 5:3. Responsibility 4: Extend Kingdom Hospitality • Welcome fellow citizens; practice brotherly love—Romans 12:10. • Care for believers in need—Galatians 6:10. • Open homes for fellowship (Acts 2:46-47). Responsibility 5: Contribute to the City’s Welfare • Use spiritual gifts for the common good—1 Peter 4:10. • Pray for one another—James 5:16. • Give generously to gospel work (2 Corinthians 9:7). Responsibility 6: Represent the City Abroad • Serve as ambassadors—2 Corinthians 5:20. • Proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us—1 Peter 2:9-10. • Conduct ourselves honorably among unbelievers—1 Peter 2:12. Living It Out Together • Meet regularly for teaching, worship, and mutual encouragement—Hebrews 10:24-25. • Hold one another accountable in love—Galatians 6:1-2. • Celebrate the shared hope of the eternal city whose architect and builder is God—Hebrews 11:10. |
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