Our Citizenship: Cosmos-politan or Gospel-politan
Sermon Series
Sermon Study Guide
Scripture
Philippians 1:27-2:11, 3:17-21
Speaker
Pastor Joey
Sermon Study Guide
Q1: Icebreaker: Of what nation are you a citizen? In your nation, how do you determine if someone is being a good citizen?
Q2: There are 3 common ways that society organizes itself without God. Humanism, heroism, and idologicalism. Out of these three, which ones do you encounter the most in your interactions with the world?
Q3: The apostle Paul calls us to “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The Greek word used here is politeuomai which literally means “to be a good citizen of…” and the root word is polis which means “city.” Cosmos-polis therefore means “world city.” What would being a good citizen of “a world organized without God” look like? What would being a good citizen of “the gospel of Christ look like”?
Q4: Philippi was a special city in that it was a major city between Europe and Israel, and it was especially idolizing Rome as a Roman colony. This creates tension between the city that is ruled by Rome and Nero, versus the Christians in the city trying to live by grace and the Gospel. This also created much suffering and persecution for the Christians. How do you think you would have felt in that situation? How would you deal with it?
Q5: For Christians who believe we are citizens of heaven not just citizens of earthly nations, where do you get your sense of meaning, purpose, and values? Do you get it more from the world around you, or from God?
Q6: Philippians 2:6-9 is written like a hymn about Jesus Christ, who was equal with God but emptied Himself to become a a suffering servant, even obedient to death on a cross. This is so counter cultural to how the cosmos thinks power should be utilized, e.g. taken advantage of and lorded over people. How do you think this message of Jesus and His Gospel has impacted the world and how has it impacted yourself (if so)?
Q7: Which part of this message on our citizenship in the cosmos versus in in heaven resonated with you the most? Which part surprised you the most? What are you plans or responses to this message overall?
