We’re continuing our walk through the book of Colossians. Paul has been telling them of the power that’s available through their relationship with Christ. We’re no longer a part of the world’s system.
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-14
This is the key to most of our Christian walk. We were under the authority of darkness. The word authority basically means permission to act. Now we have been brought over into the King-dom of Christ. That’s the dominion of the King – the area of His Lordship.
When I was saved, I placed myself under His authority – in His kingdom. That’s why we can do things, and trust God for things that the world can’t.
All the things Paul talked about in the preceding verses are ours as a part of God’s kingdom. That’s why we strive to live worthy of that kingdom.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia…
1 Peter 1:1
In the opening statement of his letter, Peter describes the believers that he’s writing to. He tells us that we’re strangers in this world. The word he used literally means aliens alongside, resident foreigners. We may live here, but we’re no longer a part of this system.
This is a theme throughout the New Testament. We know that Hebrews, chapter 11, is the faith chapter. Towards the end of this chapter, the writer makes a comment about all the Old Testament saints he lists.
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.
Hebrews 11:13
They were all still living by faith when they died. But more than that, they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. We need this mindset. We do not belong to this world. This truth is emphasized over and over again in the Scripture.
However, living in the world while being citizens of heaven places us in a unique position.
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Because of our position, in this world but not of this world, we have diplomatic immunity. We operate as diplomats – where I am, my kingdom is. Wherever I am, the rules of my government are in operation. That’s why every believer should endeavor to understand how God’s Kingdom operates.
I live in the world, but I don’t belong to this world. I live by a different set of rules. I live on a different level.
There are a lot of things that are going on in the world – who’s in power, the economy, the weather, etc. These things are important, and I need to understand what’s happening, but they don’t determine what I do.
That’s because I’m a part of a different kingdom. We are a part of the kingdom of God.
Question: How does being a citizen of God’s kingdom affect your daily life?
© 2023 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 