Prayer is Relational

 

“Talking with God”

DAN. 9:1-23

  THEME: Regularly Engage in Two-Way Communication With the Lord in order to Build an Ever Deepening Fellowship With Him.

RELEVANCE:

The Christian life is NOT a set of religious rituals, nor merely a list of beliefs.  God is a Divine Person and we must never forget he offers us a personal relationship to enjoy and maintain.  Intimate associations grow, prosper, and are strengthened through wholesome self-disclosing communication—prayer.  Victory or defeat is decided in your Christian life on the battleground of your daily walk with the Lord. 

INTRODUCTION:

True Communication with God Is Not Talking to God, but Talking with God. We do not communicate if we voice a petition to God, but do not wait for His answer. We do not communicate if we express our desires to God, but do not hear what His desires are for us. We do not communicate if we vent our anger, frustration, doubts, fears, or joys to God, but do not listen intently for His response.  Prayer is speaking to and listening to God. It is an active process involving two communicators: God and you.

Daniel’s prayers illustrate and model two-way communication with God.   

MESSAGE:  

I.               PRAYER IS TO BE RELATIONAL (The Key to Relationship) (Dan. 9:7, 14, 16-19)

Having prayed for the removal of God’s wrath (vv. 15-16), Daniel now prayed for God’s favor, mercy, and forgiveness (vv. 17-19).  Because God is merciful and forgiving, he prayed, “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive.” Concerned for God’s reputation, Daniel wanted the Lord to act quickly (defer not) on behalf of the city and people that bore His name. All this would bring glory to God for it was for His sake (v. 17).

Like Moses (Ex 32:10-14; Ezk 14:14, 20), Daniel as intercessor carried on arguments with the Almighty, on several grounds: (1) God’s people were a reproach among the heathen (Dan 9:16). (2) God was known to be merciful (v. 18). (3) God’s reputation was at stake (v. 19).  Daniel’s concern for God’s name reflects the care of relationship and unselfish love toward another.

1. INTENTIONAL COMMUNICATION WITH GOD ULTIMATELY STRENGTHENS AND DEEPENS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. 

1.     By relationship I am simply referring to our fellowship and harmony with the Almighty.  I am emphasizing the daily Christian walk.  One purpose of prayer is that we might know God better, experience more of His love, and have an abiding awareness of His work in our lives. Talking to God doesn’t build relationship. Communicating with God does.

2.     Prayer can restore relationship with God. And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. (Judg 16:28).  In spite of Samson’s past, God still answered his prayer and destroyed the pagan temple and worshipers. God still loved him. He was willing to hear Samson’s prayer of confession and repentance and use him this final time. One of the effects of sin in our life is to keep us from feeling like praying. But perfect moral behavior is not a condition for prayer. Don’t let guilty feelings over sin keep you from your only means of restoration. No matter how long you have been away from God, he is ready to hear from you and restore you to a right relationship. Every situation can be salvaged if you are willing to turn again to him. If God could still work in Samson’s situation, he can certainly make something worthwhile out of yours. 

2. A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS VERY PERSONAL.

1.     In fact, it is the most intimate relationship you can ever know. Nobody knows you as God knows you. Nobody loves you as God loves you. Nobody desires good for your life more than God does.

2.     In prayer—in genuine communication with God—you will soon discover not only more about God, but more about yourself as God’s beloved child. There is no more exciting or enriching experience!

3.     Biblical prayer is personal. The phrase “Our Father which art in heaven” (Matt 6:9-13) indicates that God is not only majestic and holy, but also personal and loving. The first line of this model prayer is a statement of praise and a commitment to honor God’s holy name. We can honor God’s name by being careful to use it respectfully. If we use God’s name lightly, we aren’t remembering God’s holiness.

3. YOUR INDIVIDUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS UNIQUE.

1.     This is true for every relationship you have with another person, and it is no less true in your relationship with God.

2.     Your prayers must be your prayers. Your communication with God is your communication. While written or formalized prayers have their place in certain group settings, your times of communication with God should be marked by your own original speech.

3.     Prayer is talking with God as you would talk to your dearest friend, your most eager supporter, your most loving mentor.

CONCLUSION:

In our study, we will give you some general principles that are basic to any believer’s prayer life. The specifics of your prayer relationship with God are as distinctive as any other aspect of your life and your ability to communicate.

As we approach this study in prayer, I encourage you to open yourself to the grand possibility that God has something to say to you that you will delight in hearing. He is eager to spend time with you and to develop a deep, intimate relationship with you that is marked by great joy and well-being.

Ultimately, prayer is to be experienced, not studied. In study we simply learn how to better communicate with God—and to that end, how to have a better relationship with our Creator. It is an experience to be pursued and a relationship to be valued beyond all others.

ILLUSTRATION: “A dear friend of mine who was quite a lover of the chase, told me the following story: ‘Rising early one morning,’ he said, ‘I heard the baying of a score of deerhounds in pursuit of their quarry. Looking away to a broad, open field in front of me, I saw a young fawn making its way across, and giving signs, moreover, that its race was well-nigh run. Reaching the rails of the enclosure, it leaped over and crouched within ten feet from where I stood. A moment later two of the hounds came over, when the fawn ran in my direction and pushed its head between my legs. I lifted the little thing to my breast, and, swinging round and round, fought off the dogs. I felt, just then, that all the dogs in the West could not, and should not capture that fawn after its weakness had appealed to my strength.’ So is it, when human helplessness appeals to Almighty God. Well do I remember when the hounds of sin were after my soul, until, at last, I ran into the arms of Almighty God.” — A. C. DIXON.  

Prayer is Conversational

“Conversing With God”

Dan. 9:1-23

THEME: Regularly Engage in Two-Way Communication With the Lord in order to Build an Ever Deepening Fellowship With Him.

RELEVANCE:

The Scriptures are the supreme source of insight on prayer and talking with God. It is the source from which we receive new insights and eternal wisdom regarding our prayer ministry. God is a Divine Person and we must never forget he offers us a personal relationship to enjoy and maintain.  Intimate associations grow, prosper, and are strengthened through wholesome self-disclosing communication—prayer.  Victory or defeat is decided in your Christian life on the battleground of your daily walk with the Lord.

INTRODUCTION:

Communication is a two-way process. Simply sending a message is not communication. Communication requires that two parties respond to each other. Each party gives and receives messages and, in turn, provides feedback. In other words:

            *A statement is made, and a specific response is provided.

            *A question is asked, and an answer is given.

            *Feelings are expressed, and feelings are perceived in return.

 True Communication with God Is Not Talking to God, but Talking with God. We do not communicate if we voice a petition to God, but do not wait for His answer. We do not communicate if we express our desires to God, but do not hear what His desires are for us. We do not communicate if we vent our anger, frustration, doubts, fears, or joys to God, but do not listen intently for His response.  Prayer is speaking to and listening to God. It is an active process involving two communicators: God and you. 

Daniel’s prayers illustrate and model two-way communication with God.   

 MESSAGE:  

I.               PRAYER IS TO BE CONVERSATIONAL (Dialogue) (Dan. 9:2-4, 17-23)

From time to time, God may give us a directive or speak a command to us from His Word. Indeed, God speaks when He wills to speak, and it is our responsibility to listen and obey. We can also voice to God our heartfelt cries of anguish, sorrow, pain, or give vent to our ecstatic joy. At these times we are talking to God or He is talking to us. This is expression, which is valuable, but it is not the most beneficial form of communication in a relationship.

Daniel’s experience is illustrative of wholesome dialogue between God and himself.   First the Bible reading and meditation and then Daniel’s prayer over what he learned from the Scriptures as he appeals to God for additional insight (9:2-4).  God spoke through the Word and Daniel spoke through prayer.  Then after a period of intense prayer, Daniel receives a response from God via angelic emissary—Gabriel.  Daniel is literally conversing—verbally exchanging—with God and God with him.  This is a conversation!

1. COMMUNICATION THAT BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS IS DIALOGUE. (TWO-WAY)

Daniel was offering himself and his prayers at the time of the evening offering (see Ps. 141:1–2), and the Angel Gabriel came to give him his answer (Dan. 9:19-21).

1.     Daniel’s Prayer Involved Answers from God.   

a.      Questions. Daniel was concerned about Jerusalem, the holy mountain (v. 20).

                                                              i.     Would the city be restored? Would the temple be rebuilt?

                                                            ii.     Would the nation ever be redeemed from sin and would righteousness ever dwell on the earth?—Wiersbe, Warren W.

                                                          iii.     It is good to bring our questions to God and to seek His answers.

b.     Answers. God’s answer for Daniel was prompt. Gabriel had all the answers for Daniel, and we know them as the famous prophecy of the “seventy weeks” (9:24-27).

                                                              i.     Is there more to prayer then the good feeling we get inside after we have prayed? Should we really expect answers from God? Can we count on God to come through when we are in a time crunch?

1.     God hears prayer. Prayer is not merely pouring out our souls to God. It is talking with a great God who hears, is attentive, and sympathizes with our challenges. “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.  I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valley” (Isa 41:17-18a).

2.     God acts in response to prayer. Gabriel is sent by God, and Daniel receives new insight.  In spiritual matters, there is a real exertion of energy on God’s part in response to prayer. He is not a passive hearer of prayer. His answers are not mere echoes of sympathy. You know like, “There, there, I know how you feel.” No, God’s answers bring active and real assistance. “I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliever him, and honour him” (Ps 91:15).

3.     God answers prayer promptly. Daniel prays, “Defer not.” God does not carelessly delay. God’s answer is sent at the very “beginning” of the “supplication,” and Gabriel is “caused to fly swiftly” (9:21). God is too powerful to need to delay, and too merciful to be willing to delay.

                                                            ii.     If we do not receive the answers to our prayers quickly, it is not because God is slow, but because the timing of the blessing is one of the conditions for its usage. Still, the answer is dispatched immediately, and begins to unfold in God’s perfect timing. “Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come” (Hab. 2:3).

c.      Conversation.  This is ‘prayer dialogue’—a two way conversation with God. 

                                                              i.     We can enjoy the equivalent of this when God speaks to us in prayer by reminding us of Scripture commands, encouragements, admonitions, and promises. 

                                                            ii.     Then there are those times when we wait before the Lord in a spirit of prayer and He speaks clear directives to our heart so that we know how to proceed and where to concentrate our energies and efforts.

d.     Influence.

                                                              i.     Such interaction with God is sure to influence our faith, fervor, commitment, loyalty, and usefulness to God.  It builds a more intimate fellowship with Jehovah!

                                                            ii.     Such interaction with God will certainly influence the world in which we live.

                                                          iii.     The man of prayer exerts a greater influence over national affairs than even crowned heads. “Prayer moves the hand that moves the world.” Daniel on his knees was a mightier man than Darius on his throne. Daniel was in the service of the King of kings; was admitted to the audience-chamber of the Most High; and received the announcements of the Divine will. Darius now mainly serves as a landmark on the course of time to indicate a date; Daniel is still the teacher and moulder of men.—The Pulpit Commentary; The Omnipotence Of Prayer

2.     Daniel’s Prayer Involved Meaningful Conversation.

Not merely talking at each other, but with each other! But, what makes prayer meaningful? How can we have a meaningful conversation with God?

a.      Sit Down for a Good Talk.  Isaiah 1:18, Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  Genuine prayer has all of the qualities and characteristics of a deeply meaningful conversation between two people. God said to the prophet Isaiah, “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isa. 1:18). This image of God and man sitting down together for a good talk is one of the best images of prayer.

b.     Allow God’s Words to Encourage You. Dan. 9:2, 11-13

1.     The Word of God and Prayer Go Together.  Acts 6:4, But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

2.     The Word Should Direct the Prayer Life.

a.      The Comprehension of the Word (Dan. 9:2).  Daniel, a student of the OT prophecies (Jer. 25:1–14), was now nearly ninety years old. He knew his people would be in Babylon for seventy years.

                                                                                            i.     Note that God does not give his people “visions and dreams” when He can teach us through His Word. Today His Spirit teaches us through the Word. Beware of “new revelations” that are supposed to come from dreams and visions. The Word gave direction to his prayers.

                                                                                          ii.     Daniel realized that the seventy years of captivity were about to close. Babylon invaded and siege Palestine in 606 B.C., and Daniel understood the prophecies in the year 539–38 B.C.  There were but two years left in the seventy years! What an exciting time Daniel had in his Bible study that day!

b.     The Communication of His Prayer (Dan. 9:3).

                                                                                            i.     Daniel did not go out and boast about his insight into the Word; in fact, he did not even preach a sermon.

                                                                                          ii.     He went to his knees in prayer. This is the true attitude of the humble Bible student. It is sad to see “prophetic truth” making boasters instead of prayer warriors out of people.

                                                                                        iii.     Daniel’s prayer is one of the greatest examples of intercession in the Bible.

 

c.      Use God’s Promises When You Pray. 

1.     God is pleased to do His wise and wonderful will and we can participate in this as we pray His will and claim His promises (Matt 6:10).

a.      Why did Daniel pray for the prosperity of the desolate city of Jerusalem? Because God had promised not only to end the captivity, but also to take the Jews back to their land that they might rebuild their temple. See Jer. 29:10–14 and 30:10–24. In Isa. 44:28, God promised that Cyrus would permit the Jews to rebuild the city of Jerusalem.

b.     So, Daniel was laying hold of these great promises and turning them into believing prayers.  God answered his prayers!  He will answer ours when the Word directs our prayers and we claim the promises of God.

2.     Consider some wonderful promises afforded us for Christian living that should be used in our prayer ministry.

a.      Christ promised forgiveness to the sinful, rest to the weary (Matt. 11:28-29), security to the believer, “… him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37), comfort to the sad, hope to the dying, and life to the dead (Jn. 11:25-26).

b.     Another wonderful promise is that of eternal life: “He that hath the Son hath life …” (1 John 5:12).

c.      We are also promised (1) Freedom from sin’s dominion (Rom. 6:14). (2) Grace that is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9). (3) Power to obey His commands (Phil. 4:13). (4) Victory over the devil (Jas. 4:7). (5) Escape when tempted (1 Cor. 10:13). (6) Forgiveness when we confess our sins (1 Jn. 1:9)—and forgetfulness too (Jer. 31:34). (7) Response when we call—“I will deliver thee” (Ps. 50:15).

d.     Then we have the promises of inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5) and the return of Christ (1 Peter 1:9, 13).

3.     Daniel’s Prayer Did Not Involve Sharing a Shopping List.

a.      Can you imagine living in a relationship with a person who made demands or requests, or stated opinion or facts, but never waited to hear what you had to say?

b.     Such a relationship would be very unfulfilling. You might establish a degree of protocol, courtesy and function with very little efficiency with that person, but the relationship would probably be very cold and unsatisfying to you.

c.      That is precisely the nature of many people’s prayer life. There is no heart to their communication with God, no real intimacy, and no deep fulfillment. There is little or no sense of connection with the divine Person!  For communication to be satisfying, it must involve a genuine dialogue, not a series of short monologues.

d.     What does God get out of spending time with you?  Your list of wants or your heart?

B.  COMMUNICATION THAT BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS IS DEEP. (Heartfelt)

Daniel 9:22-23, And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. [23] At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

1. Daniel’s Prayer Involved Heartfelt Concerns.
1. God’s Answers in Response to Our Concerns (9:22-23). Daniel was evidently concerned about God’s program and Israel’s future (Dan.9:2). Remember Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jer. 25:11-12) had revealed God’s plan for Israel.

                                                    i.     Daniel wanted to know what would transpire after Captivity. Daniel’s previous two visions (Dan. 7-8) dealt primarily with Gentile nations.

                                                  ii.     So Gabriel was dispatched by God to settle Daniel’s concerns and to reveal God’s program for His people in the covenant kingdom under Israel’s Messiah.

2. God Answers Prayer by Revealing His Plans.  He had already settled his purpose of Israel’s restoration. God often answers prayer in a different way from our expectation.

                                                    i.     Sometimes he opens our eyes to blessings already given, but not recognized. This is how God answered Hagar’s and young Ishmael’s need for water (Gen 21:19).

                                                  ii.     Sometimes he changes our desires, and inclines our hearts to rest in his will by showing us that it is better than our will (Ps. 37:4-5).

                                                iii.     The best prayer is that in which we seek to be in harmony with the will of God (Matt 26:39). “Not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

3. God Answers Out of Love for Us. Gabriel would give Daniel insight into God’s purposes for His people because the prophet was highly esteemed and “greatly beloved” (Dan. 10:11, 19) by God. 
4. God Answers Because We Have Learned to Pray Intimately.  That is we invite God into anything and everything as our Councilor for consideration and conversation.  We should be able to talk with Him about everything.

                                                    i.     Not just the major decisions, but we freely and frequently welcome God into small decision regarding our daily activities, schedule, trips, hobbies, pursuits, and interests. 

                                                  ii.     If it causes us concern we can talk to this trusted Friend about it. We are assured of His interest, the reliability of His counsel, his availability to us, and His meaningful help. 

 

2. Prayer is Meant to Be Deep Communication from the Heart.
1. Consider the Results. The end results of intentional dialogue can be wonderful. We know this to be true in our relationships with other people. When we have a deep and heartfelt conversation with another person, we very often come away from that experience saying, “I have a much better understanding of him and his problems, needs, and concerns,” “I have deeper feelings toward that person,” “I have a greater appreciation for who she is,” or “We have a stronger friendship.”
2. Cultivate the Relationship. The same is true when we communicate intentionally and conversationally with God. We know Him more intimately, understand Him better, feel more at home in His presence, find reasons to praise Him, have a deeper relationship with Him, we feel free to trust Him more implicitly, and our love for Him grows.

CONCLUSION:

The specifics of your prayer relationship with God are as distinctive as any other aspect of your life and your ability to communicate. God is eager to spend time with you and to develop a deep, intimate relationship with you that is marked by great joy and well-being. It is an experience to be pursued and a relationship to be valued beyond all others.

Thinking In Spiritual Terms

Phil 3:17-21, Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18, (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19, Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20, For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21, Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Ephes. 2:6, And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Col. 3:1-3, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

When we recognize Heaven as our spiritual country and home, it changes the way we view life here and what we emphasize while we live here on earth each day. This different emphasis is evident in our thinking and therefore our lifestyle. Our decisions are constantly screened through this grid of our perspectives.  What’s important to us as members of a heavenly community is different from those who are of the worldly perspective.

EMPHASIZING SPIRITUAL THINKING (Phil. 3:20)

   1.  What Does Spiritual Mean?

The word "spiritual" has suffered as much abuse as the word "fellowship."

      A.  The Wrong Idea.

Too many people think that a “spiritual Christian” is mystical, dreamy, impractical, and distant. Basically out of touch with reality! (Wiersbe)

You see a person can supposedly be ‘spiritual’ without ever having been saved.  In reference to Eastern religions, many feel that they are spiritual because they chant, sit with their legs crossed in a trance, or recite a memorized prayer. Then there is the example that is most familiar to us all who have been in church for any given period of time, when he prays, he shifts his voice into a sepulchral tone in tremolo and goes to great lengths to inform God of the things He already knows. Unfortunately, this kind of unctuous piety is a poor example of true spirituality. Others are convinced that if their list of service endeavors is filled with ‘Christian’activities then it indicates they are truly spiritual.  Again these are powerfully wrong ideas.

      B.  The Correct Idea.

To be spiritually minded does not require one to be impractical and mystical. Quite the contrary, the spiritual mind makes the believer think more clearly and get things done more efficiently.

Romans 8:4-7, That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. [6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. [7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

          1. Not Those Who Walk After the Flesh.    Rom. 8:4

These are not saved, and they obey the pulses and drives of their old sinful nature.  They live to gratify the flesh and cater to themselves primarily— they literally seek to satisfy their body.

          2.  Those Who Walk After the Spirit.  Vs. 4, 6     

These are true believers, and they rise above the power of the fleshly carnal nature and emphasize the importance of an eternal perspective.  They are rightfully occupied with the Word of God, prayer, worship, Christian service, and a daily yielding to the Holy Spirit.

          3.  We Walk and Live in a Spiritual Sphere.  Vs. 6

The Holy Spirit is our guarantee for a real life, characterized by peace with God, and tranquility of heart.  We live in a different sphere of reality.  Just as fish live in water and people in the air, so is the believer living in the Spirit.

    2.  What Does Spiritual Mind Mean?

       A.  Having Heaven’s Point of View.      

Col. 3:2, Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

           1.  To be “spiritually minded” (Rom. 8:6) simply means to look at earth from heaven's point of view.

           2.  It is to give your heart–“your affection”– to the heavenly things and spiritual considerations, we do not allow ourselves to become consumed with the passing things of earth.

           3.  Literally it is a practice of occupying your minds with the things of God–“set your affection,”–and not merely concentrating on and living for this life on earth alone.   There is more to life then this!  

We should therefore, purpose in our hearts to occupy our minds with all that goes into life under the direction and power of the Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit produces a certain pattern for living and a way of thinking, our goal is “to be spiritually minded”—to mind and be mindful of the Spirit. Practically this means, making the Spirit’s character the object of our mind, the goal and focus of our actions, we must faithfully cultivate the graces of the Spirit in our hearts, and submit ourselves completely to his direct influence in our soul. To be spiritually minded, we seek those feelings and views which the Holy Spirit produces, and follow his leadership in our daily decisions.

       B.  Having a Dual Citizenship.

            1.  It is Not Merely Concentrating on Heaven. D.L. Moody used to scold Christians for being "so heavenly minded they were no earthly good," and that exhortation still needs to be heeded.

           2.  Christians have a dual citizenship - on earth and in heaven - and our citizenship in heaven ought to make us better people here on earth.

      C.  Having Eternal Values and Not Temporal.

          1.  The spiritually minded believer is not attracted by the "things" of this world.

1 John 2:15-17,  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Lot selected the well watered plains of Jordan because his values were worldly, and ultimately he lost everything.

         2.  He makes his decisions on the basis of eternal values and not the passing fads of society.

Moses refused the pleasures and treasures of Egypt because he had something infinitely more wonderful to live for. Hebrews 11:24-26, By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; [26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Mark 8:36, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Philip. 3:12,  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Our most important goal should be getting to know Christ better. Paul says that his goal is to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ has in mind for him. This goal absorbed all of Paul’s energy. This is a helpful example for us. We should not let anything take our eyes off our goal—Christ. With the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from being effective Christians. What is holding you back?

EMPHASIZING SPIRITUAL LIVING  (Phil. 3:20)

Certainly the way we think, influences greatly the pattern of our lifestyle. And of course our lives demonstrate our value system.

    1.  What Does Heaven Have to Do With My Life Right Now?

“For our conversation is in heaven” (Phil 3:20).

       A.  Conversation Has to do With Conduct.

Philip. 1:27, Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

The old English word “conversation” usually refers to our conduct, behavior, and lifestyle, but here it has a much broader meaning to encompass ‘the behavior of a community or citizenship obligations.’

            1.  A Conduct Consistent With Being Citizens of the Heavenly Country.

Here we are citizens of the USA living wherever on earth; we have our leaders and presidents, our legislators and law-makers, our duties, and our privileges. It is a shadow of heavenly things.

            2.  A Conduct Consistent With Being a Member of the Heavenly City– New Jerusalem.

The heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God, is our true home, our continuing city.  (See Rev. 21:10-27)

       B.  Conversation Has to do With Citizenship.

The terms “conversation” in Phil. 3:20, would include, “community,” “governmental administration,” “political order,” “behavior of the citizens.”  It has to do with the way we actually live as a citizen of a nation, colony, or city.  

Much like the Pilgrims living in America–the new world–during the 1600 and 1700 in the 13 colonies were actually citizens of England, though they lived on a different continent.  Therefore, they were subjects of the king and responsible to the laws of England.  Likewise Christians in New Testament Churches are colonies of Heaven– subject to the authority and laws of our Sovereign. Why? Because our citizenship is up there!

                                                                                                           

             1.  Almighty God is King of Our Country!

                   *   The almighty God, King of kings and Lord of lords, is the center of that vast communion.

                   *   The blessed angels, our guardians, are his ministers, standing before him, to do his will.

                   *   The saints, living and departed, are our fellow-citizens, the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn who are written in heaven, and the spirits just men made perfect.

Hebrews 12:22-23,  But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, [23] To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

             2.  All of Our Privileges Extend from Heaven to Us!

Ephes. 1:3, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

There we have our privileges,

                    *  The grace of God,

                    *  The help of the Holy Spirit of God,

                    *  The hope of everlasting blessedness.

                    *  The peace of God that passes all understanding.

                    *  The sweet communion of the Lord.

                    *  The Fellowship of the Family of God.

             3.  All of Our Responsibilities Extend to Us Here!

Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment.

  

Therefore, we have our duties, all growing from the one highest law of love: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart;... thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

Every believer is a citizen of Heaven and God has fully accepted each of us as His own children.  Ephes. 2:19, Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; We are not strangers to Heaven, we instead belong to the royal family in that city! We must recognize that we have a responsibility to obey the Laws of our country where our citizenship is.  We much daily live in complete submission to the authority of our King— the Lord Jesus Christ– first and foremost.  Our conduct ought to be becoming of a citizen of the heavenly country and the heavenly Father’s household.  As we seek to execute our responsibilities as a citizen, we must take full advantage of all our privileges in Christ to ensure we fulfill his will for us. Making full use of prayer, the Word, the leadership of the Holy Ghost, and the counsel of godly brethren should be our focus.  Acknowledge Christ’s authority in your life, employ your spiritual privileges as you fulfill your god-given responsibilities (Wiersbe).

                                                                       

    2.  How Does Spiritual Thinking Relate to Spiritual Living?  Rom. 12:1-2

Paul is encouraging us to have the spiritual mind, and he does this by pointing out the characteristics of the Christian whose citizenship is in Heaven. Just as Philippi was a colony of Rome on foreign soil, so the churches are “colonies of Heaven” here on earth.

Think about it . . . our real home is Heaven right now. We are citizens of the heavenly world first and of the earthly world second.  Col. 3:1-3, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  The highest loyalty and allegiance should be to that kingdom first and foremost. The promise of service should be to our great Master the Lord Jesus in all purity and holiness.  Our home is in Heaven, where Jesus is; it is so new. “Ye are come . . . unto the city of the living God;” “Ye are fellow-citizens with the saints.”  Therefore “seek those things which are above.”  There in Heaven must be the place of our treasures; there is where we must focus our hearts. We should try by God's grace to fill our minds with the blessed thought of Heaven, to make a point to meditate daily upon what it means to belong to that city, its never-ending worship, its unclouded view of the Divine beauty. For there we hope to spend the ages of the everlasting life.  Let us try to fill our thoughts and imaginations with it now, not with the poor prizes of earthly success, worldly popularity, fleshly appetites, and prideful pursuits.  Let us seek to realize those striking words, “Our conversation is in heaven.”

The Spiritually Minded Believer is able to focus on Spiritual Blessings and still maintain a very practical and meaningful life. We should live down to earth even though we are seated in heavenly places.  Keep your spiritual privileges in clear view because they will guide you to make decisions consistent with Heavenly Citizenship.