Pulpit Curriculum
Citizenship Changes Everything:
Living for When it All Counts
by Pastor Kurt Gebhards
Phil. 3:20-21
You are not expected to cover every detail of this Pulpit Curriculum, rather, consider it a resource to help you in guiding your group
to a deeper understanding and application of the Word. Lifegroup leaders may find it beneficial to select 3 to 6 questions that will
make the time most productive. Remember, there is great benefit to group members whose hunger to grow will stimulate their
returning, on their own at a later time, so as to understand and apply it further.
Introduction
Pastor Kurt began with a question. Do you see yourself as a follower of Jesus? Some would think that
because they were in church that should answer the question, in the affirmative. But there is more to it
than the answer, yes I go to church. The question calls us to a deeper reality. What are the evidences that
you are a follower of Christ? What fruit of His rule in your heart can we see? These deeper probing
examinations will reveal the nature of your followership and the level of your commitment.
If someone sought from you a few of the qualities that a genuine follower of Christ should reveal, could you
give that information? Ultimately a follower of Christ lives a distinctly Christlike lifestyle. We reflect our
citizenship in heaven. When the world offers pride, self worth, entertainment, amusement, pleasure and
gratification we take the road less travelled, the way that honors God. We know that we are only tourists in
this life. Explain in what ways we behave as tourists on our way to heaven. What are some ways we should
be different?
1. Long for Heaven
Are you eager for Christ’s return? How does 1Jn. 3:1-3 break down our motivation now in anticipation of
His imminent [He may come at any moment] return? What are a few things that you can look forward to
learning when you see Him? If He is coming soon, how should that affect your life now? What might
distract you?
Study these passages to renew your longing and to activate you motivations in preparation for His return:
 Christ is making our home John 14:2-3
 Our names are registered Luke 10:20
 Our inheritance is waiting for us 1 Pet. 1:4
 Our friends and heroes are there Heb. 12:23
Are you longing for heaven or lusting after the earth?
We are strangers and pilgrims while here on earth according to Heb. 11:13-16. That must have an effect on
our affections. According to 2Tim. 4:6-8 and 2Pet. 3:11-12 what is the reward for every follower who is
living for Him now and looking for His return? How might we bring about the hastening of the day of His
return? Are you doing that? Who are you discipling?
2. Live for Heaven
What is heaven like? How have you imagined it? Christian writer Randy Alcorn has written many books
describing what it is like. It is a place to look forward to. But the real question is this, are you living for now
or for eternity? If we are God’s child and follow His Son we will reflect a different way of living in every part.
This is a battle. It is an idea that collides with every age. It is a call to be mindful, this is not my home, I am
only passing through. Are you living for heaven? Are your choices distinct[see the Going Deeper section to
consider a list a areas to live distinctly]? Would you be characterized as one who lets the world impact your
choices? Read Matt. 6:33 and list the ways you might seek first His kingdom.
Mutual Ministry: How have you made your citizenship in heaven evident to all? Share with your friends
during accountability the segments of your life where the world is encroaching. Is it TV, reading, language,
habits, thoughts where you struggle? Share scripture to help each other bring about a loyalty to Christ
above all else. Praise God for the friends He has given you to help you stay focused on the prize of heaven.
Pray for our church to Get the Word Out about the new Harvest. Pray that the work at the New Harvest will
be done on time without any delays. Pray as our people build relationships to invite others to the new
Hickory Harvest. Pray for receptive hearts and responsive spirits to the call to make disciples. Pray for
Lifegroups to care for, to reach out and to love people and to continue to make the discipleship difference
in the lives of friends.
The “Intercessory Prayer” groups during our worship services 08/18/13:
1st hour – S. Starnes
2nd hour – Swanson
What are some of the implications to your citizenship? Read the Scripture
and refer to the resource listed to make your life distinctively Christian. Here
are several areas where Christ can make a radical difference as the world
looks on.
Distinctly Christian Parenting
Most of us take up parenting patterns from those who have gone before us.
We can do better if we seek God’s truth in Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; Heb.
12:10-11 - God's discipline is a pattern for our use of discipline. RESOURCEShepherding the Heart of a Child by David Tripp.
Distinctly Christian view of dating
Dating relationships are not described in Scripture but you can assume, it is subject to God’s general
principles pertaining to relationships and how to relate to one another.
1.
Dating teens must honor their parents and respect their counsel (Eph. 6:2).
2.
The dating partner’s faith must be considered. “Do not be unequally yoked together with
unbelievers” (2 Cor. 6:14). You are wise to ask whether or not your date has a personal and growing
relationship with the Lord.
3.
You must examine yourself. Are you spending time with the Lord daily (Matt. 6:33)? Are you
depending on the Lord to meet your needs of love and security? Are you an example for Christ to all those
with whom you have contact (1 Tim. 4:12)? The Lord calls for you to have a loving relationship with and a
commitment to Him that supersedes any dating relationship.
Prov. 31:30; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 13:4–8; Gal. 5:13; Eph. 4:1–3; 2 Tim. 2:22; notes on Commitment (Matt. 16);
Engagement (Matt. 1); Friendship (Luke 1); Identity in Christ (Col. 2); Love (1 John 3); Marriage (Gen. 2; 2
Sam. 6; Prov. 5; Hos. 2; Amos 3; 2 Cor. 13; Heb. 12) RESOURCE- I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris
Distinctly Christian marriage
Marriage is God’s design. Looking to Him for help will work. Looking anywhere else will not. Consider these
passages to guide your efforts to enjoy marriage as God designed it.
Gen. 2:18–25; Eph. 5:23; 5:31–32; Col. 3:19; Eccl. 4:9-11; Prov. 31:28-30; 1 Cor. 7:1-5. RESOURCE Marriage
Matters by Winston Smith
Distinctly Christian activity as a neighbor
Love God and love others. It’s that simple but it’s not always easy. God has in store for you hundreds of
encounters with the people you meet. Are you making a difference? Stranger’s ministry, Dt. 18:6–8; Ruth
2:14–18; Mark 14:13–15; Luke 10:5–12; 1 Cor. 16:10–11; Titus 1:8; Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet. 4:9 – RESOURCE The
Hospitality Commands by Alexander Strauch
Distinctly Christian pattern of entertainment choices
Enjoying life is not sin. Enjoying worldly pleasure is a formula for destruction. God’s call to stand out means
we are called out[the actual meaning of the word church in our Bibles!] of the world to live for Him.
Consider the application and implication of these Scriptures – Rom. 13:13; 2 Tim. 3:4; 1 Jn. 2:15-17; Lk.
11:34-36; 1Cor. 15:33; Heb. 5:24. RESOURCE Desiring God by John Piper
Distinctly Christian view of exercise
Appearance has become an idol in our culture. People judge on outward appearance. God has a desire for
us to be healthy while finding our greatest joy through a faith in Him. 1 Tim. 4:7-8; Gen. 1:31; 2:7; 1 Cor.
6:18; Rom. 1:24;7:24; 8:13; 12:1. RESOURCES – Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney.
Distinctly Christian view of money
Your attitude about money says much about the condition of your heart and relationship with God.
World’s view
•Money brings freedom.
God’s view
The desire for money can be enslaving and lead to
destruction; only Christ brings true freedom (1 Tim. 6:7–10).
• Money brings security.
• Worldly wealth is very insecure; it will quickly pass away
(1:10). Real security is found in knowing and trusting God
(Jer. 9:23, 24; 1 Tim. 6:17–19).
• Money is what matters.
• Christ and the kingdom of God are what matters (Matt.
6:33; Phil. 3:7–10).
• Money is power.
• Power comes from being filled with the Spirit (Acts 1:8; 3:1–
10).
• Money establishes not
only your net worth, but
your worth as a person.
• Your worth is based on what God says, not what your bank
statement says (John 3:16; Eph. 1:3–14).
• Money makes you
successful.
• Success comes from knowing and doing what God says
(Josh. 1:8).
• Money gives you options.
• God is the One who ultimately gives you options (Eph.
3:20).
• Money brings happiness.
• The happiness that money brings is short-lived. And in the
long run, money can actually produce “many sorrows” (1
Tim. 6:10). Lasting joy comes from knowing God (5:1–6;
John 15:11; 16:24).
• Money is your reward.
Save it, and spend it on
yourself.
• Give as much as you can (Matt. 6:19–24; Acts 20:35; 2 Cor.
9:6–11; 1 Tim. 6:18).
• Money is your possession.
Spend it on whatever you
want.
• All that you have is God’s to do with as He pleases. You are
merely a manager of His possessions (Ps. 24:1; Luke 19:11–
27; 2 Cor. 5:10).