Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 7
The speaker claims, “In order to become a citizen of God's kingdom, we have to renounce our citizenship of this world… we still have residency here”; what would “residency without citizenship” actually change about how you speak, post online, spend money, and respond to national crises?
Another way to ask: If you are a resident here but a citizen of God’s kingdom, what would actually change in how you talk, post online, spend money, and respond to national emergencies?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript doesn’t give a detailed lifestyle checklist, but it implies that “residency without citizenship” means refusing loyalty-signals and participation that belong to the world’s kingdom, and instead living visibly by Jesus’ constitution. It would likely change our public speech and reactions so they align with meekness, peacemaking, and self-denial rather than nationalistic or partisan identity.
- He states the identity shift: “we have to renounce our citizenship of this world. We still have residency here… but we’re not a citizen.”
- He frames participation limits: “A citizen of God’s kingdom… shouldn’t even expect to vote in the other kingdom.”
- He questions competence and attachment: “How do we know… what qualities make a good president of a foreign country? We have no idea.”
- He urges separation: the kingdoms “don’t mix,” like “oil and water.”
- He calls for deep formation: “be so familiar with Jesus’ way… and practicing it, that any other way… is inconceivable.”