Citizens of Heaven (Pt. 5) - Conduct of Sound Doctrine
In this sermon, we urged ourselves to steer away from ritual-like practices to building a genuine relationship with Christ through sound doctrine. Many of us have prayed in formulaic ways, almost as if faith were a ritual. Almost like a “plus Jesus, minus Satan” equation. Almost like we expect that as long as the words in the right order, everything will go smoothly. At first, God may show us mercy in our ignorance. But over time, if formulas replace true fellowship with Him, they become idols.
God is not calling us to superstition or ritual. He is calling us to Himself. The conduct of citizens of heaven is not about shortcuts—it is about a real, growing relationship with Him.
We also often misinterpret God’s goodness. We mistake His patience for approval of our errors. We build doctrines from our experiences rather than from His Word. But Scripture reminds us not to create images of God out of imagination or convenience. The danger of ritualized faith is that it places our trust in methods, not in the living God.
Sound Doctrine Shapes Conduct
Paul writes to Timothy so that the church would know how to “conduct [themselves] in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). This shows us that our faith is not free-form or self-invented—it is taught. Jesus taught, the apostles taught, and the Scriptures preserve this teaching for us.
As citizens of heaven, our lives should reflect what we have been taught. Sound doctrine provides the foundation, ensuring that our faith is not tossed around by personal preference, culture, or trend.
Two Provisions for Sound Doctrine
God has given us two main provisions to guide our conduct:
The Word of God. Scripture is the lamp for our path. It shows us who God truly is, what He desires, and how we should live. Misinterpretation has always been a danger, which is why faithful teaching matters. We must commit to learning what Jesus and the apostles handed down without distortion.
The Church of the Living God. Scripture also calls the church “the pillar of truth.” We are not meant to live this life in isolation or as consumers of online sermons. We need the gathered body, where we can be taught, corrected, and shaped. In church community, our conduct is tested and refined. It’s where we see if our lives truly reflect our citizenship.
Practical Examples of Conduct
The Bible is not abstract—it gives us practical instructions.
Conflict Resolution - Jesus tells us in Matthew 18 to go privately to a brother or sister who has sinned against us, with the goal of winning them back. If needed, bring others along. Every step is guided by love and reconciliation, not by pride or point-scoring.
Honor - In Mark 6, even Jesus could do little in His hometown because of unbelief and lack of honor. When we dishonor the things of God or treat spiritual authority as casual, we block ourselves from receiving what God wants to give us. Honor opens the way for God’s power to flow.
These examples remind us that sound doctrine is not theory—it is conduct. It shapes how we handle relationships, ministry, and everyday decisions.
Living as Citizens of Heaven
Our culture, upbringing, or personal preference cannot define our conduct. As citizens of heaven, we belong to a new culture shaped by Scripture and lived out in community. That means being willing to go slower in the right direction rather than rushing in the wrong one.
Sound doctrine keeps us from chasing formulas, fads, or errors. It anchors us in God’s Word and connects us to His people. Through it, our conduct begins to “make God-sense”—pointing others not to ourselves but to Jesus.
Conclusion
The conduct of citizens of heaven must flow from sound doctrine, not rituals. God has given us His Word and His Church to keep us grounded, corrected, and encouraged. When we lean on these provisions, we live in a way worthy of the gospel—not gambling on formulas, but walking daily in relationship with Christ.
Let us be citizens whose lives reflect heaven, whose conduct is shaped by truth, and whose faith is rooted in relationship, not ritual. Citizenship in heaven is not just a title—it shapes our daily conduct. The gospel gives us new life, and sound doctrine shows us how to live that life well.