Let’s look at national exceptionalism! No, I’m not talking about American exceptionalism even though I definitely agree that America is exceptional! No, I’m talking about a citizenship that is far more exceptional and far more important. Look with me over at Philippians 3:17-20.
“Brethren, together follow my example and observe those who live after the pattern we have set for you. For there are many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, who walk (live) as enemies of the cross of Christ (the Anointed One). They are doomed and their fate is eternal misery (perdition); their god is their stomach (their appetites, their sensuality) and they glory in their shame, siding with earthly things and being of their party. But we are citizens of the state (commonwealth, homeland) which is in heaven, and from it also we earnestly and patiently await [the coming of] the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] Savior,”
Philippians 3:17-20 AMPC
You will notice that there are two groups of people being discussed in this passage. Those that are not born again and those of us that are born again.
I would like to draw your attention to the fact that, for those of us who are born again, we are citizens of Heaven NOW! Not someday in the sweet by-and-by but RIGHT NOW!
Look over in the book of Colossians and we’ll see it again.
“giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”
Colossians 1:12-14 KJV
The word “hath” is an Old English word that is in the past tense. You can actually replace it with “has already.” Let’s read it that way, “who has already translated us into the kingdom of his dear son.”
Our national citizenship is in the kingdom of God right now and let me tell you, it is quite exceptional!
Let’s look at the definition of “exceptionalism” from Webster’s dictionary:
- The condition of being different from the norm.
- A theory expounding the exceptionalism especially of a region or a nation.
Well, let’s look over and see how the Holy Spirit describes us through the Apostle Peter.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
1 Peter 2:9 AMPC
Wow! That really lays it out clearly, doesn’t it?! A dedicated nation. God’s own, special people! Let those words sink in. Meditate on them.
It is only when we embrace our true national exceptionalism, learn the laws of our land of citizenship and stand firmly on them as our rights that we are able to demonstrate those wonderful deeds. It is only then that we are able to display the virtues, power and perfections of Him!
We will NEVER reach the full potential of our Christian life on this earth until we embrace our citizenship in the kingdom of God. This includes the laws of our nation as well as our rights and our responsibilities as citizens!
Yes, there are very specific laws that govern the operation of our nation! And, as citizens, it is our responsibility to learn and operate according to those laws. For example, we have the royal law of love (James 2:8), the law of faith (Romans 3:27) and the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25).
We also know that it is the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus that makes us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2)!
It is very interesting to note that both “liberty” in James 1 and “free” in Romans 8 come from a Greek word that can also be translated “exempt!”
That’s right! Our laws and principles provide for certain exemptions from this world’s system. Our laws provide exemptions from all the laws that govern sin and death! These include all the laws that govern sickness, disease, mental illness, poverty, lack, inflation, recession, etc.
Let me give you an example of what I am talking about. Most people know that ministries and churches are tax exempt in the United States. If someone at a business or store attempts to charge them taxes however, they may have to reference the law contained in the Internal Revenue Code in section 501, subsection c, subsection 3 which clearly states the exemption and, by doing so, enforce their exemption.
Well, my brother and sister, the news media, the doctor or the devil himself may try to pronounce sickness or disease on you. Your own body might try to tell you that you’re sick. You will have to refer them to the Word of God, section 1 Peter, subsection 2, subsection 24, which clearly states your exemption from sickness and disease and ENFORCE YOUR EXEMPTION!
When the media, financial experts and your bank account tell you that we are in a recession and that inflation is high, you will have to refer them to the Word of God section Philippians, subsection 4, subsection 19, which clearly states that you are exempt from these things because your financial status is dependent upon YOUR nation – not this world’s system!
You have to know your rights as a citizen in the kingdom of God AND not back down! Look with me over at the book of Galatians, chapter five.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Galatians 5:1 KJV
Now, realize this . . . Both the word translated “liberty” and the one translated “free” are one in the same Greek word, “eleutheros.” According to Strong’s concordance, it means “unrestrained, ie, as a citizen, not a slave. Exempt from obligation or liability.”
STAND FAST IN YOUR EXEMPTION WHEREWITH CHRIST HAS MADE US EXEMPT!
Let’s enforce our exemption right now! Boldly declare this, “satan, you can no longer put any sickness nor disease on me for I claim my exemption provided in 1 Peter 2:24 as a citizen of Heaven. You can no longer put insufficiency and lack on me! I claim my exemption as stated in Philippians 4:19 and my financial status is tied to His riches in glory, not this world’s system! I take my exemption and resist you therefore you are gone NOW in Jesus’ mighty name!” Glory to God!