A STRANGER AND PILGRIM IN THIS WORLD

 

In Heb. 11:13 and in 1 Peter 2:11, the children of God are called -"strangers and pilgrims." Those words indicate that this world is not our permanent home; it is merely a place through which we are passing. God has left us here for a while, to exert a spiritual influence upon others. We are to glorify Him in the eyes of those who are around us from day to day. One evidence of a growing faith is that we become dissatisfied with this world system that is around us. The bottom line is this-we were saved for heaven, not just to live in temporary body, or even to live permanently in this world. Let's consider several elements involved in being a Christian pilgrim.

 

I. THE ELEMENT OF CONVERSION.

 

We never realize a "stranger and pilgrim" mentality, until we are born again through the work of the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Jesus called it being "born again"( Jn. 3:3), or as the Greek term means "born from above."

 

No one really desires heaven until there is a "spiritual birth."

 

·         The Three Main Elements Of Conversion Are---Hearing The Word (Rom. 10:17) (Written Word),

·         Receiving The Word (Jn. 1:12) (Living Word-Christ),

 

·         Rejecting All That Is Contrary To The Word (Repentance) (1 Thess.1:9).

 

II. THE ELEMENT OF COMMAND

 

See 1 Peter 2:11-13. There is a word about three things there.

 

·         First, a word about our abstaining(v.11). There are certain things we are to "hold ourselves away from." We are not to gratify the impulses which come from the selfish and lower side of man's nature.

·         Secondly, a word about our living(v.12). Our lives are to be honest and above board or as the old expression goes-"clean as a hounds tooth."

·         Thirdly, a word about our submitting (v.13). Spirit filled Christians are submissive.

 

III. THE ELEMENT OF COMPANIONSHIP

 

In Heb. 13:5. With this Companionship:

There Is:

·         A Fulness To Enjoy,

·         A Favor To Experience,

·         A Faithfulness To Embrace.

Thank God, in this pilgrimage He is always with us.

 

IV. THE ELEMENT OF CONTINUANCE

 

See Heb. 10:3: 8 and you will find that God takes no pleasure in those who draw back and do not continue.

  • We should continue for at least three reasons:

·       To Please The Lord (Heb. 11:6),

·       To Proclaim To Others

·       To Participate In Blessings (Abundant).