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Strangers and Pilgrims. Hebrews 11:13. Pilgrim Defined and Illustrated. One who journeys in alien lands (Webster’s). Sojourning in a strange place, away from one’s own people (Vine’s). Abraham was a pilgrim: Gen. 12:1; Heb. 11:8-10
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Strangers and Pilgrims Hebrews 11:13
PilgrimDefined and Illustrated • One who journeys in alien lands (Webster’s). • Sojourning in a strange place, away from one’s own people (Vine’s). • Abraham was a pilgrim: Gen. 12:1; Heb. 11:8-10 • Pilgrimage: a temporary abode…dwelling, pilgrimage, where sojourn, be a stranger” (Strong’s).
Christian Pilgrimage • 1 Pet. 2:11: As sojourners and pilgrims • We are strangers on the earth, not citizens of the world. • “This world is not my home, I’m Just a passing through.” • We use whatever we are given in this life to get by (i.e. safe passage), but we do not live as though we belong here.
Christian Pilgrimage • James 4:13-15: This life is temporary. • The body is a tent-a temporary dwelling. • 2 Cor. 5:1: We dwell in this tent now, but are looking for our permanent home with God. • Ps. 90:10: If we make this life our home (focus all of our energy on this life only) we set ourselves up to lose.
Christian Pilgrimage • Phil. 1:21-23: Thinking like a pilgrim. • To live is Christ—to imitate and to serve. • To die is gain—only then will we receive glory. • Vs. 23: The pilgrim is hard-pressed between the two, knowing that it is far better to depart and to be with Christ. • “Depart” is to pack up and move on—head home. • Pilgrims do not focus on the tent, but on the hope of a permanent abode.
The Life of a Pilgrim • Phil. 3:20-21: Live for our true home. • We respect the laws of this foreign land. • But we conduct ourselves according to the laws of our homeland. • James 3:13, 17: Use wisdom “from above.” • 1 Pet. 1:17-19: Conduct ourselves in fear. • Col. 3:1-4: Focus on the end of the journey • Heb. 11:13-16: Lay hold the promises, not physical pleasures.
The Life of a Pilgrim “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16 • When we desire something better, we willingly go without while we wait. • Heb. 12:2: Christ bore the cross for the joy that was set before Him. • Luke 9:23-26: Likewise, if we dire the joy of our heavenly home, we must be willing to deny ourselves and take up our cross.
Conclusion • Pilgrims are those who are waiting for a better home. • Are you a pilgrim, or have you made this life your home? • If we want heaven to be our home, we must learn to see this life in the proper perspective. • “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.”