Pilgrims on Earth.
Our text comes from 1 Peter 2:11, where the Apostle Peter writes, "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." These words paint a clear picture of our temporary residence here and the nature of our true citizenship.
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INTRODUCTION:
A. Peter speaks to Christians about a world that is not their true homeland. He reminds us that while we live in this world, our ultimate allegiance and our eternal dwelling place lie elsewhere.
B. Peter uses two words to express the condition of Christians in the world: "Pilgrim" - one who resides temporarily in a place, one who is passing through. This term emphasizes the transient nature of our earthly existence. We are not meant to settle here as if this is our final destination.
C. Peter addresses his exhortation as people passing through because we are in this world only passing through. Our lives on earth are a journey, a temporary sojourn on our way to our eternal home with God.
D. This is how Christians are to view ourselves in this world. Our perspective should be that of travelers, not permanent residents. This understanding shapes how we live, what we prioritize, and where we place our ultimate hope.
I. Pilgrims.
A. The Scriptures describe believers of all ages as strangers - sojourners - pilgrims. From Abraham (Hebrews 11:9-10) to the early Christians, the faithful have always understood their earthly existence as a temporary dwelling.
B. Christians are not of this world (John 17:16). Just as Jesus was not of this world, neither are His followers. Therefore, they abstain from the passions of the flesh (1 Peter 2:11; Galatians 5:19-21) which are rooted in and cater to the desires of this earthly realm (1 John 2:15-17).
C. Rather, the Christian awaits the city whose builder is God (Hebrews 11:16). Just as Abraham lived by faith as a stranger (Hebrews 11:9-10), looking forward to that eternal city designed and built by God Himself (Hebrews 11:10), so do all those of faith (Hebrews 11:13). Our true hope is not in earthly kingdoms but in the heavenly one.
D. As Christians, we are to seek this heavenly homeland (Philippians 3:20). Our citizenship is in heaven, and from there we eagerly await our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Because we have no permanent city here (Hebrews 13:14), we look forward to the city that is to come. And this homeland is eternal (2 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Peter 1:4), an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us.
E. Christians are not to be anxious about earthly things (Matthew 6:25). Our focus should not be on accumulating earthly possessions or worrying about our temporal needs. But to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. We are to seek the things that are above (Colossians 3:1-2), setting our minds on heavenly things, not on earthly things. Christians must keep their feet on the ground and their heads in heaven, living practically in this world while maintaining an eternal perspective.
F. We must abstain from the desires of the flesh (1 Peter 2:11). As pilgrims, we must resist the temptations and sinful desires that war against our souls and distract us from our heavenly journey. Conducting ourselves in the fear of God throughout the time of our pilgrimage (1 Peter 1:17), we live with a reverent awareness of God's presence and judgment. And shining as luminaries in this world (Philippians 2:15), we are called to be the light of this world (Matthew 5:14), reflecting God's glory in our words and deeds.
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CONCLUSION:
A. The Bible teaches that Christians in this world are like strangers and pilgrims. This is not our permanent home; we are on a journey to a better, eternal country.
B. Christians must abstain from the passions of the flesh. These earthly desires can ensnare us and hinder our progress on our pilgrimage.
C. Seek the heavenly, eternal homeland whose builder is God. Our ultimate focus and hope should be in the eternal realities of God's kingdom, the city He has prepared for those who love Him.
May we live as true pilgrims, keeping our eyes fixed on our heavenly destination, abstaining from worldly lusts, and shining as lights in this passing world, until we reach our eternal home with our Father in heaven. Amen.
