Introduction
Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ.
In this sermon, I am inviting you to reflect on what it means to live as pilgrims in this world. The Bible often describes believers as strangers, exiles, and pilgrims on earth. This imagery reminds us that our true home is not here, but in heaven.
We are called to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that we are temporary residents on our way to an eternal homeland as we journey through this life.
Main Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12
"Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." — 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV)
1. Understanding Our Identity as Pilgrims
Apostle Peter addresses believers as "foreigners and exiles," highlighting our identity as temporary residents in this world. This identity shapes our perspective and behavior.
As pilgrims, we recognize that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20) and that we are on a journey toward our eternal home.
Illustration: Abraham’s Journey
Consider Abraham, who lived as a sojourner in the land God promised to his descendants. Hebrews 11:9-10 (NIV) says, "By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."
Abraham’s life exemplifies the pilgrim mindset. He lived by faith and looking forward to God’s eternal promise.
Application:
- Embrace Your Identity: Acknowledge and embrace your identity as a pilgrim. Let this perspective shape your values, priorities, and decisions.
- Focus on the Eternal: Keep your eyes fixed on the eternal promises of God. Live with the hope and anticipation of your heavenly home.
2. Abstaining from Sinful Desires
Peter urges believers to "abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul."
Pilgrims, that is who we are, are called to live holy lives, set apart from the sinful patterns of this world. It involves a conscious effort to resist temptations and pursue righteousness.
Scripture: Romans 12:2
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." — Romans 12:2 (NIV).
This verse reinforces the call to resist conformity to the world and to seek transformation through the renewal of our minds.
Illustration: The Boat in the Water
Imagine a boat in the water. The boat is meant to be in the water, but water should not be in the boat.
Similarly, we are meant to be in the world, but the world’s sinful influences should not infiltrate our lives.
Our mission is to remain spiritually distinct while positively impacting those around us.
Application:
- Resist Temptation: Make a conscious effort to avoid behaviors and attitudes that contradict God’s commands. Seek to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
- Pursue Holiness: Commit to personal and spiritual growth, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your mind and heart.
3. Living Good Lives Among Non-Believers
Peter encourages believers to live such good lives among non-believers that, even if they accuse us of doing wrong, they may see our good deeds and glorify God.
Our conduct as pilgrims should reflect the character of Christ and serve as a testimony to the world.
Scripture: Matthew 5:16
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:16 (NIV).
Jesus calls us to let our light shine through our good works, pointing others to God’s glory.
Illustration: The Ambassador
Think of an ambassador representing their home country in a foreign land. Their conduct, speech, and actions reflect on their homeland and its values.
Because we are ambassadors of Christ, our lives should reflect His love, grace, and truth to those around us.
Application:
- Be a Light: Live in a way that reflects Christ’s love and truth. Let your actions and words serve as a testimony to God’s goodness.
- Engage with the World: Build relationships with non-believers, showing them God’s love through your actions and sharing the hope you have in Christ.
4. Enduring Hardships with Hope
We will face hardships and trials as pilgrims on earth.
However, these challenges are opportunities to demonstrate our faith and hope in Christ. Our response to suffering can serve as a powerful witness to others.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." — 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV).
Paul reminds us that our present sufferings are temporary and that they are preparing us for eternal glory.
Illustration: The Refining of Silver
Consider the process of refining silver. The silver is heated until it melts, allowing impurities to rise to the surface and be removed.
This refining process makes the silver purer and more valuable.
Similarly, hardships refine our faith and character, making us more like Christ.
Application:
- Persevere in Trials: Trust that God is using your trials to refine your faith and character.
Maintain hope and perseverance, knowing that your suffering is temporary and purposeful.
- Encourage Others: Support and encourage fellow believers who are enduring hardships. Share the hope and comfort you have received from God.
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, as pilgrims in this world, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, abstain from sinful desires, reflect Christ’s love to others, and endure hardships with hope.
Our journey on this earth is temporary, but our destination is eternal. Let us live in a way that honors God and points others to Him.
May we embrace our identity as pilgrims, live holy lives, shine as lights in the world, and endure trials with steadfast hope. As we do, we will glorify God and draw others to the eternal hope we have in Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are pilgrims in this world. Help us to live with an eternal perspective, abstaining from sin and reflecting Your love to others. Strengthen us to endure hardships with hope and to shine as lights in this world. May our lives glorify You and draw others to Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
