Strangers and PilgrimsStrangers and Pilgrims

Hebrews 11:13Hebrews 11:13

PilgrimPilgrimDefined and IllustratedDefined and Illustrated

• One who journeys in alien lands One who journeys in alien lands (Webster’s). (Webster’s).

• Sojourning in a strange place, away from Sojourning in a strange place, away from one’s own people (Vine’s). one’s own people (Vine’s).

• Abraham was a pilgrim: Gen. 12:1; Abraham was a pilgrim: Gen. 12:1; Heb. 11:8-10Heb. 11:8-10

• Pilgrimage: a temporary abode…dwelling, Pilgrimage: a temporary abode…dwelling, pilgrimage, where sojourn, be a stranger” pilgrimage, where sojourn, be a stranger” (Strong’s). (Strong’s).

Christian PilgrimageChristian Pilgrimage

• 1 Pet. 2:11: As sojourners and pilgrims1 Pet. 2:11: As sojourners and pilgrims– We are strangers on the earth, not citizens of We are strangers on the earth, not citizens of

the world.the world.– ““This world is not my home, I’m Just a passing This world is not my home, I’m Just a passing

through.”through.”– We use whatever we are given in this life to We use whatever we are given in this life to

get by (i.e. safe passage), but we do not live get by (i.e. safe passage), but we do not live as though we belong here.as though we belong here.

Christian PilgrimageChristian Pilgrimage

• James 4:13-15: This life is temporary.James 4:13-15: This life is temporary.– The body is a tent-a temporary dwelling.The body is a tent-a temporary dwelling.– 2 Cor. 5:1: We dwell in this tent now, but are 2 Cor. 5:1: We dwell in this tent now, but are

looking for our permanent home with God.looking for our permanent home with God.– Ps. 90:10: If we make this life our home (focus Ps. 90:10: If we make this life our home (focus

all of our energy on this life only) we set all of our energy on this life only) we set ourselves up to lose. ourselves up to lose.

Christian PilgrimageChristian Pilgrimage

• Phil. 1:21-23: Thinking like a pilgrim.Phil. 1:21-23: Thinking like a pilgrim.– To live is Christ—to imitate and to serve.To live is Christ—to imitate and to serve.– To die is gain—only then will we receive glory.To die is gain—only then will we receive glory.– Vs. 23: The pilgrim is hard-pressed between Vs. 23: The pilgrim is hard-pressed between

the two, knowing that it is far better to depart the two, knowing that it is far better to depart and to be with Christ. and to be with Christ.

– ““Depart” is to pack up and move on—Depart” is to pack up and move on—head home. head home.

– Pilgrims do not focus on the tent, but on the Pilgrims do not focus on the tent, but on the hope of a permanent abode. hope of a permanent abode.

The Life of a PilgrimThe Life of a Pilgrim

• Phil. 3:20-21: Live for our true home. Phil. 3:20-21: Live for our true home. – We respect the laws of this foreign land.We respect the laws of this foreign land.– But we conduct ourselves according to the But we conduct ourselves according to the

laws of our homeland. laws of our homeland. – James 3:13, 17: Use wisdom “from above.”James 3:13, 17: Use wisdom “from above.”– 1 Pet. 1:17-19: Conduct ourselves in fear.1 Pet. 1:17-19: Conduct ourselves in fear.

• Col. 3:1-4: Focus on the end of the journeyCol. 3:1-4: Focus on the end of the journey– Heb. 11:13-16: Lay hold the promises, not Heb. 11:13-16: Lay hold the promises, not

physical pleasures. physical pleasures.

The Life of a PilgrimThe Life of a Pilgrim

• When we desire something better, we When we desire something better, we willingly go without while we wait.willingly go without while we wait.

• Heb. 12:2: Christ bore the cross for the joy Heb. 12:2: Christ bore the cross for the joy that was set before Him. that was set before Him.

• Luke 9:23-26: Likewise, if we dire the joy of Luke 9:23-26: Likewise, if we dire the joy of our heavenly home, we must be willing to our heavenly home, we must be willing to deny ourselves and take up our cross.deny ourselves and take up our cross.

““But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their

God, for He has prepared a city for them.”God, for He has prepared a city for them.”Hebrews 11:16Hebrews 11:16

ConclusionConclusion

• Pilgrims are those who are waiting for a Pilgrims are those who are waiting for a better home. better home.

• Are you a pilgrim, or have you made this Are you a pilgrim, or have you made this life your home? life your home?

• If we want heaven to be our home, we If we want heaven to be our home, we must learn to see this life in the proper must learn to see this life in the proper perspective. perspective.

• ““This world is not my home, I’m just a This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.” passing through.”