The Pilgrim Journey

 

Heb. 11:13
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

The faithful who have lived and gone before us looked for a better place. This world was not their home, they were only passing through. We live in this present world and seek love and happiness. We are all pilgrims on this journey of life and we who are in Christ, seek to live with the blessing of God as we journey. The destination is the City of God, but often the pilgrim journey is hard, filled with heartache and pain. I think of one of my favorite hymns. 
“I can see far down the mountain, where I wandered weary years, often hindered in my journey, by the ghosts of doubts and fears; broken vows and disappointments, thickly sprinkled all the way, but the Spirit led, unerring, to the land I hold today.” 
Unlike those who died in the faith before the coming of Jesus, we have received the promise. The promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit, guides us on this pilgrim journey. We have the words of Jesus, “Seek the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.” We walk each day knowing that Jesus cares and desires what is best for us. The pilgrim journey is not made alone. He will bless us as we trust and obey. He will carry us through difficult times. Like the songwriter, we also can know the blessing of God as we make this journey.
“ I am drinking at the fountain, where I ever would abide; For I've tasted life's pure river, and my soul is satisfied; There's no thirst for life's pleasures, nor adorning, rich and gay. For I've found a richer treasure, One that fadeth not away.” 
Is not this pilgrim journey the land of Beulah?

Flee Sin

 1 Peter 2:11
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Dear loved ones, we are just passing through this life, we are not of this world. We are different, born again and now a part of the family of God. I admonish and urge you that you stay away from those things that cause your soul to become lean. Flee fleshly desires that grieve the Holy Spirit and will cause you to fall from the grace of God. Show the world that it is possible to live with a good conscience and not sin in word and deed. The world will see that your life is good and holy and will know that God is real. Let your light shine, so that others will see your good works, and see Christ in you.

Pilgrim on Earth

Heb 11:13 ….and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

This world is not my home, I’m only pass through, an old gospel song based on this scripture verse. We live not for this world, but for the world to come. How easy it is to get trapped by the things of this world. The things we buy that make this life more comfortable and pleasurable. We all like our creature comforts and find a measure of contentment in the things this world has to offer. But the things of this world will burn with the elements of earth. When life comes to an end at the time appointed, we will leave the things of this world behind us. All that will be left is our faith, and that which when did in the Name of Jesus. Things of eternal value, that will last for eternity. We are but pilgrims, just traveling through this world. Our journey, our destination is for another world. A city prepared for us by God. Let us hold loosely to the material things of this world. Let us set our eyes on the city above.

The New Heaven and a New Earth

2 Peter 3:9-18

The scripture is clear about the destruction of this world. As it was in the day of Noah, where God destroyed the earth with water, He now will bring all things to an end with fire. This world is not our home we are only passing through. We seek not for a city here on earth, but a city to come where He rules and reigns. Knowing this, we ought to live soberly, righteously, and look diligently for His soon return. The question we should be asking is, are we ready for that day?

God is not Slack

• Negligent or remiss concerning the promises he gives
• Man’s promises are weak and feeble and lack certainty
• God is patient with His creation
• God’s desire is that all men come to know Him
• Concerning the judgment of the earth- Destroyed
Seeing-By Faith
• The earth will be destroyed
• We our pilgrim, only passing through
• Life is like a vapor- here and gone in a moment
• We need to live holy and godly, else we become consumed
• Life after this world passes away- After we pass away from this world
Don’t be Slack
• Be on guard, be alert and diligent
• How will God find you- Peace of God? Without sin, clear conscience toward man and God
Paul also Speaks of these things
• Confirming the truth
• Difficult, but not impossible to understand
• Become students of the Word- Study to show…
Steadfast is the Lord
• Beware of those who will lead you to believe different
• Remain firm in the doctrine that was taught by Paul and those who learned at Jesus feet
• Continue to grow and become more like Him
• Resolve that you will live closer to God, even more so as you see the day approaching.

As Strangers and Pilgrims

1 Peter 2:11-25

Review: Hope is made alive by the resurrection of Christ. He calls on us to wait with patience and accepting the trails we face as a test of our faith in that hope. It is in the trails that God can help us to grow and add to our faith. Please be patient, God is still working on me and no doubt, He is still working on you.

Temporary Dwelling
• We our only sojourners
• The balance- So heavenly minded, not earthly good
• Set you affections and treasures above
Temptation of the Flesh
• The pull of the world- the devil will work on our weak
• We must be masters over our natural fleshly desires
Testimony to the World
• The world is watching to see how you live
• We ought to please God 1st regardless of what the world thinks
• We are judge by God’s standard, not the world
Total Submission to God and Man
• Obeying the rules of man- Keeping the law
• We ought to obey God…. Make sure it is God, not you
• Honor those who are in authority- Your duty
• Subject yourself to the good boss and bad boss
Thankworthy in God’s sight
• Your actions will be honored by God
• Suffer for the Cause of God and not your mistakes
Taking up the Cross
• Jesus was persecuted for doing good.
• Follow His example- We should follow His footsteps
• Jesus did not retaliate when spoken against
• O’ To Be Like Jesus…
The Tree of Life
• His death on the tree brought forth life to all
• As pilgrims we must also take up the cross and follow
• True life and happiness comes only when we yield to God our all and see this world as a temporary dwelling place